A Special High School Admission Test (SHSAT) study plan is important for two major reasons.
One, the SHSAT is highly competitive, and students, parents, and educators must put in extra effort into test prep.
And two, students taking the SHSAT have tight school schedules along with extracurricular activities. So, they must follow a carefully designed SHSAT study plan in order to succeed.
In this post, we talk about how you can create a highly effective SHSAT study plan that will guide your students on how to study for the SHSAT.
We cover three plans: a 1-month plan, a 3-month plan and a 1-year plan. We also briefly discuss some of the best test prep resources for the SHSAT.
A structured SHSAT study plan brings order to what can feel like an overwhelming process for students. Without a plan, they tend to rush through topics and neglect key areas. They also fail to revise adequately and misjudge the importance of practice tests, thus scoring much lower than their potential.
The SHSAT tests two broad areas: English Language Arts (ELA) and Math, and it’s quite common for students to be more comfortable in one over the other. A good study plan ensures a balanced coverage of ELA and Math, allowing enough time to eliminate weaknesses and maintain or even improve strengths.
Intelligently-created study plans also include revisions cycles because they help reinforce concepts and aid in retention of previously learned material. A solid practice strategy, which includes reviewing one’s mistakes and analyzing patterns, sharpens problem-solving and builds confidence.
Follow these simple steps to build a focused, effective routine:
Now it’s time to move on to timed plans along with proven SHSAT preparation tips.
A one-month SHSAT study plan might be necessary for a variety of reasons. Some students may have realized they need to prepare late in the game due to busy schedules or unforeseen circumstances. Others might be aiming to retake the exam to improve their scores, having already completed some prep earlier.
In some cases, students may have experienced disruptions to their regular study routines, requiring a focused, last-minute push. Regardless of the reason, with the right strategy and focus, students can still make significant progress in a condensed time frame.
Because of the limited time, the priority is figuring out the SHSAT practice test strategy. that’ll maximize their scores.
Rapid topic review should run alongside testing. The focus should be on high-yield areas and topics students struggled with in the diagnostic test. Don’t try to cover everything; prioritize concepts that appear frequently and can be mastered quickly.
High-frequency mock testing is key. Be sure your students take 2–3 full-length practice tests each week under timed conditions. This builds familiarity with the test format, improves pacing, and helps reduce anxiety. After each test, help students review mistakes carefully to understand where they’re losing points.
Time management under pressure is critical in the final month. The priority will be to complete sections within the allotted time to build endurance and develop a realistic test-day strategy. Students should use a stopwatch during practice to simulate real conditions.
EdisonOS’s Build Your Own Test (BYOT) feature will be extremely useful since, for each student, you can create tests that target their strengths or weaknesses. It will help them constantly refine their strategy.
A three-month SHSAT study plan offers the ideal balance between thorough preparation and pacing. It could be a little hectic for some, so be sure to leverage the diagnostic test.
Expect the plan to allow some time to build strong fundamentals, track progress, and refine test strategies.
The American Psychological Association notes that breaking down sessions into small blocks instead of one larger block is beneficial to learning and retention.
This plan guides students how to study for SHSAT in a way that balances depth, progress, and confidence.
A one-year SHSAT study plan is perfect for students who want to prepare at a steady, low-stress pace. The longer period helps build strong habits, deepen understanding, and avoid burnout.
It’s important that they get comfortable with core topics and set a strong foundation. Checkpoint reviews and consistent mock testing form the core of a strong SHSAT practice test strategy.
Every few weeks, schedule practice tests to measure improvement and adjust your plan as needed. Regular test-taking turns into a positive habit that reduces test-stress.
A year-long plan gives the comfort of pacing growth at the pace your student is comfortable. It corrects weaknesses early and builds the confidence needed to perform the best on test day.
Taking time doesn’t mean losing momentum; these structured phases help apply the most effective SHSAT preparation tips over time.
Here is a compilation of some of the best (online and offline) resources for the SHSAT prep available in the market currently:
With decades of experience, Greg's Tutoring delivers detailed walkthroughs of SHSAT practice tests, including full-length reviews of Form A and B, and in-depth analyses of math and English Language Arts topics. Their content also covers the latest updates, such as the transition to the digital SHSAT, ensuring students are well-prepared for the evolving exam format.
The channel features expert advice on selecting appropriate prep materials, managing test anxiety, and understanding scoring systems. Additionally, Greg's Tutoring provides practical tips for test day, such as what to bring and how to manage time effectively. For those seeking structured study plans, the channel offers resources like the SHSAT 8-Week Study Guide, adaptable to various preparation timelines.
Led by CEO and instructor Sakib, the channel provides comprehensive lessons covering key topics such as math shortcuts, grammar rules, and test-taking strategies. For instance, their video on mastering 9th-grade SHSAT strategies offers actionable tips and techniques to enhance performance.
The channel also features success stories, like that of a student achieving a 652 score on the SHSAT, demonstrating the effectiveness of their methods. Additionally, Bobby-Tariq Tutoring Center shares insights on scoring high on the Digital SAT, further showcasing their expertise in test preparation.
Kaplan's New York City SHSAT Prep 2024–2025 is a comprehensive study guide designed to help eighth- and ninth-grade students prepare for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). This 540-page paperback offers up-to-date content aligned with the most recent test changes, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the exam.
The book includes three full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations for every question, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the test format and identify areas for improvement.
Additionally, Kaplan provides proven score-raising strategies with an emphasis on improving math and verbal skills, making this guide a valuable resource for students aiming to succeed on the SHSAT.
Andrew Kim’s SHSAT Grade 9 Math: 9th Grade Mathematics; 140 Questions and Explanations is a specialized prep book tailored for students in New York City taking the
SHSAT in 9th grade. This 84-page guide offers 50 review questions designed to address the more challenging mathematics sections of the exam.
Additionally, it includes three full-length practice tests that closely mirror the actual SHSAT questions, providing students with realistic test simulations. Each question is accompanied by detailed explanations, aiding in the understanding of complex concepts. The book is available in paperback format and is priced at $19.99, making it a valuable resource for 9th-grade students aiming to excel in the SHSAT math section.
Cracking the New York City SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test), 3rd Edition by The Princeton Review is a comprehensive guide tailored for students preparing for the redesigned SHSAT. This edition offers two full-length practice tests, detailed subject reviews for the updated English Language Arts and Mathematics sections, and step-by-step strategies for tackling each question type. With in-depth answer
explanations and practical tips for test day, this book equips students with the tools needed to approach the exam with confidence.
New York City SHSAT: 1,200+ Practice Questions is a comprehensive prep book that offers over 1,200 practice questions to help students prepare for the SHSAT. It covers all test sections, including math and reading comprehension, with detailed explanations for each question. This resource is designed to provide ample practice, helping students improve their skills and boost their confidence ahead of the exam.
Honors Prep's blog offers a wealth of resources for students preparing for the SHSAT, providing free practice tests, strategic insights, and updates on test changes. Their comprehensive collection includes full-length practice tests for 2025, complete with answer keys and explanations, allowing students to simulate real exam conditions and assess their performance.
The blog also addresses significant updates, such as the transition to a digital SHSAT format in 2025, and offers guidance on determining target scores based on desired specialized high schools.
Additionally, Honors Prep provides advice on study timelines, pacing strategies, and options for students who may miss the SHSAT cutoff, ensuring a well-rounded approach to test preparation.
For those seeking personalized support, Honors Prep offers expert SHSAT tutoring services, boasting a success rate more than double the city average. Their tutors, including alumni from top universities, work closely with students to develop customized study plans and test-taking strategies.
Quizziz is a valuable tool for SHSAT preparation, offering an interactive and engaging way to reinforce key concepts. The platform allows students to access a wide range of practice quizzes tailored to the SHSAT's math and reading sections.
With real-time feedback, students can identify areas of improvement and track their progress over time. The gamified approach of Quizziz makes studying more enjoyable, helping students stay motivated while mastering the skills required for the SHSAT. It's an effective way to supplement traditional study materials and improve performance through consistent practice.
EdisonOS helps your SHSAT tutoring business at multiple levels.
Check out some of the case studies of educators and knowledge entrepreneurs that have partnered with us to see the virtually infinite possibilities we create.
Whether you’re a seasoned SHSAT tutor, a parent helping their child for the test, or a student planning to take one, it must be evident by now that effective study planning for the SHSAT depends on three things: diagnostic tests, practice material along with tests, and analytics.
You can begin by administering an SHSAT test on EdisonOS to your student that will tell you, with a very high degree of precision, their current skill levels and abilities.
From there on, you can design a study plan and start issuing practice material as well as periodic tests. Simultaneously, you can keep a close eye on the analytics so you can make changes any time.
If you’d like to know more, book a demo with our SHSAT experts today.
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