The evolving nature of the SHSAT

The SHSAT is changing.

Each year, we incorporate changes to the SHSAT into our prep programs, mock exams, and individual lessons. We track the evolution of the test in two ways:

1. We do “exit interviews” with some of our best students each year to find out what made the exam so challenging, and what content surprised them.

2. We study the DOE’s released materials across a few different tests: the 7th and 8th grade state tests, the Algebra Regents exam, and any new sample SHSATs released by the DOE.

Download the new sample SHSAT for 2023.

Here are some of the changes we are seeing

Revising & Editing: This section, which has traditionally been between 9-11 questions, can now be anywhere from 9 to 19 questions. The new sample exam contains 16 Revising & Editing questions. Key takeaway: More questions in this section makes the Reading Comprehension shorter and less burdensome for most test takers.

Reading Comprehension: This year’s sample exam includes charts, figures and tables that have not appeared on the exam before. Key takeaway: The diagrams accompanying reading passages do more than simply provide additional context. They reveal new information, and must be carefully analyzed on their own.

Mathematics: The math section is still 57 questions, five “grid-in” questions and 52 multiple choice questions. But a small amount of content from the Algebra 1 Regents exam has found its way into the SHSAT.

• Box plots

• Tree Diagrams

• Proportional relationships

• Describing linear relationships/linear modeling

• Inequality Word Problems

Key takeaway: The SHSAT’s Math section wants to be more than just a collection of challenging question types. It wants to reward students who've learned some Regents Algebra.

These changes are subtle. However, they will impact how we help students fine tune their approach prior to test day.