Most SHSAT prep focuses on multiple choice. But the real digital test includes Technology-Enhanced Items (TEIs) — question formats that require students to interact with the screen in ways a paper test never could. If you've never practiced them, they can catch you off guard.
Here's what actually shows up based on the live 2025 Form A and Form B digital tests:
ELA: SHSAT TEI types
Multi-select — "Select the two correct answers" with checkboxes instead of radio buttons. Getting one right and one wrong = zero credit.
Drag-and-drop categorize — sort quote chips into two labeled boxes, such as "Nature is Permanent" vs. "Human Creations Detract." Multiple chips can go in each box.
Drag-and-drop single-target — move one answer into one blank, such as transition words or error-in-construction labels.
Clickable text selection — students select the exact part of a sentence or paragraph that contains an error. Instead of choosing A/B/C/D, they have to click the word or phrase directly in the passage.
Math: SHSAT TEI types
Grid-in — type a numeric answer directly with no answer choices. Negatives and fractions are valid.
Inline dropdown — select from small menus embedded in a sentence or equation chain.
Equation fill drag-and-drop — drag number or expression chips into specific blanks in an equation.
Multi-select — "Select all correct answers" where multiple options can be correct. Partial credit does NOT apply.
Number line / graph drag — place a point or drag a solution set onto a visual.
Grid-in / numeric keypad — type a numeric answer directly with no answer choices. The digital test uses an on-screen keypad for whole numbers, decimals, negatives, and fractions.
Why this matters for prep
If you practice only on paper or standard A/B/C/D apps, you've never practiced the actual input mechanic. On test day, figuring out how drag-and-drop works while the clock is running is not where you want to be.
We built our free diagnostic test at SHSATlab specifically to replicate these formats — the drag chips, the grid-in boxes, the inline dropdowns — so the interaction feels familiar before you sit down for the real thing.
It's 114 questions, has a full 3-hour timer, and your score saves automatically with a topic breakdown.
If you've been prepping without TEI practice, it's worth a run-through before test day.