For parents of eighth and ninth-grade students in New York City, the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) can be a daunting and overwhelming experience. The SHSAT is a standardized assessment offered to students within the five boroughs of New York City. It is the sole criterion for admission to eight specialized high schools in the city.
Understanding the SHSAT is crucial for parents who want to support their child’s academic success and help them prepare for the test. This overview aims to give parents a comprehensive understanding of the SHSAT, including the test format, content, and scoring system. By the end of this article, parents will better understand what the SHSAT entails and how they can support their child’s preparation for the test.
What is the SHSAT?
The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a standardized test to determine admission to New York City’s specialized high schools. The test is administered to eighth and ninth-grade students who are residents of New York City and wish to attend one of the specialized high schools. The test is not required for all students. Only students who want to attend a specialized high school should sign up for the test.
History of the SHSAT
The SHSAT was first administered in 1971 and was initially created to increase diversity in New York City’s specialized high schools. The test was designed to be an objective measure of academic ability. It was hoped that it would provide opportunities for students needing access to specialized high schools.
Purpose of the SHSAT
The purpose of the SHSAT is to identify students who have the academic ability to succeed in a rigorous high school program. The test measures students’ knowledge of math and English language arts (ELA). It determines admission to eight of the nine specialized high schools in New York City. The ninth specialized high school, Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, requires an audition or portfolio for admission.
According to the New York City Department of Education, specialized high schools are “designed to challenge students academically and provide them with a strong foundation for future success.” The Technical high schools offer a range of programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, college-level courses, and extracurricular activities.
The SHSAT is a highly competitive test, and only a tiny percentage of students who take the test are offered admission to one of the specialized high schools. However, for those who are accepted, attending a technical high school can provide a unique and challenging academic experience that can prepare them for success in college and beyond.
Who Takes the SHSAT?
The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is taken by 8th and 9th graders interested in attending one of the nine specialized high schools in New York City. These highly competitive schools offer technical programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), humanities, and the arts.
Eligibility Requirements
According to the New York City Department of Education, students must meet the following eligibility requirements to take the SHSAT:
- Be a current New York City resident and a United States citizen or permanent resident.
- Be in the 8th or 9th grade at the time of the test.
- Be enrolled in a New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE) or charter school.
- Have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.5 in their 7th-grade year or the first marking period of their 8th-grade year.
- Be on track to complete Algebra I by the end of their 8th-grade year.
It is important to note that meeting these eligibility requirements does not guarantee admission to a specialized high school. Admission is based solely on the student’s SHSAT score and the number of available seats at each school.
Demographics of Test Takers
Most students who take the SHSAT are from minority and low-income backgrounds. According to a report by the NYC Independent Budget Office, in the 2019-2020 school year:
- Black and Hispanic students made up 68% of all test takers
- Students from families with incomes below $30,000 made up 14% of all test takers
- Students from families with incomes above $100,000 made up 29% of all test takers
While efforts have been made to increase diversity and equity in specialized high schools, the SHSAT remains the sole criterion for admission to most schools. As such, many organizations and advocates are pushing for changes to the admissions process to make it more inclusive and fair for all students.
What does the SHSAT cover?
The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a rigorous exam that assesses students’ math and English Language Arts (ELA) skills. The SHSAT is the only criterion for admissions to 8 of the 9 New York City Specialized High Schools. The Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts is the only exception requiring an audition or portfolio for admission.
Math Section
The math section of the SHSAT consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that cover a range of topics, including elementary number theory, algebra, and geometry. Students have 75 minutes to complete the math section of the exam.
According to Kaplan Test Prep, the math section tests students’ ability to:
- Apply mathematical concepts and procedures to solve problems
- Use mathematical models to represent and understand quantitative relationships
- Interpret and analyze data presented in graphs, charts, and tables
English Language Arts Section
The English Language Arts section is the first section on the SHSAT. It contains 57 questions and accounts for one-half of the total points on the exam. Students have 90 minutes to complete the ELA section.
The ELA section tests students’ ability to:
- Read and comprehend a range of texts, including literary and informational texts
- Analyze and interpret texts
- Revise and edit written work for clarity, coherence, and effectiveness
Students need to prepare for the math and ELA sections of the SHSAT by reviewing key concepts and practicing test-taking strategies.
How is the SHSAT scored?
The SHSAT is scored based on a student’s raw and scaled scores. The raw score is based on the number of correctly answered questions. In contrast, the scaled score considers the difficulty level of the questions.
Raw Score vs. Scaled Score
The raw score is the number of questions a student answers correctly on the SHSAT. The raw score is then converted into a scaled score, which is adjusted based on the difficulty level of the questions. The scaled score ranges from 200 to 800 for each section of the SHSAT, with a total possible score of 1600.
According to the NYC Department of Education, the scaled scores are calculated using a statistical process called equating. Equating ensures that scores from different test forms are comparable, even if each question is other in difficulty level. This means that a student who takes a more demanding test form may not necessarily receive a lower scaled score than a more straightforward one.
Scoring Rubric
The SHSAT has two sections: English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. Each team is scored separately, and the scores are then combined to create a composite score.
The ELA and section and math section are scored based on the number of correct answers.
After the raw scores are converted into scaled scores, the scores for the ELA and Mathematics sections are added to create a composite score. The composite score is the final score used for admission into specialized high schools.
Why is the SHSAT important?
The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is an essential exam for students in New York City who wish to attend one of the city’s nine specialized high schools. The test measures a student’s readiness for an academically rigorous high school program. But why is the SHSAT important?
Impact on high school placement
The SHSAT is the only criterion for admission to the specialized high schools in New York City, which include Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, and Stuyvesant. These schools are renowned for their challenging curriculum and exceptional academic programs. Students who perform well on the SHSAT can attend these schools and benefit from their rigorous educational programs.
Students who do not perform well on the SHSAT may still have other high school options. Still, they may not have access to the same academic rigor and challenge the specialized high schools offer. This can impact a student’s academic trajectory and college and career prospects.
Implications for College Admissions
Attending a specialized high school can significantly impact a student’s college admissions prospects. These schools are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and challenging curriculum, which can prepare students for success in college and beyond.
According to a New York City Department of Education study, students who attend specialized high schools are more likely to attend and graduate from selective colleges and universities. They also tend to earn higher salaries later in life.
However, it’s important to note that attending a specialized high school is not a guarantee of college success. Students must still work hard, stay focused, and maintain academic performance to achieve their goals.
