25 Free SHSAT Practice Tests + Our Expert Study Tips
As SHSAT prep specialists (and NYC Public High School graduates!), one of our top recommendations to students and parents considering taking the SHSAT is to take a practice test. This blog outlines our many tips for navigating NYC public high school admissions + 25 free practice tests.
As SHSAT prep specialists (and NYC Public High School graduates!), one of our top recommendations to students and parents considering taking the SHSAT is to take a practice test. Now that the SHSAT’s gone digital, we recommend you do a digital mock exam to get the most accurate base line score. Paper versions of past exams are still an excellent study tool, however, as the 2025 digital SHSAT is essentially the same test, but on a computer. In our 20+ years of tutoring students for the SHSAT, Ivy Tutors Network has put together a lot of free information on getting into New York’s Specialized High Schools and navigating the complex NYC public high school application process. You’ll find links to and descriptions of those resources below the free practice exams.
25 Free SHSAT Practice Tests
Click on each exam below to see sample questions. A link in each PDF will allow you to get access to 25 full exams + answer sheets.
Which schools use the SHSAT?
There are 9 specialized high schools in New York City, and 8 of them use the SHSAT as their only criterion for entry. We’ve compiled a blog on getting into each of these schools as well as one with everything you need to know about the SHSAT. We’ve linked all below.
Specialized High Schools in New York : This blog serves as an overview of the 9 specialized high schools in New York, including LaGuardia which requires an audition, rather than the SHSAT.
SHSAT: Everything You Need to Know : The title pretty much sums it up - if you have a question about the SHSAT, we’ve covered it in this blog.
Individual Specialized High Schools
Each blog discusses the SHSAT, but then provides a comprehensive overview of the school and what attracts students to it. The last link, to LaGuardia, does not cover the SHSAT but rather the audition process for that school.
How to Get into Staten Island Technical High School
How to Get into Queens High School for the Sciences (QHSS)
How to Get into the High School for Math, Science and Engineering
How to Get into the High School of American Studies at Lehman College
How to Get into Brooklyn Latin High School
How to Get into Brooklyn Technical High School
How to Get into The Bronx High School of Science
How to Get into Stuyvesant High School
How to Get into LaGuardia High School
NYC High School Admissions
New York City is unique in requiring all students to apply to high school, no matter if you wish to attend your neighborhood school or a specialized high school. Even for native New Yorkers this process can feel opaque and overwhelming. Each year, Ivy Tutors Network hosts several free webinars for families to better understand the process and put together their school list. Many of our recommendations also live on our blog. We’ve linked the relevant articles below.
How to Get into NYC Public High School in 2024: An overview from last year’s admissions cycle, which is still highly relevant for 2025.
Everything You Need to Know about NYC High School Admissions: A solid overview of the process for newbies and seasoned parents alike.
Improve Your SHSAT Score
If you’re looking to improve your SHSAT score - or even just know where you stand without any prep - the best place to start is with a diagnostic exam. This will show you where you have gaps in your knowledge and where to dedicate your time in studying. While you can absolutely independently study for the SHSAT, many families choose to work with a dedicated tutor. At Ivy Tutor’s Network we have several options for students and families to choose from:
- Work with a dedicated tutor. You can use our “Find a Tutor” feature, or schedule a call to get matched with someone who fits your needs and availability.
- Take our SHSAT Boost Course. SHSAT Boost combines all Ivy Tutors Network’s recommendations for SHSAT prep - regular mock exams, daily practice - with the live class model our Head of Test prep has been using effectively for years with her SAT students. Live classes (with recordings) allow for customization for each student and each group of students for consistent, tailored progress. See how it works.
- Do both! SHSAT Boost can be combined with 1-on-1 tutoring for the best of both worlds. Choose that option at checkout.
