The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a test students in New York City take to gain admission to one of the city’s eight specialized high schools. The test is designed to measure a student’s knowledge and abilities in math and English. The test is a significant factor in determining which students are admitted to these schools. It’s no surprise that many students and their families are looking for the best SHSAT prep books and study materials to help them prepare.
When it comes to SHSAT prep books and study materials, there are many options available. Some books are focused solely on math or English, while others cover both subjects. Some books offer practice tests and drills, while others provide tips and strategies for test-taking. The best SHSAT prep books and study materials will depend on the individual student’s needs and learning style.
The difficulty level is critical to consider when purchasing SHSAT prep books and study materials. The SHSAT is a challenging test, and it’s important to find materials that match the difficulty level of the actual test. Additionally, it’s essential to look for up-to-date materials aligned with the test’s format and content.
In this article, I will review and recommend the best SHSAT prep books and study materials available. I have spent hours researching and testing various materials to identify the ones that will help students achieve their goals and prepare them for the SHSAT. Whether you’re a student or a parent, this guide will provide the information you need to decide and choose the right SHSAT prep materials.
Best SHSAT Prep Books and Study Materials
Preparing for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) can be daunting for students. However, with the right resources, students can feel confident and well-prepared for the exam. As someone who has taken and excelled on the SHSAT, I know firsthand the importance of having the best study materials. In this article, I have compiled a list of the best SHSAT prep books and study materials to help students succeed on test day. These resources have been carefully selected based on their effectiveness, quality, and affordability. Whether you are a first-time test taker or looking to improve your score, these SHSAT prep materials will help you achieve your goals.
Kaplan Test Prep NY SHSAT Prep Book
If you’re preparing for the SHSAT, the Kaplan Test Prep NY SHSAT Prep Book is a great option.
Pros
- The book includes three full-length practice tests, which are essential to get a feel for the type of questions and pacing of the actual SHSAT.
- The strategies provided in the book help tackle the different sections of the test, including math, reading, and writing.
- The book is updated for the most recent changes to the SHSAT, so you can be confident you’re studying the suitable material.
Cons
- Some reviewers have noted errors in the practice tests. Hence, it’s important to double-check your answers rather than relying solely on the book.
- While the book does provide a good overview of the test, there may need to be more as the only study material for some students.
- The book is quite long, so it may be overwhelming for some students to work through all the material.
Overall, I found the Kaplan Test Prep NY SHSAT Prep Book helpful in preparing for the SHSAT. The practice tests and strategies provided in the book were especially helpful in getting familiar with the test format and content. However, it’s essential to remember that the book may not be perfect and to supplement your studying with additional resources.
One thing I appreciated about the book was that it provided clear explanations for the different types of questions on the test, which helped me understand how to approach each section. The practice tests were also helpful in identifying areas where I needed to improve and getting a sense of the pacing of the test.
That being said, it’s important to note that the book is not perfect. Some reviewers have pointed out errors in the practice tests, so it’s important to double-check your answers and not rely solely on the book. Additionally, while the book provides a good overview of the test, it may not be the only study material for some students.
I recommend the Kaplan Test Prep NY SHSAT Prep Book as a reliable resource for students preparing for the SHSAT. Just supplement your studying with additional resources and double-check your answers in the practice tests.
New York City SHSAT: 1,200+ Practice Questions
This book is worth checking out if you want to ace the SHSAT.
Pros
- The practice tests are very similar to the actual SHSAT test.
- The book offers a lot of practice questions that are challenging but manageable.
- The explanations are clear and easy to understand.
Cons
- The book is quite thick and may be overwhelming for some students.
- The book is only available in paperback, which may not be ideal for some.
- Some practice questions may be repetitive or too easy for some students.
This book is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to improve their SHSAT score. The practice tests are similar to the actual test, which is a huge plus. The book offers a lot of practice questions, which is excellent for students who want to get a lot of practice. The explanations are clear and easy to understand, vital for students struggling with certain concepts.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone preparing for the SHSAT. If you’re serious about doing well on the test, it’s worth the investment.
Remember that the book is quite thick, which may be overwhelming for some students. Additionally, the book is only available in paperback, which may not be ideal for some. Finally, some practice questions may be repetitive or too easy for some students.
New York City SHSAT Comprehensive Prep: 5 Full-Length Practice Tests | Includes Video Explanations To Each Question | Higher Score Guaranteed
If you’re looking for a comprehensive SHSAT prep book, the New York City SHSAT Comprehensive Prep is worth considering.
Pros
- Includes 5 full-length practice tests
- Video explanations for each question
- Higher Score Guaranteed
Cons
- Difficulty gap between 8th and 9th-grade material
- Some special characters may not print correctly
- It may not be suitable for those looking for a quick review
The New York City SHSAT Comprehensive Prep is a well-organized book with plenty of resources to help you prepare for the SHSAT. Each practice test is full-length and comes with video explanations for each question, which can be especially helpful for those who prefer visual learning. The Higher Score Guaranteed feature is a nice touch and can give you extra confidence going into the exam.
However, there is a difficulty gap between the 8th and 9th-grade material, so this book may not be the best fit for those taking the exam as 8th graders. Additionally, some special characters may not print correctly, which can be frustrating when reviewing specific questions. Finally, suppose you’re looking for a quick review. In that case, this book may not be the most efficient option due to its comprehensive nature.
Overall, suppose you’re looking for a comprehensive SHSAT prep book and are willing to put in the time and effort. In that case, the New York City SHSAT Comprehensive Prep is worth considering.
SHSAT: New York City Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (Barron’s Test Prep)
If you’re looking for a comprehensive SHSAT prep book, then Barron’s Test Prep is a great option. It’s well-written, easy to follow, and provides plenty of practice questions to help you prepare for the exam.
Pros
- The book covers all the topics tested on the SHSAT, including reading comprehension, grammar, and math.
- The practice questions are challenging and mimic the difficulty level of the actual exam.
- The book includes detailed explanations for each question, so you can learn from your mistakes and improve your performance.
Cons
- The book is quite thick, so it may be overwhelming for some students to work through.
- The layout can be cluttered and confusing at times, making it difficult to navigate.
- The book is only available in paperback, so it may not hold up well over time.
I found Barron’s Test Prep a valuable resource in my SHSAT preparation. The practice questions were challenging but helped me identify my weak areas and focus my studying. The detailed explanations were also helpful in understanding the concepts and improving my performance. However, the book’s thickness and cluttered layout may be a turnoff for some students.
Suppose you’re looking for a comprehensive SHSAT prep book that covers all the topics and provides plenty of practice questions. In that case, Barron’s Test Prep is worth considering.
Practice Math Tests For SHSAT
If you’re looking for a comprehensive and challenging math practice book for the SHSAT, Practice Math Tests for SHSAT is an excellent choice. The book is well-organized and covers all the necessary topics, with clear and concise solutions for each problem.
Pros
- Practice problems are similar to actual SHSAT problems
- Challenging questions help improve math skills
- Clear and concise solutions are provided for each problem
Cons
- Some errors in the book
- It may not cover all the topics in-depth
- Does not provide strategies for taking the SHSAT
The book is well-suited for students with a good grasp of the math concepts covered on the SHSAT and looking for challenging practice problems to help them improve their skills. However, it may not be the best choice for students needing more in-depth coverage of the topics or looking for strategies for taking the test.
Overall, I recommend Practice Math Tests for SHSAT to students looking for challenging math practice problems to help them prepare for the SHSAT.
SHSAT Prep Book: Specialized High School Admissions Study Guide With 3 New York City SHSAT Practice Tests for Math and ELA [6th Edition]
If you want to ace the SHSAT and get into your dream high school, the SHSAT Prep Book is an excellent investment. With comprehensive coverage of Math and ELA, this book will surely help you succeed.
Pros
- Three full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations
- A thorough review of Math and ELA concepts covered on the SHSAT
- Effective test-taking strategies to help you maximize your score
Cons
- Some users have reported errors in the answer key
- The book is quite lengthy and may be overwhelming for some students
- Only covers the SHSAT and does not provide general test-taking strategies
The SHSAT Prep Book is a comprehensive study guide that covers all the material you need to know to ace the SHSAT. The book includes three full-length practice tests, each with detailed answer explanations to help you understand the material and identify areas where you need to improve. The Math and ELA sections are covered in depth, with clear explanations of key concepts and plenty of practice problems to reinforce your understanding.
In addition to the content review, the book includes effective test-taking strategies to help you maximize your score on test day. From time management tips to strategies for eliminating incorrect answers, the SHSAT Prep Book has everything you need to succeed.
While the book is lengthy, it is well-organized and easy to navigate. The table of contents is clear, and the subject matter is presented concisely and systematically. However, some users have reported errors in the answer key, so it’s important to double-check your answers and make sure you understand the material.
Suppose you’re serious about getting into a specialized high school in New York City. In that case, the SHSAT Prep Book is an excellent investment. With its comprehensive coverage of Math and ELA, effective test-taking strategies, and three full-length practice tests, this book will help you achieve your goals.
Kweller Prep NEW SHSAT Grammar and Reading Second Edition
Suppose you want to ace the SHSAT grammar and reading sections. In that case, the Kweller Prep NEW SHSAT Grammar and Reading Second Edition are worth considering. This book has helped many students improve their scores and can help you too.
Pros
- Clear and concise explanations of grammar rules and reading strategies
- Plenty of practice questions to reinforce learning
- Updated for the latest SHSAT exam format
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced students who are already proficient in grammar and reading
- Some readers may find the book a bit dry and boring
- Does not cover other sections of the SHSAT exam
The Kweller Prep NEW SHSAT Grammar and Reading Second Edition is a comprehensive guide that covers everything you need to know to do well on the grammar and reading sections of the SHSAT exam. The book starts with an overview of the exam format and provides tips for test-taking strategies. It then dives into the specifics of grammar rules and reading comprehension techniques.
The explanations are clear and concise, and the examples are easy to follow. The book also includes plenty of practice questions to help you reinforce your learning. The questions are similar to those on the SHSAT exam, so you’ll know what to expect.
The Kweller Prep NEW SHSAT Grammar and Reading Second Edition has been updated for the latest SHSAT exam format, so you can be sure you’re studying the most relevant material. However, it’s worth noting that this book only covers the grammar and reading sections of the exam. If you need help with other sections, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Overall, the Kweller Prep NEW SHSAT Grammar and Reading Second Edition is a solid choice for anyone who wants to improve their grammar and reading skills for the SHSAT exam. It could be better, but considering if you’re serious about doing well on the exam is worth considering.
NEW SHSAT ELA: SIX PRACTICE TESTS WITH ANSWERS & EXPLANATIONS | BOBBY-TARIQ
This one is worth considering if you’re looking for a comprehensive SHSAT prep book specifically for the ELA section.
Pros
- Provides six full-length practice tests with detailed explanations for each answer.
- Includes a review of crucial ELA concepts and strategies to help you improve your score.
- Designed specifically for the SHSAT, so you know you’re getting targeted practice.
Cons
- At 209 pages, it may not be as comprehensive as some other prep books on the market.
- Some users have noted that the book is overpriced for what it offers.
- Does not cover the math section of the SHSAT, so you’ll need to supplement your studies with additional materials.
If you want to improve your ELA score on the SHSAT, this book is a great choice. It provides targeted practice and detailed explanations to help you understand where you went wrong and how to improve. However, suppose you’re seeking a more comprehensive prep book covering the ELA and math sections. In that case, you may consider a different option.
Overall, I found this book to be a helpful resource in my SHSAT prep. The practice tests were challenging but fair, and the explanations were clear and easy to understand. While it may not be the most comprehensive option, it’s a solid choice if you want to improve your ELA score.
One thing to note is that the book is a bit on the pricey side, so you’ll want to factor that into your decision. However, suppose you’re willing to spend the extra money. In that case, I think it’s worth it for the targeted practice and detailed explanations.
Cracking the New York City SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test), 3rd Edition: Fully Updated for the New Exam (State Test Preparation Guides)
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to prepare for the SHSAT, Cracking the New York City SHSAT is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The book is fully updated for the new exam, so you can be sure you’re studying the most relevant material.
- It includes ample practice questions and two full-length practice tests to help you prepare for the exam.
- The book is easy to read and understand, making it accessible to students of all levels.
Cons
- Some users have reported that the math section is not challenging enough, so you may need additional resources to fully prepare for the exam.
- While the book includes an updated poem and excerpt texts, it only contains two practice tests, which may not be enough for some students.
- The book is a little heavy, weighing 1.23 pounds, which may make it less portable than other study materials.
Overall, Cracking the New York City SHSAT is a valuable resource for students preparing for the exam. The book covers all the necessary material and provides ample practice questions and tests to help you feel confident on test day. While the math section may not be challenging enough for some students, the book is a great starting point for anyone preparing for the SHSAT.
One thing to remember is that the book is heavier, so it may not be the most portable study material. Additionally, while the book includes an updated poem and excerpt texts, some users have reported that it only contains two practice tests, which may not be enough for some students. However, overall, I would recommend Cracking the New York City SHSAT as a solid choice for anyone looking to prepare for the exam.
It’s important to note that while the book is a great resource, it may not be enough to fully prepare for the exam. You may want to supplement your study materials with additional resources, such as online practice tests or tutoring services, to ensure you’re fully prepared for the SHSAT.
SHSAT Poetry Guide: Special Edition for Kweller Prep
If you’re struggling with the poetry section of the SHSAT, this guide is worth checking out. It provides a lot of practice with reading poems and learning how to analyze them.
Pros
- Over 100 poems to practice with
- Provides a lot of opportunities for improvement
- Comprehensive and detailed
Cons
- Questions and verses are taken from New York State ELA Regents exams, which can be found online for free
- It may not be as helpful if you’re not struggling specifically with the poetry section
- Some reviewers found the book to be too basic
If you’re looking for a guide specifically focused on the poetry section of the SHSAT, this guide is a great option. It’s comprehensive and provides many practice opportunities, making it a valuable resource for anyone struggling with this section. However, remember that the questions and poems are taken from New York State ELA Regents exams, which can be found online for free. Additionally, some reviewers found the book to be too essential, so it may not be as helpful if you’re not struggling specifically with the poetry section.
Overall, I found this guide to help improve my understanding of poetry and the strategies needed to analyze it effectively. The explanations are clear and concise, and the practice questions are varied and challenging. If you want to improve your score on the SHSAT’s poetry section, this guide is worth considering.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best SHSAT prep books and study materials, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for:
Content Coverage
Make sure that the materials cover all the topics that will be tested on the SHSAT. This includes math, reading, and writing skills. It is also essential to look for materials that provide practice tests that simulate the actual exam format.
Difficulty Level
Choose materials that match your current skill level. You won’t be challenged enough to improve if the materials are too easy. If they are too complicated, you may become discouraged and lose motivation.
Format
Consider the format of the materials. Do you prefer physical books or online resources? Do you want audio or video content? Make sure that the format you choose is convenient and accessible for you.
Author/ Publisher
Check the credentials of the author or publisher of the materials. Look for materials created by experts in the field with a strong track record of success.
Price
Compare prices of different materials and choose the one that fits your budget. Keep in mind that investing in high-quality materials can lead to better results on the exam.
Reviews and Recommendations
Research reviews and recommendations from other students who have used the materials. Look for materials with a high success rate and positive user feedback.
