SHSAT PREP TUTOR NYC
Get Into Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech & More
The SHSAT (Specialized High School Admissions Test) is highly competitive. I provide dedicated SHSAT prep tutoring in NYC using proven strategies that have helped students gain admission to NYC's elite specialized high schools including Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech.
Why SHSAT Prep Is So Challenging
The SHSAT is NYC's most competitive middle school exam. Here are the REAL struggles families face - and how I solve them:
Extreme Competition - Only 10% Get In
20,000+ students take the SHSAT. Only ~2,000 get offers to specialized high schools. That's 10%. Your child is competing against NYC's best - half did test prep for a year+.
I teach you to compete at the HIGHEST level. We don't aim for "good enough" - we aim for top 10%. Advanced strategies, harder practice problems, and mastery of every question type. You'll be OVERPREPARED.
Starting Too Late - Cramming Doesn't Work
Parents call me in September: "Test is in November, can we start now?" Two months isn't enough. Students who start 6-12 months early have 3x higher acceptance rates.
If you start late, I prioritize ruthlessly: focus on high-value topics first, drill weak areas aggressively, maximize every session. But I'm honest - the earlier you start, the better your odds.
Parents Don't Understand The Test Format
Most parents never took the SHSAT. They don't know what their child needs to practice, how to evaluate progress, or what score is competitive. Flying blind = wasted time.
I guide parents every step. I explain what scores mean, which schools are realistic, what to practice, and track progress weekly. You'll know EXACTLY where your child stands vs competition.
Time Pressure - Not Enough Time to Finish
57 Math questions in 90 minutes. 57 ELA questions in 90 minutes. Students run out of time, leave questions blank, or rush and make careless mistakes. Speed + accuracy = brutal.
We drill time management obsessively. Skip hard questions, return later. Answer easy ones first. I track your time per question and identify where you're slow. By test day, pacing is AUTOMATIC.
"My Child Is Smart But Not Test-Smart"
Your child gets A's in school but bombs practice tests. Why? The SHSAT tests logic, patterns, and strategic thinking - NOT memorization. Different skillset entirely.
I teach test-taking as a SKILL. Process of elimination, strategic guessing, pattern recognition, question analysis. School-smart students become test-smart with proper training.
One Shot Only - No Retakes or Second Chances
You get ONE attempt. One bad day, one mistake, one section you freeze on = no offer. The pressure is immense. Students crack under stress.
I simulate test day pressure weekly. Full-length practice tests under real conditions. We build mental toughness and confidence. By test day, you've done this 20+ times - it feels routine, not scary.
What Makes My SHSAT Prep Different
Official SHSAT Materials ONLY
I use ONLY official DOE released SHSAT exams and Kaplan/Barron's materials written by former test writers. No fake questions that don't match real test difficulty.
Score Tracking & Progress Analytics
Weekly practice test score tracking. I chart your Math vs ELA performance, question-type accuracy, and projected cutoff scores for each school. Data-driven prep.
School Selection Strategy
I help you rank schools strategically based on your practice scores. We target schools where you're competitive, not just dream schools. Smart ranking = better odds.
My Proven SHSAT Method
Math Section (57 Questions)
Complete coverage of all SHSAT Math topics:
- • Arithmetic & Number Theory - Primes, factors, divisibility
- • Algebra & Equations - Linear/quadratic equations, systems
- • Geometry & Coordinate Plane - Area, angles, slopes
- • Word Problems & Logic - Rate/distance, age problems
- • Data Analysis & Probability - Charts, graphs, statistics
Formula mastery → Pattern recognition → Speed drills → Full practice tests. 90 minutes = 95 seconds per question average.
ELA Section (57 Questions)
Reading & Revising/Editing mastery:
- • Active Reading Strategies - Skim structure first
- • Evidence-Based Answers - Find proof in passage
- • Critical Analysis - Author's purpose, tone, theme
- • Grammar & Usage Rules - 20 rules tested repeatedly
- • Revising & Editing - Clarity, concision, transitions
We practice with passages from fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and informational texts. Learn to answer ANY passage type under time pressure.
SHSAT Test Structure
Math Section
- ✓ Arithmetic & Number Theory
- ✓ Algebra & Equations
- ✓ Geometry & Coordinate Plane
- ✓ Word Problems & Logic
- ✓ Data Analysis & Probability
ELA Section
- ✓ Reading Comprehension
- ✓ Revising & Editing
- ✓ Critical Analysis
- ✓ Evidence-Based Answers
- ✓ Grammar & Usage
Target Schools
SHSAT Prep FAQ
When should I start SHSAT prep?
Ideally 6-12 months before the test date (test is usually in November). Starting in January-March gives you optimal prep time. Later starts are possible but require more intensive sessions.
What score do I need to get into Stuyvesant/Bronx Science?
Cutoff scores change yearly. Stuyvesant typically needs ~560-570+. Bronx Science ~520-535. Brooklyn Tech ~500-515. I track historical cutoffs and project your odds based on practice scores.
How many practice tests should my child take?
Minimum 10-15 full-length practice tests. I assign one every 2 weeks, review it thoroughly in our session, and drill weak areas. Repetition builds speed and confidence.
Can my child study independently or do they need a tutor?
Self-study works for VERY disciplined students with strong fundamentals. But 90% of students need structure, accountability, strategy guidance, and someone to identify blind spots. Tutoring dramatically improves odds.
What if my child doesn't get in? Are there other options?
Yes! Many excellent NYC high schools: Beacon, Millennium, Eleanor Roosevelt, and screened programs. I help families build backup plans. SHSAT isn't the only path to success.
Ready for SHSAT Success?
Start your specialized high school journey with a FREE strategy session.
Let's Build Your Success Story
Try 1–2 free classes. No commitment. Just results.