NYC SHSAT PrepSHSAT prep built for the new computer-adaptive test.
Starting with the fall 2026 exam, the SHSAT adapts to every answer. Our classes prepare students for exactly that, with monthly computer-adaptive diagnostics, practice on every digital question type, and the curriculum behind 5,005+ Specialized High School acceptances.
What is the SHSAT?
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test is the only admissions factor for eight of New York City’s nine Specialized High Schools, including Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech. LaGuardia admits students by audition instead. Students take the test in 8th grade, or in 9th grade for 10th grade entry.
The test covers English Language Arts and Math and is taken entirely on a computer. Starting with the fall 2026 exam, it’s also computer-adaptive: the questions each student sees change based on how they answer.
- 180 minStandard test time
- ELA + MathThe two sections
- FreeNo cost to take it
How the Adaptive Test Works
Every student’s test follows a different path, so knowing the content is only half the job. Students also need to know how the test reacts to them.
Every answer sets the next question’s difficulty
A correct answer leads to a harder question. A missed one leads to an easier question.
No going back
Once an answer is submitted, it’s locked. Students can move around inside a reading passage set, but not after they leave it.
Early questions matter most
Early mistakes steer the test toward easier questions, which can limit how far up the difficulty levels a student gets.
Harder questions count for more
Scoring looks at which questions a student answers correctly and how difficult they are, so reaching the harder questions pays off.
New Digital Question Types
Along with multiple choice, students now answer interactive questions that have to be worked on screen. We practice every type in class.
Drag and Drop
Move words, phrases, or labels into place, like putting sentences in order or labeling a diagram.
Dropdowns
Choose the right word or number from a menu built into a sentence or equation.
Hot Spots
Click the part of a passage, image, or graph that answers the question.
Graphing
Plot points, draw lines, or move shapes on a coordinate grid.
Choose In-Person or Online
Both programs use the same curriculum, the same small class sizes, and the same computer-adaptive practice. Pick the setting that fits your family.
Every program includes
- Grades 7 and 8Start a year ahead or prepare in the final stretch before the test.
- 4 hours of class a weekSmall groups with lots of practice and individual attention.
- Lesson, classwork, and homeworkEvery class day, from our own SHSAT curriculum.
- A monthly adaptive diagnosticA full computer-adaptive practice exam, with a progress check-in with instructors.
Families Who Made It In
Our instructors have helped 5,005+ students earn seats at NYC’s Specialized High Schools. Here’s what a few of those families told us.
Khan’s Tutorial has helped my daughter very much… 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.
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!
I went to Khan’s 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.
Take a FREE Trial Adaptive Exam
See how your child does in a real class before you enroll. Leave your details and we’ll call to answer your questions and set up the trial. The consultation is free too.
- We call youWe learn about your child and answer your questions.
- We find a classA time at a location near you, or online.
- Your child tries two classesFree, with no commitment to enroll.
Questions Parents Ask
What families usually want to know about the SHSAT and our program.
When is the SHSAT?
The SHSAT is given every fall for admission the following September. Students take it on a school-provided computer at their school or an assigned testing site. The exact date, location, and arrival time are on your child’s test ticket.
How long is the SHSAT?
The standard test time is 180 minutes.
How is the new computer-adaptive SHSAT different?
Starting with the fall 2026 exam, the questions change based on how your child answers. A correct answer leads to a harder question and a missed one leads to an easier question, so every student’s test is different. Our classes include a full computer-adaptive diagnostic every month so students get used to the format.
Can students go back and change an answer?
No. Once an answer is submitted, it’s locked. Students can move between questions inside a reading passage set, but not after they leave that set.
Will my child have to write an essay?
No. The test covers English Language Arts and Math only. Along with multiple choice, students answer digital question types like drag and drop, dropdowns, hot spots, and graphing.
Does it cost anything to take the SHSAT?
No. The test is free for New York City residents in 8th and 9th grade.
How do I register my child?
Registration happens through the NYC high school admissions process. Ask your child’s school counselor, or check your MySchools account, for this year’s deadline.
Can my child take the SHSAT more than once?
Yes. Students can take it in 8th grade, and again in 9th grade to apply for 10th grade entry.
Is there an interview?
No. Admission to the eight testing Specialized High Schools is based on the SHSAT alone. LaGuardia High School doesn’t use the SHSAT and admits students by audition instead.
When should my child start preparing?
We recommend starting in 7th grade, about a year before the test. That leaves time to cover every topic and to get comfortable with the adaptive format before test day.
Can we try a class first?
Yes. Your child can attend two trial classes for free, and the consultation is free too.
Ready to Enroll?
Our education experts are ready to help your child get ahead on the SHSAT.
Get in Touch TodayOfficial test information: NYC Public Schools SHSAT page