What is the SHSAT? 

The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a free exam for New York City students in grade eight and nine who want to enroll in one of New York City’s specialized high schools. Taking the SHSAT is the only way for students to gain admission into New York City’s specialized high schools, which are some of the best schools in the country. Taking the exam is also excellent practice for the PSATs, SATs, and other standardized tests! 

How can I learn more?

Mark your calendar to attend a high school admissions fair! At these events, you can meet with representatives from high schools—including the specialized high schools—and DOE admissions specialists. Fairs will be held in each borough on one or both of the following weekends: September 21-22 and October 5-6. Register here to attend for free.

When is the SHSAT?

The 2019 SHSAT will be administered on October 26th and 27th for most 8th graders. More details, including test locations, are available in the SHSAT handbook. Go to page 8 for test dates, and page 9 for test locations. 

How do I register?

Registering is very easy! You can register through your student's guidance counselor or stop by a Family Welcome Center. The registration period for 2019 is open until early October. You will receive a test ticket (the parent has to sign the ticket) that will list your test date and location. 

How do I prepare?

To assist families, the Department of Education releases the Specialized High Schools Student Handbook each year. The Handbook provides useful information, such as: 

• Admission procedures

• Calendar of important dates

• Test-taking tips

• Testing accommodations

• Sample SHSAT tests with explanations of correct answers

We strongly recommend you use the Student Handbook to help prepare for the exam. The exam was changed slightly in the 2017-2018 season (see our highlights here) and the handbook has two free practice tests that you should take to be familiar with the exam! 

Family involvement is essential to encourage students to keep their high school options open, and to take advantage of every opportunity that is available to them. More resources to help students and parents are available here. 

To make preparing for the SHSAT even easier, we did what most elite high schoolers do... we made a study guide for the handbook!

Our study guide highlights the most crucial information from the 244 page handbook, and is intended to be used alongside the handbook. 

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