If your student yearns to attend a specialized high school in New York City, consider reaching out to Varsity Tutors to ask about our SHSAT prep services. The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a standardized exam eighth and ninth grade students take to be considered for enrollment in specialized high schools. Do you think your student can use some assistance from an SHSAT preparation option? Then contact us to learn more about our SHSAT test prep services.
In order to take the SHSAT exam, a student has to be in eighth or ninth grade and be a New York City resident. Pupils can take it in October or November, and even at the end of summer break, if they're new to New York City. The test contains two sections: English Language Arts and Mathematics. Students have 180 minutes to complete it. Each section has 57 questions, though only 47 questions per section receive a score. Ten of those questions are field test questions. Because your student won't know which questions get scores and which ones are field questions, it's imperative for them to treat all the questions alike. Below are the SHSAT sections in detail:
SHSAT Sections
- Revising/Editing
- Recognize and correct language errors and improve overall quality of writing
- Questions about sentences and written passages
- Reading Comprehension
- Understanding, analyzing, and interpreting texts
- 6-10 Questions per reading passage
- Math
- Word problems and computational questions
- Grade 8 test forms come from material in the New York City curriculum through Grade 7
- Grade 9 test forms are based on material through Grade 8
Our SHSAT tutoring services grant your student one-on-one attention, which eliminates distractions from other pupils. Each session is guided by expert SHSAT tutors who know the necessary academic concepts like the back of their hands.
In an SHSAT prep program, your student can learn how to build effective study skills they would need upon entering high school and beyond. Does your student have difficulty taking good notes? An SHSAT course tutor can assist them by providing an outline for them to neatly fill in important facts. Our SHSAT classes even accommodate students who are prodigies. Is your student entering high school at a very young age? These SHSAT class instructors can cater to their gifted minds by exposing them to higher-level texts and math problems. An SHSAT test preparation program also allows your student to work on a subject that's troubling them. An SHSAT prep tutor can help them try to understand math or reading comprehension by breaking lessons down into smaller pieces and explaining things slowly.
Before test day begins, you should ensure that your student brings the necessary tools for the exam. Here's a list of them below:
What To Bring To The SHSAT
- SHSAT Test Ticket signed by parent/guardian with student's Specialized High School choices
- Sharpened Number 2 pencils
- An eraser
- Assistive Technology (if indicated on the IEP and Test Ticket)
SHSAT courses can help your student make sure they have what they need before the exam. An SHSAT test prep tutor can suggest that your student makes a list of things they need, then check them off as they put each item into their backpack before they leave home.
All of our SHSAT test prep programs possess a flexible schedule, so your student can meet up with a tutor at a time that works for them. They also take place in online environments, making it simple for pupils to engage in lessons at anywhere with a stable internet connection. Do you want more information about our SHSAT prep services? Then call or email a Varsity Tutors educational consultant, and they can help you sign up your student for an SHSAT test prep program.

Joshua: SHSAT test prep instructor
...my two years of experience, I have had the opportunity to network with college admissions counselors across the country, and I gladly connect my students to any college admissions departments I am familiar with. Although my tutoring specialty is test prep -- SAT, ACT, PSAT, SHSAT, and GRE -- I particularly love tutoring writing, and creative writing is a hobby of mine. My philosophy is that even when we are preparing for a standardized exam,...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, French and Francophone Studies
- University of Pennsylvania - Master of Science, Social Policy
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT Subject Test in French
- Summer
- CAHSEE ELA
- +92 subjects

Thomas: SHSAT test prep instructor
...and creations made by mankind, and thus they reflect man's imperfect nature. The ability to analyze these concepts and creations with a mind for the why, the how, and the strengths and the weaknesses is invaluable. Analytical and critical thinking is something I will push for in all subjects that I tutor, including mathematics, as it is equally - if not more important there. I'm not always such a nerd though. I love action movies...
Education & Certification
- Hamilton College - Bachelor in Arts, Government
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- IB Philosophy HL
- Test Prep
- AP United States History
- +17 subjects

Sarah: SHSAT test prep instructor
...with three other women in 2013. Since then, most of my non-tutoring hours are spent performing, rehearsing, directing, and producing for the company. We were shortlisted for the Scottish Daily Mail Drama Award in 2014 and will be taking our newest work, The ME, to the Edinburgh Festival this summer. I also work at Time In Children's Arts Initiative, a program that teaches opera appreciation and fine art to Pre-K through Fourth Grade public school...
Education & Certification
- Harvard University - Bachelors, Classics
- Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, University of London - Masters, Advanced Theatre Practice
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- ACT English
- Latin 2
- ACT
- +56 subjects

Nathan: SHSAT test prep instructor
Hi! My name is Nathan and I'm currently a junior at New York University's Stern School of Business. I graduated from Staten Island Technical High School in 2016 and I am always looking to help and share my specialization in SHSAT, SAT, and Math!
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor in Business Administration, Finance
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- Greek
- Elementary School Reading
- Trigonometry
- +36 subjects

Jamie: SHSAT test prep instructor
...Economics, Statistics, and Psychology. I concentrated in American and ancient history, especially the rise and fall of great powers throughout world history. I also like to say I am a number person, and love using statistics to look at a situation differently or explain everyday life. Here at Varsity I tutor all levels of Algebra, History, and Social Studies as well as SAT, ACT, SSAT and other standardized tests. In my spare time (when not...
Education & Certification
- Princeton University - Bachelors, History
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- TACHS
- SAT Subject Test in World History
- World History
- +39 subjects

Damian: SHSAT test prep instructor
If you choose me to be your tutor then you will definitely ace your test. I'm a great math tutor because I understand the material thoroughly, am patient, and know how to explain things. I attended Stuyvesant High School and the University of Chicago; I am currently studying Data Science with Johns Hopkins.... If you don't get it then I'm explaining it wrong.... Before the first session, I'd have them do a bunch of practice problems on the subject they want to be tutored in, and I'd look over their answers to see what they need help with. I'd also ask them which problems they guessed on or weren't totally sure of. We could start from there.
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Current Undergrad, None
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- 11th Grade Math
- AP Calculus BC
- Statistics
- +63 subjects

Muktasid: SHSAT test prep instructor
...at St. John's University working on my Doctorate in Pharmacy. I specialize in test prep such as SAT, ACT, SHSAT, etc. but am more than capable of teaching a variety of subjects. I have been tutoring students since middle school and have found that "practice makes perfect" is the most effective philosophy when it comes to learning. I love being able to help people, and the satisfaction of helping students excel in their studies provides...
Education & Certification
- St. John's University - PHD, Pharmacy
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- ACT
- Elementary Math
- Trigonometry
- +36 subjects

Ed: SHSAT test prep instructor
...have a personal investment in that student and will go to great lengths to assure that they will succeed in the endeavour that we have committed to achieving. Some people aren't good at tests. Well, I'm REALLY GOOD at taking tests! I'm a natural test taker. Being a stereotypical Asian American since my youth I have been put into a crucible of exam preparation. I always do well on standardized exams. Since I have done...
Education & Certification
- University at Buffalo - Bachelors, English
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- AP English Language and Composition
- Physical Science
- Reading
- +105 subjects

Farah : SHSAT test prep instructor
...year, I tutored underprivileged incoming first years by hosting weekly sessions as well as aided them with lab work. Through these programs, I have developed various techniques and tools that effectively allows students from all kinds of backgrounds to master course material. I created my own worksheets, fun activities and games that encourage students to think outside the box instead of simply relying on memory. In addition, as an aspiring writer and coverage intern for...
Education & Certification
- Barnard College of Columbia University - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- Essay Editing
- SAT Reading
- Science
- +36 subjects

Philipp: SHSAT test prep instructor
...students in math, German, SHSAT, and SAT. I believe that I have good communication and pedagogical skills, and a firm understanding of the subject matter. Having come from Germany at the age of eleven, I know the frustration that can come with feeling overwhelmed by coursework. I performed well on standardized exams like the SHSAT and the SAT and can teach test-taking skills that will ultimately lead students to institutions like Stuyvesant H.S. and Columbia.
Education & Certification
- Columbia College - Current Undergrad, East Asian Studies
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- High School English
- Math
- Conversational German
- +28 subjects

Diptesh: SHSAT test prep instructor
...high school and have been teaching, tutoring, and mentoring students from grades 6-12 and college in a variety of subjects since! I specialize in mathematics and science tutoring as well as standardized exam preparation. In the past, I have helped students achieve significant improvements and success on the SAT, SHSAT, Regents and other exams! I truly believe education is a mutual learning and teaching opportunity and enjoy helping my students achieve a thorough understanding (those...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Global Public Health & Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- High School Chemistry
- Test Prep
- Social Studies
- +88 subjects

Karan: SHSAT test prep instructor
...graduate from Stuyvesant High School (a specialized high school in downtown Manhattan). I have much experience tutoring kids from ages 6 to 18 through the company Allen Mentoring in subjects such as physics, math, english, and history. I have scored a 34 on my ACT exam (out of 36). If you haven't found anyone already, I would be happy to be of assistance. Please let me know. I would be happy to answer any questions...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Current Undergrad, Applied Economics and Management
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- Geography
- Reading
- Pre-Algebra
- +60 subjects

Bing: SHSAT test prep instructor
...focus on what a student is looking to achieve. In an individualized setting establishing goals with students and then engaging students intellectual curiosity on subject matter to reach these goals. I believe in breaking down the subject into concepts and creating a base of understanding to build upon in grasping the concepts. I have extensive experience with test-prep and how to break-down a standardized test into lesson plans to make target scores attainable.
Education & Certification
- SUNY at Binghamton - Bachelors, Accounting
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT Mathematics
- SAT Writing and Language
- Trigonometry
- +23 subjects

Yikai: SHSAT test prep instructor
I currently study computer science at New York University with scholarship. I have tutored students of varying ages on various subjects and I have found that self-studying leaves gaps in one's knowledge. I enjoy challenging myself to explain difficult concepts as simple as possible to help students succeed. My favorite subjects are math and science and my hobbies include chess, running, and swimming.
Education & Certification
- New York University - Current Undergrad Student, Computer Science
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- Geometry
- Test Prep
- High School Computer Science
- +29 subjects

Emmelina: SHSAT test prep instructor
...University of Chicago, and now Columbia University), I always try to be a personable and positive figure with my tutees, because I understand what it's like at that age to have so much stress put upon you to improve your scores by X amount of points, and I want them to feel like a tutoring session is a relaxing but productive space where they shouldn't be afraid to ask questions and tell me what keeps...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelor in Arts, Environmental Science
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- High School English
- MAP
- SAT Subject Tests
- +51 subjects

Hope: SHSAT test prep instructor
For 7 years, I have been nurturing and unlocking students' academic potential. Tutoring is an art; like any effective coach, I encourage, challenge, inspire, and teach my tutees. But which type of support, and when? The wisdom to balance these ingredients comes only from years of experience. Come see for yourself and book a session today. ... Compassionate coaching and student empowerment, with an eye towards conceptual understanding and long term academic success.... Identify the student's resources, learning style, and areas that need support. Then establish rapport and set goals.
Education & Certification
- Amherst College - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- Trigonometry
- ISEE-Lower Level Verbal Reasoning
- Math
- +77 subjects

Adnan: SHSAT test prep instructor
...only acing exams but for understanding exactly how to work with students of all backgrounds and temperaments. My teaching style involves Socratic Questioning and is highly interdisciplinary. It is never a one-way stream of information. I will be asking you a lot of questions along the way. The two most lessons that I teach to my students: 1. tolerance of uncertainty; and 2. confidence in your own self-efficacy. Everyone can attain mastery. I never doubt....
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- GMAT Integrated Reasoning
- Biochemistry
- World History
- +136 subjects

Jeff: SHSAT test prep instructor
...the Double Discovery Center and in various high schools throughout the city. I was also involved in helping students study for standardized tests at the same time. From these experiences, I have worked with many different kinds of students with a diversity of backgrounds and learning abilities. I consider education to be the great equalizer, something that rewards hard work and gives everyone the opportunity to succeed and achieve their dreams. Many of my students...
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Undergrad, Neuroscience/Philosophy
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- Test Prep
- SAT Reading
- ACT Writing
- +37 subjects

Kenneth: SHSAT test prep instructor
My bachelor's degree in math comes from Fairmont State University. I have over four years of experience in NYC public schools, and I'm embarrassed by the lack of effort put forth to instill the importance of a Mathematical mind. I feel like my love and enthusiasm for Math makes me an excellent tutor.
Education & Certification
- Fairmont State University - Bachelors, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- Elementary School Math
- 10th Grade Math
- Middle School Math
- +27 subjects

Caroline: SHSAT test prep instructor
...and worked as an au pair for five months. I used this opportunity to travel around Europe and learn German. Although I studied Spanish throughout high school and college and am fluent in the language, I love learning about new cultures and languages and am excited to continue to grow in my linguistic abilities. I think that a good teacher can make all of the difference in a student's life. As a child, I believed...
Education & Certification
- Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus - Bachelors, Global Economics and Modern Language (Spanish)
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- Macroeconomics
- Pre-Algebra
- Spanish 1
- +42 subjects