What Is the SHSAT?Complete Guide for NYC 8th Graders (2026)
The SHSAT is the only way to get into 7 of New York City's most prestigious public high schools — and most students only get one shot. Here's everything you need to know.
What is the SHSAT?
The SHSAT stands for Specialized High Schools Admissions Test. It is a standardized exam administered annually by the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) to 8th graders (and eligible 9th graders) who want to attend one of NYC's eight specialized high schools.
Under New York State's Hecht-Calandra Act, the SHSAT score is the sole admissions criterion for seven of these schools — including Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech. Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts uses auditions and portfolios instead.
Key fact
Your SHSAT composite score is the only thing that determines which specialized high schools you qualify for. GPA, attendance, teacher recommendations, and essays play no role.
Who takes the SHSAT?
- Current 8th graders in NYC public or private schools
- Eligible 9th graders who did not take the SHSAT in 8th grade (one-year grace period)
- NYC residents — students outside of NYC cannot apply
- Students with IEPs or 504 plans may qualify for extended time (time-and-a-half or double time)
SHSAT test format and sections
The 2026 SHSAT is a fully digital, computer-based exam. Students answer questions on school-provided devices. The format is identical to prior years — only the medium changed.
Total time
3 hours (180 minutes)
Total questions
114 (57 ELA + 57 Math)
Scored questions
94 (47 per section)
Unscored questions
20 experimental (10 per section)
ELA section (57 questions)
| Question Type | # of Questions |
|---|---|
| Revising/Editing (standalone sentences) | ~11 |
| Revising/Editing (passages) | ~9 |
| Reading Comprehension (passages) | ~37 |
Math section (57 questions)
| Topic Area | Approx. Weight |
|---|---|
| Number sense & operations | ~25% |
| Algebra & functions | ~30% |
| Geometry & measurement | ~20% |
| Statistics & probability | ~15% |
| Word problems & logical reasoning | ~10% |
Note: 10 questions per section are unscored experimental questions distributed randomly throughout. You cannot tell which ones are experimental — answer all questions.
How the SHSAT is scored
The SHSAT uses a composite scaled score on a 200–800 range. Here's how it works:
- 1
Raw score
Each correct answer adds 1 point. There is no penalty for wrong answers — guess on every question you're unsure about.
- 2
Section scaled scores
Raw scores for ELA and Math are each converted to a scaled score (approximately 200–400 per section) using a non-linear conversion that adjusts for test difficulty.
- 3
Composite score
The two section scores are added together for a composite score ranging from approximately 200–700. The theoretical max is 800 but practically around 700 in recent years.
Important: answer every question
The SHSAT has no guessing penalty. A blank and a wrong answer both score zero. If you're running out of time, mark your best guess on every remaining question before time is called.
2026 SHSAT cutoff scores
Source: NYC DOE official admissions data
Cutoffs change every year. Use the SHSAT score calculator to see how your practice score compares.
SHSAT test timeline (2026–2027 cycle)
Oct–Nov 2026
SHSAT administered
Test offered to registered 8th graders at their school or a testing site. Students choose a testing session when registering.
Nov–Dec 2026
Registration closes
Late registration may be available with a fee. Check the NYC DOE admissions portal for exact dates.
Feb–Mar 2027
Score reports sent
NYC DOE sends individual score reports to students. Scores are available online via the MySchools portal.
Mar 2027
Specialized HS offers
Students in the Discovery Program or who met a cutoff receive high school placement offers.
How to prepare for the SHSAT
Most students who score well for Stuyvesant or Bronx Science start preparing at least 6 months before the test. For Brooklyn Tech or Brooklyn Latin, 3–4 months of focused prep is often enough. Here's the most efficient approach:
Take a full-length practice test first
Don't start studying blindly. Take a baseline practice test to see your starting score and identify exactly which topics need the most work.
Focus on math, not ELA first
Most students can close the gap faster on Math. ELA improvement, especially in reading comprehension, takes longer but is achievable.
Learn the question types thoroughly
Revising/Editing and Scrambled Paragraphs are unique to the SHSAT. Students who understand the format before test day have a significant edge.
Track your score, not just topics
Use a score calculator after every practice set to see if your composite is trending toward your target school's cutoff.
Frequently asked questions about the SHSAT
Is the SHSAT now digital?
Yes. Starting with the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, the SHSAT moved to a fully digital, computer-based format. Students take the test on school-provided devices. The content and structure are identical to the paper test.
Can I take the SHSAT multiple times?
No. Students get one opportunity to take the SHSAT per grade level — once in 8th grade, and once more in 9th grade if they did not take it in 8th grade. There are no retakes.
What happens if I don't get my target school's cutoff?
You can still be placed at a lower-cutoff specialized school if your score meets that school's threshold. If your score falls just below a cutoff, you may also qualify for the Discovery Program, which provides an alternative admissions pathway for economically disadvantaged students.
Do private school students take the SHSAT?
Yes. Any NYC resident in 8th grade can register for the SHSAT regardless of whether they attend a public or private school.
What is the SHSAT Discovery Program?
The Discovery Program is an NYC DOE initiative that offers an admissions pathway to economically disadvantaged students who score just below a school's cutoff and complete a summer enrichment program. Learn more on our dedicated Discovery Program page.
When do SHSAT scores come out?
SHSAT scores and specialized high school offers are released in February or March following the October test. Results are posted in the NYC DOE's MySchools portal and families receive an email notification. There is no way to check scores before the official release date.
Is there logical reasoning on the SHSAT?
No. Logical reasoning was removed from the SHSAT in 2017. The current SHSAT has only two sections: ELA (Revising & Editing and Reading Comprehension) and Math. There is no logical reasoning, scrambled paragraphs, or grid-in math. Any prep book or resource that mentions logical reasoning as a current question type is outdated.