Exam Overview & Structure

The SHSAT is an admissions exam used for placement into New York City’s specialized high schools. The 2025 SHSAT will be digital, administered on a computer instead of paper. It consists of two main sections: English Language Arts (ELA) and Math. Each section includes 57 questions, but only 47 scored questions contribute to the final score. Students have a total of three hours to complete both sections, and they may choose which section to start with.

English Language Arts (ELA) Section

The ELA section comprises two parts:

• Revising/Editing: This part tests grammar, usage, and sentence improvement skills through individual sentences or short paragraphs.
• Reading Comprehension: Students read multiple passages from informational and literary texts, including excerpts from speeches, essays, and stories, then answer questions that assess understanding, analysis, and interpretation.

The ELA passages involve genres appropriate for middle school students, ranging from informational essays to historical fiction and poetry.

Math Section

The Math section contains word problems and computational questions, including multiple-choice and student-produced responses (grid-ins). Topics emphasize arithmetic operations, fractions, decimals, statistics, algebraic reasoning, geometry, and problem-solving consistent with NYC’s middle school curriculum.

Key Features of the 2025 Digital SHSAT

• Students can choose which section (ELA or Math) to begin with during the three-hour testing window.
• Questions include multiple choice and tech-enhanced items providing interactive engagement.
• The test features built-in accessibility supports and glossaries in multiple languages targeting English Language Learners.
• Students may review and change answers within sections before final submission.

Preparation Tips and Support

• Consistently practice revising sentences and reading comprehension passages from diverse genres.
• Master arithmetic fundamentals, fractions, decimals, and word problem-solving techniques.
• Take timed practice tests to build stamina and familiarity with the digital interface.
• Study past official SHSAT practice materials and sample digital items.
• Use Study Alpha Academy’s expert-led coaching and personalized feedback to target strengths and weaknesses.
• Develop test-day strategies including time management and stress reduction techniques.

Section Breakdown

The ELA section contains 57 multiple-choice questions divided into two parts:

• Revising/Editing: Questions assessing grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and clarity improvement through sentence and paragraph editing tasks.
• Reading Comprehension: Passages from literary and informational texts—including essays, speeches, poetry, historical fiction—with questions assessing understanding, analysis, and inference skills.

Skills Tested

• Identify and correct grammar and usage errors.
• Revise text for clarity, tone, and logical flow.
• Analyze author's argument and narrative development.
• Interpret vocabulary in context and infer meaning.
• Summarize central ideas and supporting details from passages.

Tips for Success

• Familiarize with common grammar rules and editing conventions.
• Practice active reading strategies to quickly identify main ideas and arguments.
• Read varied literary and informational texts to improve comprehension skills.
• Work on time management to handle multiple passages and questions efficiently.
• Use official practice tests to simulate timing and question types.

How Study Alpha Academy Supports ELA Prep

Study Alpha Academy offers targeted coaching on SHSAT ELA skills with expert instructors, personalized feedback, and practice materials designed to build mastery in grammar, reading comprehension, and editing techniques. Our programs help students gain confidence and strategic insights for exam day success.

Section Structure

The Math section includes 57 questions consisting of both multiple-choice and grid-in (student-produced) questions. The total time allotted for the Math section is approximately 90 minutes, but students can allocate time as they see fit between the ELA and Math sections.

Topics Covered

• Arithmetic operations including fractions, decimals, and percentages.
• Algebraic concepts such as expressions, equations, and inequalities.
• Geometry topics including the properties of shapes, angles, perimeter, area, and volume.
• Statistics and probability basics, including mean, median, mode, and simple probability calculations.
• Multi-step word problems requiring application of multiple math concepts.

Tips for Success

• Practice both multiple-choice and grid-in questions thoroughly.
• Focus on mastering foundational arithmetic and algebra skills.
• Work on problem-solving techniques for multi-step questions.
• Manage time efficiently, skipping difficult questions initially and revisiting if time allows.
• Use scrap paper effectively to organize calculations and problem breakdowns.

Study Alpha Academy's Math Preparation

Study Alpha Academy provides targeted math coaching focused on SHSAT rigor, including foundational math concepts, advanced problem solving, and strategic practice. Personalized feedback and mock tests help students build confidence and accuracy to excel on the day of the exam.