SAT, SHSAT & TJHSST Test Prep – The study tool for success.
Although the SHSAT has evolved over the years, it's DNA remains the same. As a result, students preparing for the exam have access to 16 full tests, a superb (and free!) resource for preparation. For the convenience sake, we have compiled all 16 tests here, along with notes about how they should be used.
2016-2017 SHSAT handbook – There are only a few new questions in this manual, the rest of the questions have been in previous manuals. The practice tests start on page 32. 2014-2015 SHSAT handbook – The tests start on page 30. 2012-2013 SHSAT handbook – The tests start on page 28. In this handbook, you will find useful information about the Specialized High Schools, including programs in the schools, admission procedures, sample tests with test-taking tips, and a calendar of important dates. This handbook can be used by students and parents/guardians. Included in this handbook are two complete sample tests of the SHSAT. The test is always on the first Saturday in December (this year, December 3, 2016). On test day, students take the two -hour SHSAT. The Student Information Sheet and Essay will be prepared and submitted by the majority of Semifinalist Applicants in a proctored test environment on January 28, 2017.
At City Smarts, we believe that these released tests represent the highest quality study material available and take pains to use them carefully. When paired with a good SHSAT manual (Tutorverse and Kaplan both publish quality books) students should have more than enough material to take them from here until test day.
A few more tips...
If your son or daughter is working with a tutor, consult with them about if and when to use this material.
On a similar note, we have had students come in to take mock exams (we use released exams in addition to our own custom tests) only to find that they have already taken part or all of a specific tests. To avoid this, we suggest that parents inform any mock test center about which tests (if any) their children have been using to study.
Without further adieu: here is a complete list of released SHSAT tests.
SHSAT Guides (click to download)
Usage Notes
These 8 early tests include the now obsolete scrambled paragraphs and logical reasoning sections, so test takers should begin with reading comprehension (Q21).
These tests use a 5 answer multiple choice format (vs 4 on the newer tests). We view this as unproblematic. If students can choose between 5 answers, they can certainly manage 4.
Older tests are shorter than the current test. Students wishing to use these as mock exams should allot 120 minutes.
These 2 tests are similar to the current test and are an excellent gauge of SHSAT readiness. We discourage students from using these tests until reaching key milestones.
2017 To 2018 Shsat Handbook
This year and last year's guides contain the same math sections, so the 2017 handbook is best used as a verbal assessment. 90 minutes.
2016-2017 School Calendar
The 2018-2019 handbook introduced significant changes to the test such as the grammar & revision section.
The 2019-2020 tests are similar in design to the current tests and can be used for mock testing.
Shsat Handbook 2016 2017 Federal
These 2 tests are an accurate reflection of the SHSAT students will take on test day. As such, they should be reserved for mock tests to be taken (in most cases) in the lead-up to test day. 180 minutes.