Built For the New Adaptive Era.
The SHSAT has changed fundamentally. Our curriculum has too with computer-adaptive practice, digital question training, and 30+ years of placement success.
5,005+
Students Accepted
32+
Years of Experience
8
NYC Locations
What is the SHSAT?
The SHSAT exam, or Specialized High Schools Admissions Test, is a pivotal exam for gaining admission to prestigious specialized high schools in New York City. These renowned institutions, such as Stuyvesant High School and Bronx High School of Science, are known for their challenging academic programs. Administered in 8th or 9th grade, the SHSAT exam evaluates students in Math and English language arts through a multiple-choice format. Success on the SHSAT is highly competitive, and a strong performance is crucial for securing a spot in these sought-after schools.
Admission to specialized high schools in New York City hinges significantly on SHSAT scores. This exam serves as a key determinant, identifying students with exceptional academic abilities poised to excel in the demanding academic setting of specialized high schools. As students navigate the admissions process, excelling in the SHSAT becomes a vital step toward achieving their academic goals.
How Computer-Adaptive Testing Works
A Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) personalizes the exam path for every student. Which means preparation must go beyond content knowledge.
Real-time difficulty adjustment
Each question’s difficulty is selected based on the previous answer. A correct response leads to a harder question; an incorrect one leads to an easier question. Every student’s exam path is unique.
No going back
Once a question is answered and submitted, students cannot return to it. Within a reading passage set, movement is allowed, but once that set is exited, it is locked.
Early accuracy matters more
Mistakes early in the exam have an outsized impact because they steer the question path toward easier territory, limiting the ceiling of difficulty a student can access.
Scoring is correct-answer based
NYC DOE confirms scoring is based on the number of correct answers on scored questions. Harder correct answers carry more weight, rewarding students who reach the upper difficulty tiers.
Technology-Enhanced Items (TEIs)
In addition to standard multiple-choice questions, students now encounter interactive digital question types that require hands-on screen interaction.
Drag and Drop
Move words, phrases, or labels to the correct position e.g. ordering sentences or labeling a diagram.
Inline Choice / Dropdowns
Select the correct word or number from an embedded dropdown inside a sentence or equation.
Hot Spot / Highlighting
Click a specific region of text, an image, or a graph to indicate the answer.
Interactive Figures / Graphing
Place points, draw lines, or move shapes on a coordinate grid or interactive figure.
Prep Built for the Adaptive Format
Our SHSAT Tutoring Program covers every topic on the exam while undoubtedly providing the knowledge base to succeed academically past just the exam.
Our curriculum is internally designed to be aligned with the official SHSAT. Including specialized lessons for each topic in the English Language Arts (ELA) and Math subjects.
5,005+ Acceptances: Our program has helped over 5,005+ students gain acceptances into NYC’s Specialized High Schools.
Over 32+ Years of Experience: With over 32 years of teaching, curriculum development, and student success, our experience is unparalleled.
Our Program Options:
In-person SHSAT Prep:
- Available in 8 Locations in NYC
- Small Interactive Classrooms
- Full digital / CAT-format practice
- Workshop Classes Add-On for Advanced Level topics
- 4-hour weekly class sessions
- Grades 7 & 8
Online SHSAT Prep:
- Learn From Anywhere
- Small Interactive Classrooms
- Full digital / CAT-format practice
- Remote Workshop Classes Add-On for Advanced Level topics
- 4-hour weekly class sessions
- Grades 7 & 8
Our Achievements:
Our experienced SHSAT tutors provide personalized training, instruction and guidance, ensuring that every student reaches their full potential. Over our 30 year lifespan, our experienced staff has helped over 4,725 students gain a seat at NYC’s Top High Schools.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Monira Akter
Khan’s Tutorial has helped my daughter very much. To being very affordable and with very nice tutoring, my daughter was able to go to Stuyvesant High School. My daughter says that the work there was similar to the SHSAT’s content. The tutors there encouraged my daughter to keep on going. The staff there was also lovely.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Mst Sultana
As a parent, I would really recommend and appreciate Khan’s Tutorial for their support and guidance to get into Specialized High School especially Stuyvesant High School which was a dream for us to get in to! Thank you so much for your cooperation and commitment to serve for the underserved and underprivileged community!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Tahsin Ahmed
I went to Khans every Sunday and it was a great decision. I’m happy my parents made me go here because without coming here, I would never have the opportunity to go to Stuyvesant. I owe a big thanks to Khans Tutorial.
Our SHSAT Tutoring Program Features:
Weekly
Classwork &
Homework
The Core SHSAT Tutoring Program with rolling admission is offered online & in-person. We’ve curated our curriculum for online and in-person use. Every class day, students receive a lesson, classwork, and homework.
4
Hour Class
During our SHSAT Tuoring Course, students attend classes for a total of 4-hours of group class a week. Our 4-hour classes are small and interactive with intense levels of practice and individualized attention, ensuring that your child is using the summer to solidify their understanding of the material.
Monthly
Diagnostic
Exams
The SHSAT Program includes one signature computer-adaptive diagnostic exam every month. Parents will also be able to speak to instructors in regard to the diagnostic exam and the student’s progress. We track your student’s progress with respect to mastering the material.
Experience Our Free Trial Class!
We’re offering 2 trial classes at no cost.
See firsthand how our expert tutors can make a difference in your child’s SHSAT preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is there going to be an interview process for the SHSAT?
No. There is no interview process for the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT). However, students applying to LaGuardia High School of Music & Arts and Performing Arts will have to audition for their specialty in addition to taking the SHSAT.
Can I Take the SHSAT Multiple Times?
Yes, students are allowed to take the SHSAT Exam multiple times. Once in their 8th Grade and once in 9th Grade if they want to retake the exam for a chance at a different school.
Is There a Fee to Register to Take the SHSAT?
It’s important to note that there is no fee for taking the SHSAT. It is an exam handled by the NYC Department of Education.
How Long Is The SHSAT?
Students have a total of 150 minutes to complete the NYC Specialized High School Admissions Test.
How do I register to take the SHSAT?
To register your child to take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT), you should follow these steps:
Receive notification from the NYCDOE: After the High School Admissions Application is processed, the NYCDOE will notify you and your child’s school of the test date and testing location.
- Fill out the High School Admissions Application: You can obtain the application from your child’s school counselor or online through the NYC Department of Education (NYCDOE) website.
- Indicate your child’s interest in taking the SHSAT: On the High School Admissions Application, indicate that your child would like to take the SHSAT by selecting the appropriate box.
- Submit the High School Admissions Application: Submit the completed High School Admissions Application to your child’s school counselor by the designated deadline. The deadline is usually in early October, but it’s important to check with your child’s school for the specific deadline.
What Is The Best Way To Prepare For The SHSAT?
The best way to prepare for the SHSAT exam is with expert guidance, and that’s where Khan’s Tutorial steps in. Our specialized SHSAT tutoring courses are designed by experts who understand the nuances of the test. We offer comprehensive study materials, practice tests that mirror the actual exam, and personalized tutoring to target your child’s specific needs. With Khan’s Tutorial, you’re not just preparing; you’re setting your child up for success. Let us help turn your child’s specialized high school dreams into reality.
How Much Does The SHSAT Cost?
The SHSAT is free for all students in grades eight or nine who are current New York City residents and wish to enroll in one of the city’s specialized high schools. There are no costs associated with taking the SHSAT, allowing equal access to all eligible students aiming for admission to these competitive schools.
Will I Have To Write An Essay On The SHSAT?
No, you won’t have to write an essay on the SHSAT. The test consists of multiple-choice questions in English Language Arts and Mathematics only, with no essay writing component.
When Is The SHSAT Test?
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is typically given once a year in late October or early November. The exact test date is determined by the NYC Department of Education (NYCDOE) and is usually announced in the summer.
How early should my child start preparing for the SHSAT?
Starting SHSAT prep early can significantly boost your child’s confidence and performance. Khan’s Tutorial, with its proven track record, suggests beginning at least a year in advance. Our specialized SHSAT program offers customized strategies and in-depth practice to navigate the exam’s challenges efficiently. At Khan’s Tutorial, we’re committed to unlocking your child’s full potential for top-tier specialized high school admission. Join us and ensure your child is not just prepared but ahead.
Talk to Us!
Your consultation is always free, and we always provide a free trial week of our SHSAT Prep Course for you to try before you commit.
Ready to sign up for a class?
Our Other Course Options:
In-Person Regents Prep:
SAT Classes:
For the 2024 SHSAT Admissions Handbook, Please click here.