NYC Guide to the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) for 2026 Admissions - Admissions Test Preparation

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel

Comprehensive guidance for families preparing for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) for 2026 admissions, outlining how to review test design, use the NYC SHSAT Portal, and practice with digital sample tests. Covers planning practice schedules, reviewing answer explanations, managing timing with standard and extended-time accommodations, and choosing an order for ELA and Math sections. Emphasizes understanding section directions, item types, and available translated guidance to reduce test-day uncertainty.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages29

Reading Time1 h 13 min

AccessFree to download

1.0 Prepare to take the SHSAT

1.1 Know What to Expect

1.2 Take the Practice Tests

1.3 Check Your Answers from the Sample Test

How to Prepare for the English Language Arts Section

How to Prepare for the Math Section

2.0 Get Ready for Test Day

2.1 What to Bring to Your Testing Session

2.2 What NOT to Bring

2.3 Test Day Expectations

2.4 Beginning of Test

2.5 Student Misconduct

3.0 What Happens After I Take the SHSAT?

3.1 Claims of Testing Irregularities

NYC Guide to the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) for 2026 Admissions The information in this guide is accurate at the time of publication but may be subject to change. Check for the most up-to-date information at [schools.nyc.gov/SHS](schools.nyc.gov/SHS), [schools.nyc.gov/High](schools.nyc.gov/High), [and MySchools.nyc](and MySchools.nyc). It is the policy of the New York City Department of Education to provide equal educational opportunities without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, age, creed, ethnicity, national origin, alienage, citizenship status, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including actual or perceived gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy/conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), or weight and to maintain an environment free of harassment on the basis of any of the above protected classiﬁcations, including sexual harassment and retaliation. No school may deny admission, registration, or enrollment to a student based on the student’s proﬁciency or perceived proﬁciency in English. Inquiries regarding compliance with this policy may be directed to: Director, Oﬃce of Equal Opportunity, 65 Court Street, Brooklyn, New York 11201. Telephone 718-935-3320 / Toll-free: 877-332-4845. Contents 1.0 Prepare to take the SHSAT ........................................................................................................ 3 1.1 Know What to Expect........................................................................................................................... 3 1.2 Take the Practice Tests ....................................................................................................................... 3 1.3 Check Your Answers from the Sample Test................................................................................ 4 How to Prepare for the English Language Arts Section..........................................................................6 How to Prepare for the Math Section ......................................................................................................... 18 2.0 Get Ready for Test Day ...............................................................................................................26 2.1 What to Bring to Your Testing Session .......................................................................................26 2.2 What NOT to Bring..............................................................................................................................26 2.3 Test Day Expectations .......................................................................................................................27 2.4 Beginning of Test.................................................................................................................................27 2.5 Student Misconduct ...........................................................................................................................28 3.0 What Happens After I Take the SHSAT? ......................................................................29 3.1 Claims of Testing Irregularities ......................................................................................................29 1.0 Prepare to take the SHSAT Families should review this section together so that students are well prepared for the test. 1.1 Know What to Expect Become very familiar with the design of the test by reviewing the following on the NYC SHSAT Portal: ■ description of the test on the SHSAT website ■ the two full-length sample tests ■ each sample test’s answer key and explanations ■ specific sample Grade 9 questions (if you plan to take the test as a 9th grader) Become familiar with the NYC SHSAT Portal ( [https://nycshsat.myassessmentsupport.com](https://nycshsat.myassessmentsupport.com)). ■ You will access the Student Readiness Tool (SRT) here to become familiar with the different types of items

FAQs

What should students and families review before taking the SHSAT?

They should become familiar with the test design by reviewing information on the NYC SHSAT Portal, including the sample tests, answer keys and explanations, and specific sample Grade 9 questions if taking in 9th grade.

How can students use the practice tests, and will answers be saved?

Students can use the two full-length sample tests on the NYC SHSAT Portal and are encouraged to practice under timed conditions. They do not need to log in or download an app, and answers are not saved; a summary of correct and incorrect responses is provided.

How is the test time structured for standard and extended-time accommodations?

The practice or test time is 180 minutes for completing the test. Eligible English Language Learners or students with extended time accommodations have 360 minutes to complete the test.

Sep 15, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel