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.

Wahala: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
I am currently pursuing a Bachelors degree at Indiana University Bloomington, majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Psychology and Japanese. I tutor multiple subjects, but I enjoy tutoring Algebra and Japanese the most. I believe that everybody should be able to get the education that they deserve and the attention and help in order for them to achieve that. Outside of academics, I enjoy playing the Guitar, Photography, and playing Badminton.
Education & Certification
- Indiana University-Bloomington - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- ACT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +53 subjects

Rena: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...GPA weighted considering those honors and AP classes. I am currently attending Rutgers University in New Brunswick pursuing my major in Urban Planning and Design and my minor in Psychology and possibly Italian as well. For my future career goals, I plan to live in a city, preferably Philadelphia, and be an urban planner and designer, redeveloping and revitalizing rundown neighborhoods by making them attractive to the public again. I want to leave my mark...
Education & Certification
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Current Undergrad, Urban Planning and Design
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SSAT
- ISEE
- TACHS
- +30 subjects

Philipp: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...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.... Patience is key. On the first few tries it's normal to get a question wrong, or to take a long time. Repetition and endurance will get you to a point where it'll come fast and easy.
Education & Certification
- Columbia College - Current Undergrad, East Asian Studies
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- German 4
- +28 subjects

Lauren: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
I believe that learning is fun, and I enjoy learning new things. I want to find out what my students enjoy, and make school subjects and test preparation fun for them, too.... Making learning fun for students is the most important thing I do.... I would definitely see what their strengths and weaknesses are to focus on in future sessions, and give some tips and strategies to start working on to improve test-taking skills right away.
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelors, History
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Masters, Library and Information Science
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- PSAT
- GED
- CogAT
- +68 subjects

Judah: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...peers academically. I enjoy tutoring any subject as long as I am informed of the topic beforehand. But I most enjoy helping students prepare for and improve their scores on the ACT exam. My most recent students all improved their scores by 5 (composite) points or more! My primary goal is to help each student successfully obtain (and redefine if currently lackluster) their academic goals. At times students need to rediscover their curiosity. I can...
Education & Certification
- University of the People - Bachelor in Arts, Business, General
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- HSPT
- +38 subjects

Brian : Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...love helping out people seeing them have their "aha!" moment makes my day! I know what it's like to be in your shoes. During my first semester at Stuy, I had a really hard time with physics. I was fortunate enough to have a kind upperclassman walk me through concepts like projectile motion and practice questions. He was a huge reason why I ultimately did well in the course. Having a patient and understanding tutor...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- REGENTS
- PSAT
- SAT
- +30 subjects

Amy: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...on a weekly basis in a wide variety of subjects. I graduated from Middlebury College in 2012 with High Honors in Neuroscience, and now plan to attend medical school. I am a diligent worker and consistently ensure that I am prepared to meet the student's needs. I am exceptionally patient and excellent at developing creative ways for learning when I see a student needs a new approach. Further, from years of experience taking standardized tests...
Education & Certification
- Middlebury College - Bachelors, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- ISEE
- TACHS
- +60 subjects

Kody: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...to get where I currently am. I am an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University majoring in Mathematics, so you could say that Math and me really click. I have worked with others, trying to better help them obtain a better understanding of math and they have shown bright results. My hobbies include some outdoor activities like going row boating or hanging with friends. I sometimes spend time working on my Youtube channel.
Education & Certification
- Stony Brook University - Bachelor of Science, Mathematics
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- REGENTS
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- +26 subjects

Abrar: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
The world is not going to end if you do not get a perfect score. A perfect score should simply be a goal to strive towards. I believe in making mistakes. The best way to learn is to correct and review mistakes. This ensures that fewer and fewer errors are made in subsequent performances. Practice and discipline will lead to perfection. Those who do not learn from their mistakes are destined to repeat them.... It's okay to make mistakes. The best students learn from their mistakes. Those that do not are destined to repeat them.
Education & Certification
- Gannon University - Bachelor in Arts, Law and Political Science
- CUNY LaGuardia Community College - Associate in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SSAT
- SAT 4-Week Prep Class
- TACHS
- +35 subjects

Saiful: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
I've been tutoring professionally in homes and in institutions (NYU) for over eight years now. I have a breadth of knowledge when it comes to the SHSAT and SAT and all levels of mathematics as I am an engineer by profession. I graduated from New York University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 2014. Numbers are my thing :). I work at your pace where ever you may be. ... I believe anyone can learn anything if the problem at the core is addressed, and the teacher has the burden of identifying the issues at hand and delivering the solution.
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelors, Mechanical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- PSAT
- +17 subjects

Robert: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...improvements in a variety of subjects, from SAT, SHSAT and Regents prep to Calculus, Physics, and Geometry. I specialize in mathematics, however, my writing and reading comprehension skills are of an equally high level. Having achieved top scores on both the SAT and SHSAT, along with various regents tests, I know what it takes to understand subject matter, and as a result, achieve high scores. I believe that everyone possesses the ability to excel in...
Education & Certification
- Stevens Institute of Technology - Bachelors, Engineering
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- PSAT
- TACHS
- SAT
- +29 subjects

Benjamin: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...am extremely excited to be returning to Madrid in September on a Fulbright grant to be an English Teaching Assistant at the high school level! My approach to tutoring has always been about understanding each student's individual style as a learner to create lessons best-tailored to his or her specific needs. I try to foster an environment where open communication is emphasized and the student feels comfortable and motivated. Outside of the classroom—even though I...
Education & Certification
- Tufts University - Bachelor of Science, Economics & Biopsychology
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- PSAT
- College Business
- +37 subjects

Farah : Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...have led tutorial sessions amenable to students with various educational backgrounds and skill levels. As an Academic Success and Enrichment Program (ASEP) biology teacher's assistant in the summer and school 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...
Education & Certification
- Barnard College of Columbia University - Bachelors, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- REGENTS
- HSPT
- ISEE
- +36 subjects

Jasmine: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...a few years before attending law school. Finally, I hope to combine my law studies with my consulting work to become a well-rounded corporate lawyer. At Northwestern, I provide SAT tutoring to Chicago-area juniors and seniors. In high school, I tutored third through fifth graders in basic reading and writing skills and developed their interpersonal skills through group crafts and teamwork activities. While I am open to tutoring a broad range of subjects and tests,...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor, Statistics, Economics
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- +130 subjects

Adnan: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...tutor well over 135 subjects, but my favorite subject to tutor is the MCAT and Physics. I've never taken a break from tutoring, which has honed my intuition for not 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...
Education & Certification
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry
- New York University - Bachelor of Science, Physics
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- REGENTS
- WISC IV
- SAT
- +136 subjects

Yikai: Omaha 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
- SAT Subject Tests
- SAT
- Test Prep
- +29 subjects

Kenneth: Omaha 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
- TACHS
- SAT
- SSAT
- +27 subjects

Thomas: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...of the most important skills someone can learn. Most of the subjects that I enjoy - history, government, political science, philosophy, etc. - are subjects that inherently deal with concepts 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...
Education & Certification
- Hamilton College - Bachelor in Arts, Government
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Tests
- Test Prep
- +17 subjects

Nathan: Omaha 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
- PSAT
- SAT
- REGENTS
- +36 subjects

Zarrin: Omaha SHSAT test prep instructor
...tutoring in STEM and Humanities from grades K-12. I also have experience tutoring in college level Biology and Chemistry classes. As a NYC native, and a Bronx High School of Science graduate I understand that students are constantly under pressure and competition. My goal is to make sure students understand and believe in their own prowess while continuing to improve their skills and capacities. I hope that we will have an opportunity to work together...
Education & Certification
- Mount Holyoke College - Bachelors, Neuroscience and Behavior / Child Development
Subject Expertise
- SHSAT
- ACT
- PSAT
- Advanced Placement
- +81 subjects