For Parents
What Is the SHSAT?
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is the sole criterion for admission to eight of New York City's nine specialized high schools. Administered by the NYC Department of Education each fall, it is taken by approximately 28,000 students competing for roughly 5,000 seats.
The test consists of 57 questions split across two sections: English Language Arts (revising/editing and reading comprehension) and Mathematics (arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics). Students have 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete both sections, with no scheduled break.
Because the SHSAT is the only factor in admissions, preparation matters. The right strategies, consistent practice, and familiarity with the test format can make a significant difference in your child's score. Explore our blog for SHSAT articles and tips.
Our Approach
Our SHSAT Prep Program
Four pillars of preparation, delivered one-on-one and tailored to your child's strengths and areas for growth.
Diagnostic Assessment
A full-length practice SHSAT under timed conditions. We pinpoint exactly where your child stands in both ELA and Math, then build a personalized prep plan around those results.
Timed Practice
The SHSAT gives students 180 minutes for 57 questions. We drill pacing strategies so your child learns to allocate time wisely and avoid the rush that costs points.
Math Strategies
Word problems, algebraic reasoning, geometry, and data interpretation. We teach efficient problem-solving techniques and pattern recognition specific to SHSAT math.
ELA Strategies
Revising/editing passages and reading comprehension. We build critical reading skills, teach elimination strategies, and practice grammar and usage rules tested on the SHSAT.
Specialized High Schools
Target Schools
The SHSAT determines admission to these eight specialized high schools. We prepare students for all of them.
Stuyvesant High School
Manhattan
Highest cutoff score. Renowned for STEM programs and competitive admissions.
Bronx High School of Science
Bronx
Nobel laureate alumni. Strong science, math, and research programs.
Brooklyn Technical High School
Brooklyn
Largest specialized high school. 17 engineering and STEM majors.
High School of Mathematics, Science & Engineering (HSMSE)
Manhattan
Small school at CCNY campus. Rigorous math and engineering focus.
High School of American Studies at Lehman College
Bronx
Humanities-focused. Strong history and social science curriculum.
Brooklyn Latin School
Brooklyn
Classical education model. Latin requirement and small class sizes.
Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
Queens
STEM-focused with college campus resources. Strong science research.
Staten Island Technical High School
Staten Island
Engineering and technology focus. Collaborative learning environment.
LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts uses auditions rather than the SHSAT. Looking for other test prep? SAT Prep · ISEE Prep
Score Targets
SHSAT Cutoff Scores by School
There is no single SHSAT cutoff score. Each specialized high school sets its own, and it changes every year based on the testing pool and the number of available seats. The historical bands below show how the schools compare — use them to set a target, not as a guarantee.
| Specialized High School | Borough | Historical Cutoff (composite) | Relative Selectivity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stuyvesant High School | Manhattan | High 500s (≈ 560+) | Highest cutoff of all specialized schools |
| Bronx High School of Science | Bronx | Low-to-mid 500s | Second only to Stuyvesant |
| Brooklyn Technical High School | Brooklyn | High 400s | Third-highest; largest class, more accessible |
| Staten Island Technical High School | Staten Island | High 400s – 500s (swings yearly) | Competitive; often near or above Brooklyn Tech |
| Other specialized schools (HSMSE, HSAS, Brooklyn Latin, Queens HS for the Sciences) | Various | ≈ 480 – 530 | Varies by school and year |
Cutoff scores are not published in advance by the NYC DOE and vary each year. The figures above reflect historical admissions bands on the SHSAT composite scale, not official thresholds. Our diagnostic sets a personalized target with cushion above the band.
Plan Ahead
SHSAT Timeline & Key Dates
The SHSAT runs on a fixed annual cycle. Knowing the milestones early gives your child enough runway to prepare without cramming. Here is how a typical admissions year unfolds.
- 1
Spring – Summer (7th grade)
Start prep & take a diagnostic
Begin SHSAT preparation 6 to 9 months before test day. A full-length diagnostic establishes a baseline and sets a target composite score for your child's preferred schools.
- 2
September
Registration opens
SHSAT registration typically opens in early fall. Most 8th graders register through their NYC middle school counselor, who also handles the MySchools high school application.
- 3
Late October – Early November
SHSAT test administration
Eighth graders sit the SHSAT on their assigned date. The test runs 180 minutes for 57 questions across ELA and Math, with no scheduled break.
- 4
November
9th-grade test date
Students currently in 9th grade test (usually in November) for the small number of 10th-grade seats. The seat pool is smaller, so competition differs from the 8th-grade round.
- 5
Early December
Application & ranking deadline
Students finalize and submit their MySchools high school application, ranking their specialized high school preferences in order. Confirm the exact deadline with your counselor.
- 6
March
Offers released
Specialized high school offers are released through MySchools. Admission runs in cutoff order by composite score against each student's ranked preferences.
Exact registration windows and test dates are set by the NYC Department of Education each year and can shift. Always confirm current dates with your child's school counselor or the official NYC specialized high schools resources.
Pricing
SHSAT Prep Pricing
Diagnostic Session
$150
one-time · 2 hours
- Full-length timed practice SHSAT
- Score analysis by section
- Personalized prep plan
- Available Fridays & Saturdays
SHSAT Prep Sessions
$125
per session
- One-on-one SHSAT tutoring
- Math & ELA strategies
- Timed practice drills
- Progress tracking & reports
*Prices subject to change. The diagnostic session is the required first step for all new students.
Reviews
Don't take our word for it
Genius Prep changed my life! It was all tears doing homework and projects with my 4th-grade daughter. Now I pick her up and she is smiling and skipping home. LOVE this place.
Marne Gabay
April 2022
Outstanding tutoring service. The individualized attention and structured approach made a real difference. Highly recommend to any parent in the NYC area.
Rebecca Taskin
July 2023
The structured approach and individualized attention made all the difference for my son. His confidence in math went from zero to leading his class.
Ann Wool
October 2017
From Our Blog
SHSAT Prep Resources
SHSAT Study Schedule 2024-2025
3 adaptive study plans based on your child's diagnostic score.
SHSAT Prep Guide 2026: Timeline & Tips
Complete timeline and strategies for NYC specialized high school admissions.
NYC Specialized High Schools Guide
Everything parents need to know about the 9 specialized high schools.
Common Questions
SHSAT Prep FAQs
When should my child start SHSAT prep?+
We recommend starting at least 6 to 9 months before the test, which is typically administered in late October or early November. Beginning in the spring or summer of 7th grade gives students enough time to build skills without burnout. However, some students benefit from starting even earlier with foundational math and reading work.
What is a good SHSAT score?+
The SHSAT is scored on a composite scale. Cutoff scores vary each year and by school. Stuyvesant typically requires the highest score (historically around 560 or above), while other specialized schools may admit students with scores in the 480 to 530 range. Our diagnostic assessment helps set a realistic target score based on your child's starting point.
How many tutoring sessions does my child need?+
It depends on your child's baseline. After the diagnostic assessment, we recommend a session plan tailored to their needs. Most students benefit from 1 to 2 sessions per week over 4 to 6 months. Students starting with strong fundamentals may need fewer sessions, while those requiring more support in math or ELA may benefit from additional practice.
What does the SHSAT test look like?+
The SHSAT consists of 57 questions split into two sections: English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. The ELA section includes revising/editing questions and reading comprehension passages. The Math section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics. Students have 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete the entire test with no scheduled break.
Can 9th graders take the SHSAT?+
Yes. Both 8th and 9th grade students can take the SHSAT. Ninth graders apply for a smaller number of available seats, so competition can be different. Our prep program is designed for both grade levels, and we adjust the curriculum based on each student's grade and target school.
More on NYC schools & admissions
2026 SAT Calendar for NYC Families: Dates and Policies
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NYC Parent's Guide to Digital SAT Prep in 2026
An NYC parent's guide to the 2026 digital SAT: current college testing policies, realistic timelines, prep options by borough, and honest score targets.
SHSAT Handbook 2026 Decoded: Page-by-Page NYC Guide
A walkthrough of the official 2026 SHSAT Handbook from the NYC DOE: what to read, what to skip, and how to use it for prep planning.
Give Your Child the Best Shot at NYC's Top Schools
Start with a diagnostic assessment. We'll evaluate your child's current level, set a target score, and build a prep plan designed to get results.
Book a Diagnostic — $150928 Broadway, Flatiron · (212) 888-3836 · [email protected]