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  3. SHSAT Tutoring

SHSAT Tutoring

Personalized Online Prep for NYC’s Specialized High School Admissions Test

Getting into one of New York City’s specialized high schools isn’t easy - but with the right support, your child can absolutely get there. At Tutorition, we offer personalized SHSAT tutoring that’s designed around how your child learns best. Our experienced tutors help students build the skills, strategies, and confidence they need to succeed.

Whether your child is aiming for Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, or any other top school, our one-on-one sessions are focused on real results. We go beyond just covering the material, we teach smart test strategies, time management, and provide detailed feedback to help your child do their very best on test day.

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What is the SHSAT?

The SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test) is the exam students take to get into some of New York City’s most competitive public high schools, including Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech. These schools are known for their challenging academics and outstanding opportunities—and doing well on the SHSAT is the first step to getting in.

Taken in 8th or 9th grade, the SHSAT tests students in Math and English Language Arts through multiple-choice questions. It’s a tough and highly competitive exam, which makes a strong score essential for standing out.

Since admissions to these schools rely almost entirely on SHSAT results, solid preparation is key. Scoring well isn’t just about passing a test, it’s about opening the door to some of the best public education opportunities New York City has to offer.

Boost Your Child’s SHSAT Score with Expert Tutoring Support.

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Why Choose SHSAT Test Prep with Tutorition?

  • Made Just for Your Child

    Each child has their own way of learning. That’s why we create a study plan that fits your child’s learning style, pace, and goals - whether they need help with math, reading, or test tips.

  • Supportive, Expert Tutors

    Our tutors know the SHSAT well and truly care about helping your child succeed. They’re patient, encouraging, and always ready to explain things clearly.

  • Smart Strategies That Work

    We don’t just give practice problems, we teach your child how to manage time, handle tricky questions, and avoid common mistakes on test day.

  • Prep Smarter, Not Harder

    Our sessions are focused and effective. Your child learns what really matters without spending hours on things they don’t need.

  • We Care About Their Success

    A great SHSAT score can open big doors. We’re here to guide and cheer your child on every step of the way—because when they do well, we’re proud too.

Our Personalized Approach to SHSAT Success

  • Customized
    Study Plans

    Every student is different, so we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all prep. Our SHSAT tutors create personalized study plans that focus on your child’s strengths and help improve the areas they need most.

  • Regular Progress
    Updates

    You’ll never be left guessing how your child is doing. We schedule progress check-ins every six weeks, where tutors and parents connect one-on-one to discuss improvements and fine-tune the plan as needed.

  • Proven Test
    Strategies

    After years of helping students, we know which test strategies actually work. From managing time to breaking down tough questions, our tutors give students the tools they need to feel confident and score higher.

  • Fun & Engaging
    Learning

    Online test prep doesn’t have to be dull. Our tutors keep things interactive using games, tools, and creative exercises that help students learn better—and enjoy it along the way.

  • Parents Are Part of
    the Process

    We believe students do best when parents are involved. That’s why we keep you informed and engaged throughout the entire SHSAT prep journey with regular updates and open communication.

  • Everything Your Child Needs to Succeed

    We offer more than just tutoring. Our tutor provides helpful book recommendations to practice tests and self-study resources, your child gets everything they need to stay prepared and on track.

What’s Included in the SHSAT Exam?

The SHSAT is a 3-hour test divided into two sections - English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. Each section includes 57 questions designed to challenge students and test the skills they’ve developed in school.

English Language Arts (57 Questions) The ELA section has two parts: Revising/Editing and Reading Comprehension.

Revising/Editing
  • Questions: 9–19
  • Skills Tested: Spotting grammar and language mistakes, improving sentence structure, and making writing clearer and more effective
  • Format:
    • Part A: Each question is based on a separate sentence or short paragraph.
    • Part B: All questions are based on one longer text with multiple paragraphs.
Reading Comprehension
  • Questions: 38–48
  • Skills Tested: Understanding, analyzing, and interpreting different types of texts
  • Format:
    • 5 to 6 reading passages, both fiction and nonfiction
    • Each passage is followed by 6–10 questions to test how well students grasp the material
Mathematics (57 Questions)

The Math section includes a mix of word problems and straightforward math questions. Students will see both multiple-choice and grid-in questions.

  • Questions: 52 multiple-choice + 5 grid-in
  • Skills Tested: Problem-solving, computation, and applying math concepts from school
  • Content Based On:
    • For 8th-grade testers: Math up to the end of 7th grade
    • For 9th-grade testers: Math up to the end of 8th grade

How is the SHSAT Scored?

The SHSAT scoring process includes three main types of scores: Raw Score, Scaled Score, and Composite Score. Each section—ELA and Math—is scored separately at first, and then combined at the end to give your child a final score.

1. Raw Score

This is the number of questions your child answers correctly in each section.

  • Each correct answer equals one point.
  • All questions are weighted the same, so a tough question counts just as much as an easy one.
  • Since there’s no negative marking, students should attempt all the questions.

Tip: Don't spend too long on one hard question, it’s better to answer more!

2. Scaled Score

Since different students take slightly different versions of the test (called "test forms"), raw scores are converted into scaled scores to keep things fair. This process adjusts scores based on how difficult a test version is.

This involves two steps:

  • Calibration: Adjusts for small differences between test versions.
  • Normalization: Adjusts scores to fit a balanced curve (like a bell curve).

This means::

  • One raw point in the middle range might equal 3–4 scaled points.
  • One raw point near the top or bottom of the range might jump by 10–20 scaled points.
  • So, extra time is best spent on your stronger section, where it can impact your score more.
3. Composite Score

This is your child’s final SHSAT score, calculated by adding the ELA and Math scaled scores together.

  • This total score is what determines admission to specialized high schools.
  • There's no fixed minimum or maximum score.
  • Typically, the highest score per section is around 350, and the highest total (composite) is around 700, but it can vary each year.
Scores Change Year to Year

The SHSAT scoring is updated each year based on that year's test. This means scores are only compared among students who took the test that same year. You can’t compare SHSAT scores across different years, and there’s no guaranteed “cutoff” or standard max score.

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