Author: Thomas Skidmore

Welcome to the first installment of our new blog series on test-prep math in the real world! Throughout this series, we’ll explore how the math skills tested on standardized exams are also practical tools we use in everyday life. To kick off this series, we’ll take a closer look at percentages, a common topic on exams like the TACHS, SHSAT, PSAT, and SAT. Percentage questions often appear in real-world situations involving discounts, taxes, tips, interest, grades, sports, and more. Below, we’ll explore a few of these everyday examples and see how the math skills required on test day can help us make sense of the world around us.

Discounts

A laptop is discounted 20%. The sale price is then reduced by 10%. What is the overall percent discount from the original price? Here is an example of a question we use in our SAT Student Workbook. We have a laptop that is first discounted 20%, then reduced by 10%. We are looking to find the overall percent discount from the original price. You might expect that the answer is 30%, but let’s see why that is not true. If we choose $100 as our original price, the first discount would be 20% of $100, which is $20. The sale price after that discount can be found by subtracting this from the original, so $100 – $20 = $80. This is our new sale price after the first discount. Then, the sale price is reduced by 10%. To find 10% of $80, we can simply divide 80 by 10 to get 8. Note that 10% of the original price would be 10% of $100, which is $10, not 8. Because our sale price was reduced by 10%, we are finding the percentage of a different number than our original price. Our next step would be to subtract $8 from $80, resulting in $72. Finally, we subtract the new price from the original price, to get $100 – $72 = $28, which is 28% of the original $100. Note how this compares to the 30% we get from adding 20% and 10%: close, but not perfect! These discounts and sales are all over. All of those BOGO sales that give you 50% off a second item? If we don’t know how to calculate that 50%, we may underestimate (or even overestimate!) how good the deal is for us.

Taxes and Tips

Another common time we use percentages is when we make purchases that involve taxes and tips. Let’s imagine a family of five goes out to a nice Italian dinner. They split a couple appetizers for the table, then each orders an entree. But let’s not forget about dessert! When their bill comes, they see a subtotal of $219.67, so they leave $220 on the table and walk out. Why is this wrong? They forgot the sales tax! In New York, the sales tax is 8.875%, which we will round to 9% for easier calculations. At 9%, the tax for our bill of $219.67 would be approximately $19.77. We find this by taking 9% of 219.67, which we can do by multiplying 0.09 by 219.67. Add these together and we get our new total of $239.44. Note: we can also find this by multiplying 1.09 by 219.67. This would be a one-step way to find the new total, without having to both multiply and add. Is this our final total? Still no! Our server was fantastic and deserves to be tipped well. Traditionally, 18-20% is considered a great tip to give your servers. Because we had such a fantastic experience, we will give our server 20%. To find this, we need to multiply our new total, $239.44 by 0.20, getting a tip of approximately $48. Note that there is a quick way to find this as well. If we round to $240 and take off the last number (the 0), we get 24, which is exactly half of our 20% tip. Double that amount and we get an easy method of finding tips. If we wanted to find our new total, we can use 1.20, similar to how we used 1.09 for the sales tax. However, what if we just want the tip amount because we are paying cash directly to the server? Knowing both methods of percentages will help you make the right decision for your situation.

Sports

Let’s look at a more fun example of where percentages can be found in the real world. We are in the thick of the National Football League season, where percentages are used for so many statistics. One notable NFL statistic is Completion Percentage, which is essentially how accurate a team’s quarterback is when throwing the ball. When the QB throws the ball (a Pass Attempt), it is either caught by a teammate (a Completion) or not caught by a teammate (an Incompletion). For the sake of this exercise, we are going to ignore the possibility of the QB throwing the ball to the other team (an Interception). Completion Percentage is found by dividing the number of Completions by the number of Pass Attempts. Here we can see the stat line from an actual game.

This QB threw the ball 29 times for 29 Pass Attempts. Of those, he completed the pass 23 times. If we divide 23 by 29, we get 0.793, which translates to 79.3%. This is also shown in the table as this QB’s Completion Percentage for the game. These kinds of percentages are found in just about every sport. Whether it’s basketball’s shooting percentage, hockey’s save percentage, or baseball’s batting average, we are always using percentages to help find how well some players are performing.

Voting

The last instance of percents in the real world that we will take a look at is found through voting. Whether we are voting on favorite color, best restaurant, or elections, we can always use percentages to help tell the whole story. Here is an example SAT question. A survey was conducted to predict the results of a school board election. The table shows the survey results. If 2,000 people are expected to vote in the election, by how many votes would Jordan Lee be expected to win, according to the survey?

They give us the survey results of a school board election. Candidate Jordan Lee received 750 survey votes, while Candidate Pat Taylor received 250 survey votes, giving us a total of 1,000 survey votes (this is our sample size – a sample is a small part of a total population). Using these survey results, we can predict how many people will vote for each candidate. If we expect 2,000 people to vote in the election (this is our population size), we can use the percentages found in the survey to estimate how many of these 2,000 people will vote for Jordan Lee. As mentioned, Jordan Lee received 750 of the total 1,000 votes in the survey. To find this percentage, we divide 750 by 1,000, giving us 0.75, or 75%. If the survey is an accurate representation of the total population, then we expect 75% of the 2,000 people to vote for Jordan Lee. To find this percentage, we can multiply 0.75 by 2,000, giving us 1,500 expected votes for Jordan Lee. Note that because of the “easier” numbers, we can actually solve this rather quickly another way. The survey is 1,000 people, which is exactly half of the 2,000 people we expected to vote in the election. Therefore, we can simply double (or multiply by 2) the number of votes each candidate received: 750 x 2 = 1,500. We can find Pat Taylor’s expected votes as well: 250 x 2 = 500, which we can confirm is correct because 1,500 + 500 = 2,000. Therefore, Jordan Lee would be expected to win the election by 1,000 votes (1,500 – 500 = 1,000).

Final Thoughts

In this installment, we discussed how percentages, a staple for standardized testing, are found in everyday situations. If you or someone you know is preparing to take a standardized test, please contact us at Tutoring by Christine to discuss how we could help you improve the math skills tested both in school and in the real world.

Author: Thomas Skidmore

When it comes to the Digital SAT Math section, the most important number to remember isn’t 3.14, 180, or even 1600 – it’s 95. The section is split into two 35-minute modules consisting of 22 questions each, resulting in an average of roughly 95 seconds per question. A massive time-saver comes in the form of Desmos, the graphing calculator built directly into the Digital SAT’s testing app, Bluebook. This tool can be used on every question in the math section, but its limitations force you to decide whether it is the most efficient use of your already-limited time. Let’s dive deeper into when you should use Desmos, when you should do a problem by hand, and when a problem might require a combination of methods.

The DESMOS “Cheat Code”

The question in this first example often leaves students staring blankly at their screen. Thankfully, DESMOS can make this question quick and easy.

Plugging the inequality directly into DESMOS provides us with the graph that we can now reference while reviewing the answer choices. The unshaded areas of the graph occur in, mostly, the top left corner, which is also known as Quadrant 2. In this quadrant, the y-values are positive (y > 0) and the x-values are negative (x < 0). This gives us a correct answer of D. To solve this by hand, we would need to plug in values for x and y that match each answer choice, eventually finding out that when x < 0 and y > 0, the resulting inequality is untrue. This would not only take much longer, it would also widen the opportunities to make an algebraic mistake.

Let’s look at another example where DESMOS can help us save time and effort.

In this example, we have a system of equations, which is one of the best opportunities to use DESMOS. What happens when we plug the equations in, directly as shown?

You may notice that the second equation gives a small warning sign. This is because we have not defined the variable, t, for DESMOS to recognize. Note that it prompts us to add a slider for t. If we click that button, this will enter into the third line.

There are a couple notable things to see here. First is that it sets t equal to 1, but we can click on and slide the small circle to change the value of t. When we do this, we can see what happens to the graph with each change. Another way to do this is by clicking the play button on the left side. This will automatically slide the slider back and forth for you while you can watch the resulting graph. Doing it this way will allow you to see what effect the variable has on the graph. Here’s the graph when t = 1.

Looking back at the question, we are being asked for the value of t when the system has no solution. When a system of equations has no solutions, it means the lines are parallel and thus never touch. If we move the slider from t=1 to t=8, we notice that they become parallel lines. Our answer is t = 8.

A final way we will look at DESMOS is through regression.Often known as the “Tilde” Method, because we use this symbol, `, usually found in the top left of your keyboard, this method helps us to find multiple variables at a time.

In DESMOS, we will input the question like so:

Notice that we changed x to x1 in every case it showed up, we changed the equal sign to the tilde as mentioned earlier, and we input a second line to tell DESMOS what values to consider for x1. These values do not matter – what does matter is that there is one value for each constant variable. In the question, the variables that represent constants are a and b, so we need two numbers in the list for x1. The final answer here would be 24, because we found a = 4, b = 6, and therefore ab = 4*6 = 24.

When to Solve by Hand

As we saw, DESMOS can be extremely helpful in the right circumstances. Occasionally, the question might be better answered by hand. Let’s look at some examples where you might want to skip out on the calculator and work through some simple algebra on your own.

This is a prime example of when DESMOS cannot help you. Geometry is a topic that appears in many ways on the DSAT and, most of the time, you will want to answer the questions by hand. Here, we are given two parallel lines cut by a transversal and we’re being asked to compare the values of x and y. When given this situation, we can note that all of the acute angles are equal to each other and all of the obtuse angles are equal to each other. Thus, x is an obtuse angle, while y is an acute angle. Because of various geometry rules, these two add up to 180, so if y is less than 65, x must be greater than 115, in order to add up to 180. Our correct answer is B.

Another example of a Geometry question where DESMOS is unable to assist you:

We are unable to tell DESMOS the circumference and how to find the diameter, so we must do this by hand. The equation for circumference is C = ℼd. If the given circumference is 31ℼ, then 31ℼ = ℼd, which gives us d = 31. Our diameter is 31.

Here is another example.

In this example, we may be tempted to use DESMOS because of all of the variables. However, our best bet is to simply distribute and add the exponents using exponent rules. Distributing the first expression to the first term of the second expression gets us this:

This eliminates answer choices A and B. Let’s distribute to the final term:

Our correct answer is D.

Translator vs Solver

The final example we want to take a look at involves setting up the problem first by hand and then using DESMOS to compute the answer. DESMOS struggles to translate problems, but is very good at solving them. If we are able to translate DSAT problems using our own algebra skills, we can then save time by plugging equations into DESMOS.

Here we have a word problem but we are not given the equations. Let’s create them first. In word problems like these, we have one equation to represent the total number of things (in this case, admission) and we have another question to represent the total cost. Our first equation, then, will be the total number of people going on the field trip, 83, which we know has to be equal to the number of students added to the number of chaperones. Therefore, s + c = 83. Our second equation comes from the total cost of $730 being equal to the cost of all student admissions added to the cost of all chaperone admissions. This gives us 8.50s + 12c = 730. We can solve this by hand as well, but here is where we can use the hybrid method to save a little time. Note that we have to change the variables to x and y in order to plug into DESMOS here, so make sure you keep track of which variable represents the students.

Our intersection is at (76, 7), which means our x value is 76 and our y value is 7. We are being asked for the number of students, which we decided was represented by x (this can be seen in the equation on DESMOS where we changed 8.50s to 8.50x). Our final answer is 76.

There are many cases where DESMOS will be your best friend on the DSAT. Here are some popular ones:

1. Solving Equations with One Variable
2. Solving Systems of Equations/Inequalities
3. Finding the Equation of a Line
4. Finding X and Y-Intercepts
5. Finding Mean, Median
6. Equivalent Expressions

Some instances require you to use your algebra or geometry skills without the assistance of a calculator. Certain questions will require you to use a scientific calculator, which can also be through DESMOS or your own handheld calculator. Occasionally, there will be a question that requires some combination of these methods. It is up to you to decide how to spend your time on test day. In the beginning, we discussed the 95-second rule. If you think DESMOS will be quicker than the 95 seconds you are given per question, then you should use it. If you think you can use mental math or some scratch work to solve the problem faster, that should be your method of choice.

If you need help deciding how or when to use DESMOS, or you would like assistance preparing for an upcoming DSAT, please contact us.

What Colleges Give the Most Scholarship Money?

Guest Contributor: Kate Coffman
College Admissions & Financial Aid Workshop Presenter with Tutoring by Christine

For many families, one of the biggest questions about college isn’t simply “Where can I get in?” It’s “How can we afford it?”

At Tutoring by Christine, we understand that preparing for college means more than earning strong grades and test scores. It also means developing a smart financial strategy. That’s why we’re excited to partner with college admissions expert Kate Coffman, who will be leading an upcoming workshop to help families better understand college admissions, scholarships, and financial aid.

The Truth About Merit Scholarships

One of the hardest realities families face is discovering that a student’s dream school may not be financially realistic.

Many of the nation’s most prestigious colleges primarily award need-based financial aid rather than merit scholarships. As a result, middle-income families often receive little assistance, even when students have outstanding academic records.

The good news is that there are hundreds of excellent colleges that actively award merit scholarships to attract high-achieving students.

These colleges often use scholarship funding to recruit talented students and strengthen their incoming classes. This practice, sometimes called tuition discounting, can reduce the cost of attendance by thousands of dollars each year. In some cases, students may even qualify for full tuition scholarships.

Which Colleges Offer the Best Merit Aid?

Every college has its own scholarship policies.

Some universities, such as the University of Alabama, clearly publish the GPA and standardized test score requirements needed to earn automatic scholarships. Other colleges use a more holistic review process, considering:

• Academic performance
• Course rigor
• SAT or ACT scores
• Leadership and extracurricular involvement
• Personal essays
• Interviews for competitive scholarship programs

While every institution is different, students pursuing the largest merit awards often have:

• Excellent GPA
• Rigorous high school coursework
• SAT scores above 1400 or ACT scores above 30
• Strong extracurricular activities and leadership experience
• Well-written application essays

Highly Selective Colleges vs. Merit Scholarship Colleges

College admissions expert Jeff Selingo, author of Who Gets In and Why, describes colleges as either buyers or sellers.

Highly selective colleges are “sellers.” Because demand is so high, they typically don’t need to offer large merit scholarships to attract students.

Less selective or lesser-known colleges are often “buyers.” They frequently provide generous merit aid to recruit outstanding applicants.

For many families, these scholarships can make the cost of attending a private college comparable to, or even less than, attending a public in-state university.

Don’t Forget About Housing and Meal Costs

Even when students receive generous merit scholarships, families should understand what those awards actually cover.

Many scholarships pay for tuition only. Expenses such as:

• Housing
• Meal plans
• Books
• Fees
• Transportation

may still cost $15,000 to $20,000 or more each year.

Understanding the total cost of attendance is an important part of building a realistic college list.

Building a Smart College List

A balanced college list should include schools that are:

• A good academic fit
• Financially realistic
• Generous with merit scholarships
• Aligned with your student’s goals and interests

Researching scholarship opportunities before applications are submitted can save families thousands of dollars over four years.

Join Our College Admissions & Scholarship Workshop

Tutoring by Christine is proud to partner with Kate Coffman to help families better understand the college admissions process and maximize scholarship opportunities.

During this workshop, you’ll learn:

• How colleges award merit scholarships
• Which schools are known for generous merit aid
• How GPA, SAT, and ACT scores affect scholarship opportunities
• How to build a college list with affordability in mind
• Resources and tools that help families compare admissions chances and financial aid opportunities

Whether your student is just beginning the college search or preparing applications, this workshop will provide practical strategies that can help make college more affordable.

Interested in learning more? Stay connected with Tutoring by Christine for upcoming workshop dates and college admissions resources designed to help your family navigate every step of the journey with confidence.

Can Taking the SAT Multiple Times Actually Help? Here’s the Truth

If you’re a parent of a high school student, you’ve probably heard this before:

“Don’t worry, they can just take the SAT again. Colleges will superscore.”

There is some truth to that, but it is also where many families begin to misunderstand how the process actually works.

In order to make the best decisions for your child, it is important to understand both what superscoring is and how retesting should be used strategically.

What Is SAT Superscoring?

Superscoring is a policy used by many colleges in which they combine a student’s highest section scores from different test dates.

For example:

● A student may earn a higher Math score on one test

● And a higher Reading and Writing score on another

Colleges may then combine those highest section scores to create a stronger overall score.

This can be beneficial because it allows students to improve in one area at a time rather than needing a perfect performance in a single sitting.

The Part Most Families Get Wrong

Where confusion often occurs is in how families interpret this policy.

Many assume that if colleges superscore, a student can simply take the SAT multiple times and the score will continue to improve.

In practice, this is not usually what happens.

When students retake the SAT without making meaningful changes in their preparation:

● They tend to repeat the same mistakes

● Their scores often remain the same

● In some cases, scores may even decline due to fatigue or frustration

Superscoring can be helpful, but it is most effective when it is part of a structured plan, not a fallback strategy.

The students who improve their scores are not just retaking the test. They are preparing differently between each test.

When Retaking the SAT Makes Sense

Retesting can be beneficial when there is a clear reason to do so.

This may include situations where a student:

● Has the potential to improve in a specific section

● Experienced difficulty on test day (timing, anxiety, distractions)

● Did not prepare effectively before the first test

● Is close to a target score range

In general, most students benefit from taking the SAT two to three times, provided that each test is supported by focused preparation.

Why a Strategic Approach Matters

The SAT is not simply a test of knowledge, it is a test of skills, timing, and familiarity with question types.

Students who see meaningful improvement typically:

● Build foundational skills before testing

● Use their first test as a point of reference

● Analyze their performance to identify areas of weakness

● Focus their preparation on specific skills

● Approach each retest with a clear goal

Without this type of approach, additional test attempts are unlikely to produce significant results.

A Pattern I See Often

After working with many students, a pattern becomes clear.

Families often delay preparation, then feel pressure as testing approaches. As a result, students may take the SAT before they are fully prepared and then rely on retesting to improve their scores.

By that point, time is limited, and progress becomes more difficult.

Students who perform the strongest typically begin earlier, follow a structured plan, and use retesting as a tool within that plan, not as a last-minute solution.

Final Takeaway

Taking the SAT multiple times can be helpful, but only when it is done with intention.

Superscoring provides an opportunity for improvement, but it does not replace preparation.

What matters most is not how many times a student takes the test, but how they prepare between each test.

Want a Clear Plan for Your Child?

If you are unsure when your child should begin preparing, how many times they should test, or how to approach the process strategically, this is exactly what we cover in our webinar:

Mastering the SAT: Strategies for Higher Scores

● How the SAT works

● When students should begin preparing

● The preparation timeline we use with our students

When Should My Child Start Preparing for the SHSAT?

If you’re a NYC parent thinking about specialized high schools, you’ve probably wondered:

“When should my child start preparing for the SHSAT?”

Some parents worry they are starting too late.

Others worry about starting too soon.

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best time to start depends on your child’s readiness, not a sense of panic.

Let’s break this down clearly.

First: What the SHSAT Actually Requires

The SHSAT is not simply a “harder state test.”

It measures:

• Mastery of 7th-grade math standards
• Strong reading comprehension at higher Lexile levels
• Multi-step problem solving
• Academic stamina over a 3-hour exam
• Precision under time pressure

Even students with strong grades can find the SHSAT’s format and timing unexpectedly challenging.

That’s totally normal.

Every year, thousands of NYC students take the exam and compete for limited seats at top schools like Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Tech, Bronx Science, and Staten Island Tech.

Preparing for the SHSAT isn’t a race. It’s about building skills at the right pace, when your child is ready.

So… When Should Students Start?

Here is a general guideline I share with families:

Strong 6th Grade Students: Focus on Foundations

In 6th grade, preparation should not look like heavy SHSAT test prep.

At this stage, the priority is ensuring that foundational skills are strong.

This includes:

• Solid mastery of core math standards
• Strong reading comprehension
• Grammar and written language accuracy
• Multi-step reasoning
• Academic stamina

If there are gaps in these areas, the most productive next step is not to advance to advanced SHSAT drills — it is to strengthen the foundation first.

For some students, a foundational academic readiness evaluation can help identify whether math, reading, or grammar skills need reinforcement before structured SHSAT preparation begins.

In 6th grade, the focus should be on building skills—not creating stress.

Most Students: Early to Mid 7th Grade

For many NYC students, early 7th grade is ideal.

By this time:

• Core math standards are more secure
• Reading comprehension skills are more developed
• Students can handle structured preparation

This allows for:

• Skill strengthening
• Strategy development
• Timed practice
• Gradual stamina building

Rushing in 6th grade without foundational readiness can create stress and burnout. Waiting until late summer of 8th grade can create unnecessary pressure.

Finding the right balance makes the process smoother for everyone.

Starting Late (Summer Before 8th Grade)

Can students start in the summer before 8th grade?

Yes.

Is it more intense?

Also yes.

At that point, preparation becomes:

• Diagnostic-driven
• Focused on closing gaps quickly
• Heavily structured
• Time-sensitive

It’s definitely possible, but students will need to be consistent and committed.

Students who begin later benefit most from a clear and structured plan.

Signs Your Child Is Ready to Begin

Instead of focusing only on grade level, ask:

• Can my child sustain focus for extended periods?
• Are 7th-grade math skills secure?
• Does my child handle multi-step problems confidently?
• Is reading stamina strong?
• Does my child genuinely want to attend a specialized high school?

A child’s motivation makes a real difference.

The SHSAT is not just about ability. It is about resilience, strategic preparation, and sustained effort over time.

Two Pathways to Determine the Right Starting Point

Every student is different.

Some 6th graders need foundational strengthening.

Some 7th graders are ready for the SHSAT-specific strategy.

Some 8th graders need focused gap-closing and stamina work.

Families typically begin with one of two pathways:

Academic Readiness Evaluation

For students who need to strengthen math, reading, or grammar skills before beginning SHSAT-specific preparation.

This evaluation focuses on core academic foundations to ensure readiness.

SHSAT Diagnostic Assessment

For students who are academically ready and preparing specifically for the specialized high school admissions exam.

This assessment evaluates SHSAT-style math application, advanced reading comprehension, pacing, and reasoning under timed conditions.

Beginning with the appropriate pathway prevents unnecessary stress and allows preparation to be strategic.

Not Sure Where Your Child Stands?

The most productive first step is clarity.

Our free SHSAT practice assessment gives students exposure to real SHSAT-style questions in both math and ELA under timed conditions. It mirrors the reasoning style and pacing students will encounter on the actual exam.

Take the Free SHSAT Practice Assessment

After completing the assessment, families may

Schedule Your SHSAT Results Review

to interpret scores and determine the appropriate preparation pathway.

Structured SHSAT classes and summer programs fill well before the fall exam. Beginning with a clear plan ensures preparation is intentional — not rushed.

Final Thought

Starting too early can create stress.

Starting too late can create pressure.

Starting at the right time builds confidence.

Preparation works best when it’s thoughtful and fits your child’s needs.

—

Christine Carroll, Ed.S.

Founder & Educational Director, Tutoring by Christine

A Parent Guide to the TACHS Exam (2026)

Updated for the 2026 TACHS Exam

By Christine Carroll, Founder of Tutoring by Christine

If your child is applying to Catholic high schools in New York City, whether in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, or beyond, understanding the TACHS exam is essential.

Each year, families navigating Catholic high school admissions hear conflicting information about the test. Is it harder than middle school work? When should preparation begin? How important are TACHS scores? What actually improves performance?

With over 30 years in education and nearly 15 years specializing in Catholic high school admissions test preparation, my goal is simple: to take the confusion out of the TACHS process so families can move forward with clarity, structure, and confidence.

This guide explains what the TACHS exam measures, how it is structured, and how to approach preparation strategically.

What Is the TACHS Exam?

The TACHS (Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools) is the standardized entrance exam used by Catholic high schools throughout New York City and Long Island.

Students applying to Catholic high schools in Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and surrounding areas typically take the TACHS during the fall of 8th grade.

While each school makes independent admissions decisions, TACHS scores often play an important role in admissions placement and scholarship consideration. Because of this, preparation should be intentional, not rushed.

TACHS Exam Structure at a Glance

The TACHS includes:

• Six sections total
• 200 multiple-choice questions
• Approximately two hours of testing time (excluding directions)
• Administration typically occurs on the first Friday in November of the 8th grade

The TACHS is administered digitally, and students complete the exam on a computer at home under timed conditions.

The six sections are:

• Reading
• Language
• Mathematics
• Ability Section 1
• Ability Section 2
• Ability Section 3

Although the exam assesses four academic domains (Reading, Language, Mathematics, and Ability), the Ability portion is divided into three separate sections. Reasoning and analytical thinking make up a significant portion of the exam.

Each section is timed individually.

Students may not return to a previous section once time has expired.

This makes pacing and section management extremely important.

The Digital Format and At-Home Testing Environment

Because the TACHS is administered digitally and taken at home, preparation must go beyond academic content.

Students should be comfortable with:

• Reading extended passages on a screen
• Managing time without physical page flipping
• Navigating between questions within a section
• Maintaining focus in a home environment

Families should ensure:

• A quiet, distraction-free testing space
• Reliable internet access
• A fully charged device or power connection
• Familiarity with keyboard and mouse navigation

Screen stamina is a real factor. Students who are not accustomed to sustained on-screen reading may experience fatigue more quickly.

Practicing in a digital format that mirrors the actual TACHS experience helps reduce anxiety and improve performance on test day.

What the TACHS Really Measures

The TACHS aligns with middle school academic standards. It does not test advanced high school content.

However, the structure, wording, and time constraints make it rigorous.

Reading

Students analyze passages, determine main ideas, draw inferences, and interpret vocabulary within context. Strong comprehension skills and reading stamina are essential.

Language

This section evaluates grammar, usage, and sentence structure. Students must apply rules of standard written English efficiently and accurately.

Mathematics

Students apply middle school math concepts, including arithmetic, fractions, ratios, percentages, and foundational pre-algebra reasoning.

Calculators are not permitted on the TACHS math section.

Students must rely on strong number sense, mental math skills, and efficient problem-solving strategies under timed conditions.

Ability (Three Sections)

The Ability sections measure logical reasoning, pattern recognition, relationships, sequences, and analytical thinking.

Because three separate sections assess reasoning, students who prepare only academic content, without strengthening analytical thinking, often struggle.

The TACHS is structured and strategic. Preparation should be structured and strategic as well.

When Should Students Begin TACHS Preparation?

Preparation timelines depend on readiness.

Some students benefit from strengthening foundational skills in 6th or 7th grade, particularly in reading comprehension and math reasoning. Others may be ready for focused TACHS preparation in early 8th grade.

Important readiness questions include:

• Are foundational academic skills solid?
• Is reading stamina strong enough for timed passages?
• Does timing impact performance?
• Are there gaps in grammar or math fluency?

Beginning preparation without understanding readiness can lead to frustration. Beginning with a diagnostic assessment provides clarity and direction.

Common TACHS Preparation Mistakes

Families across New York City often make similar mistakes when preparing for the TACHS:

• Waiting until late 8th grade to begin
• Taking multiple practice tests without reviewing errors deeply
• Assuming strong report card grades automatically translate to strong TACHS performance
• Focusing heavily on one section while neglecting others
• Misunderstanding percentile rankings on score reports

The TACHS requires more than exposure. It requires a plan.

Structured instruction, targeted review, and consistent timed practice produce stronger results than last-minute cramming.

What Strategic TACHS Preparation Looks Like

Effective TACHS preparation includes:

• Strengthening foundational reading and math skills
• Teaching students how to approach specific question types
• Practicing under timed digital conditions
• Reviewing mistakes systematically
• Building stamina and confidence

When preparation is balanced and consistent, students improve both accuracy and efficiency.

Confidence increases when students understand not only the material but also the exam’s structure.

Frequently Asked Questions About the TACHS

How many sections are on the TACHS exam?

The TACHS is divided into six sections: Reading, Language, Mathematics, and three separate Ability sections.

How many questions are on the TACHS?

There are 200 multiple-choice questions.

When is the TACHS given?

The TACHS is typically administered on the first Friday in November of a student’s 8th-grade year.

Are calculators allowed?

No. Calculators are not permitted in the Mathematics section.

Can students return to previous sections?

No. Once the time for a section has expired, students may not return to it.

The Right First Step

Catholic high school admissions can feel overwhelming, especially when families are unsure where their child stands.

The most effective way to approach TACHS preparation is not to guess, not to cram, and not to wait.

It is to begin with clarity.

A TACHS Readiness Assessment provides objective data about:

• Academic strengths
•  Skill gaps
•  Timing challenges
•  The most appropriate preparation pathway

With the right plan in place, preparation becomes focused, efficient, and far less stressful.

Families across New York City benefit most when preparation is intentional and structured months before the November exam date.

If your child plans to take the TACHS this fall, now is the time to determine readiness and build a clear strategy.

Strategic preparation leads to stronger performance.

And stronger performance opens doors.

The SHSAT, Explained (Without the Stress)

For many families, the SHSAT can feel overwhelming before the process even begins. Acronyms, timelines, score reports, and high stakes can make parents feel like they need a decoder just to get started. If you’ve ever wondered what this test really is and how you’re supposed to help your child without adding pressure, you’re not alone.

This guide breaks down the SHSAT in clear, straightforward terms so you can feel informed, calm, and confident as you navigate the process.

What Is the SHSAT?

The SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test) is the entrance exam used for admission to New York City’s specialized public high schools. For most students, it’s taken in 8th grade, though a smaller number of 9th graders may also take it for limited seats. Most test-takers are between 12 and 13 years old.

Unlike regular school exams, the SHSAT is a single, standardized test that plays a major role in admissions decisions. Grades, report cards, and teacher recommendations are not part of the process for these schools.

What Is the Test Like?

The SHSAT is a multiple-choice exam that lasts about three hours and is divided into two main sections: English Language Arts (ELA) and Math.

The ELA section focuses on reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and vocabulary through passages and questions; there is no essay. The Math section covers middle school–level topics such as arithmetic, fractions, ratios, algebra basics, and problem-solving. Calculators are not allowed.

Starting in 2026, the SHSAT will transition to a computer-adaptive test (CAT) format, adjusting question difficulty based on a student’s ongoing performance. This means students will not be able to move between sections or revisit questions once they advance, making pacing and careful attention to each question even more important.

Why the Process Feels Confusing for Parents

Many parents find the SHSAT process difficult to understand, and that’s not a reflection of their involvement or effort. The system itself is unfamiliar.

There is no clear “passing score.” Instead, scores are scaled, and cutoffs change from year to year based on overall performance and seat availability. This makes it hard to know what score is “good enough” or how competitive your child really is.

On top of that, the timeline, including registration, testing dates, score reports, and school selection, can feel fragmented. Families often turn to online forums or group chats for answers, only to find conflicting or outdated advice.

When Should Families Start Preparing?

There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Some students benefit from starting early and moving slowly, while others do better with focused preparation closer to the test date. What matters most is having a realistic plan that fits your child’s learning style and your family’s schedule.

Preparation doesn’t have to mean constant test drills. Understanding the format, building strong reading habits, practicing problem-solving, and learning basic test strategies can go a long way, without burnout.

How Parents Can Support Without Adding Stress

One of the biggest challenges for parents is finding the balance between being supportive and unintentionally increasing pressure. Staying informed, keeping expectations realistic, and focusing on effort rather than outcomes can make a huge difference.

Remember: the SHSAT is important, but it is not the only path to a great high school education. Helping your child feel calm, prepared, and supported matters just as much as the score itself.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

The SHSAT doesn’t need to feel mysterious or intimidating. With clear information and thoughtful guidance, families can navigate the process with confidence and far less stress.

If you’re looking for a calm, parent-friendly walkthrough of the SHSAT, what it is, how it works, and how to prepare effectively, we invite you to join our upcoming webinar, “The SHSAT, Explained (Without the Stress).” It’s designed to give you clarity, confidence, and practical next steps, because understanding the process is the first step toward supporting your child well.

Confident and Prepared: Guiding Your Child Through 2026 High School Admissions

High school admissions can feel overwhelming but you don’t have to go through it alone. With new changes in 2026, from digital testing to more competitive expectations, families are facing challenges that can seem daunting. The good news? With the right support, your child can approach this journey with clarity, confidence, and even excitement. Our goal is to give you the tools, strategies, and encouragement you need to help your child not only prepare, but truly thrive.

By: Christine Carroll, EdS
Published: September 2025

Why 2026 Feels Different

Every year, high school admissions in NYC bring stress and uncertainty, but 2026 adds new challenges.

• Digital-first testing: The SHSAT has fully transitioned to a computer-based format, with adaptive testing coming in 2026.
• Competitive edge: More families are investing in early prep, which raises the bar for students.
• Holistic reviews: Many Catholic and private schools are looking beyond scores, placing greater weight on grades, conduct, and engagement.

Our goal is to help families face these changes with clarity, structure, and confidence.

Key Exams for 2026

• SHSAT – Admission to specialized public schools (e.g., Staten Island Tech, Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Tech). Now fully digital and preparing to move adaptive in 2026.
• TACHS – Required for Catholic schools like St. Peter’s, Moore Catholic, Monsignor Farrell, Notre Dame Academy, St. Joseph Hill, and St. Joseph by-the-Sea.
• HSPT / ISEE – Used by private schools such as Regis, Xavier, and Staten Island Academy. The HSPT is also used to award scholarships at many Catholic schools.

Key Change: Unlike previous years, families should expect admissions teams to weigh seventh-grade performance and authentic effort alongside test scores.

What to Do and When

6th Grade (2024–25) – Build foundations: reading stamina, math fluency, vocabulary.
7th Grade (2025–26) – Begin diagnostic testing, refine weak areas, and learn strategies.
8th Grade (2026) – Commit to structured prep: full-length exams, timed practice, and stress-management techniques.

With the digital SHSAT and evolving expectations, students need not just content knowledge, but also comfort with test platforms and adaptive strategies.

SHSAT vs. TACHS – 2026 at a Glance

Beyond the Score: Finding the Right Fit

The right high school for your child isn’t just about prestige. It’s about where they’ll thrive, grow, and prepare for the next stage of life.

Ways families can explore schools in 2026:

• Use the Archdiocese handbook (released August 1) and the NYC MySchools site.
• Attend open houses, plays, sports events, and showcases to get a feel for culture.
• Schedule shadow days for first-hand experience.
• Match schools with your child’s strengths and interests—STEM, arts, finance, honors, and more.

Tutoring by Christine: Confidence, Strategy, Growth

At Tutoring by Christine, we help students meet 2026’s challenges with:

• Targeted review in reading, grammar, and math
• Digital practice exams and timed drills
• Stress-reduction strategies tailored for test day
• In-depth error analysis to turn mistakes into progress

Students don’t just practice, they build confidence and resilience.

Watch the Webinar Video
Watch the full webinar below to hear helpful tips from Christine Carroll. Find out what high schools are really looking for and how you can support your child through the admissions process.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Tutoring by Christine offers flexible options for families preparing for 2026 admissions:

• TACHS & SHSAT prep courses (summer, fall, and year-round)
• Foundational courses in reading, writing, and math
• Private tutoring designed to strengthen executive functioning and test confidence

Together, we can reduce the stress and set your student up for success in 2026 and beyond.

Best regards, 

Christine Carroll, EdS

How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for High School Admission Tests.

By: Christine Carroll,
Published: May 2025

Watch the Webinar

Missed our recent webinar? You can watch the replay at the bottom of this post! “From Stressed to Success: Mastering High School Admissions Tests,” at the bottom of this post. Learn everything you need to guide your child through the SHSAT, TACHS, and NYC high school admissions process with clarity and confidence.

Why It Matters

Applying to high school in NYC can be confusing and stressful. There are tests to take, deadlines to track, and big choices to make—all while your child is still in middle school.

We made this webinar to help. It gives families a clear plan, useful tools, and important dates so you can feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.

Understanding NYC High School Admissions

NYC students can apply to a mix of public, Catholic, and private high schools, each with different expectations and entrance exams.

Key Exams Covered:

• SHSAT – For entry into specialized public schools (e.g., Staten Island Tech, Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Tech)
• TACHS – Required by Catholic high schools such as St. Peter’s, Moore Catholic, Monsignor Farrell, Notre Dame Academy, St. Joseph Hill, and St. Joseph by-the-Sea
• HSPT / ISEE – Used by private schools like Regis, Xavier, and Staten Island Academy. The HSPT is also used by many Catholic high schools to award scholarships.

Some Catholic high schools rely solely on TACHS scores, while others also review grades, conduct, teacher comments, and attendance. Specialized public high schools rely only on SHSAT results.

What to Do and When

Preparation by Grade Level:

• 6th Grade – Focus on reading stamina, math fluency, and vocabulary development
• 7th Grade – Begin diagnostic testing, build foundational skills, and start strategy prep
• 8th Grade – Commit to structured test prep with full-length practice exams and timed drills

SHSAT vs. TACHS – What’s the Difference?

Beyond Test Scores: Finding the Right Fit

The best school for your child isn’t necessarily the most well-known or selective—it’s the one where they’ll feel supported, inspired, and able to thrive. These four years should help your child grow academically and personally, preparing them for the next stage of life.

Here’s how families can explore options and find the best environment for their student:

• Attend open houses using the Archdiocese handbook (available August 1) or visit the NYC MySchools website
• Explore the TACHS Exam website for registration deadlines, testing information, and more
• Go to events like school plays, concerts, art shows, and sports games to get a feel for school culture
• Schedule shadow days so students experience a real school day
• Ask about programs aligned with your student’s interests—STEM, performing arts, finance, honors programs, and more

At Tutoring by Christine, We Focus on Confidence & Growth

Our students don’t just practice—they reflect, improve, and build confidence. Whether in group classes or one-on-one sessions, we guide students through:

• Targeted content review in math, grammar, and reading
• Timed drills and mock exams
• In-depth error analysis and feedback
• Test-taking strategies and stress-reduction techniques

Students leave our programs prepared—and more importantly, empowered.

A Message from Our Guest Expert

During the webinar, we were joined by Vincent Navabi, Director of Admissions at Monsignor Farrell High School. He provided key insights about what admissions teams look for beyond test scores, including seventh-grade performance, school engagement, and upward academic growth.

His advice? Support students in discovering their strengths, encourage them to explore school options deeply, and remember that authentic effort matters just as much as outcomes.

Watch the Webinar Video

Watch the full webinar below to hear helpful tips from Christine Carroll and Vincent Navabi. Find out what high schools are really looking for and how you can support your child through the admissions process.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Tutoring by Christine offers comprehensive support for families preparing for high school admissions:

• TACHS & SHSAT prep courses (summer, fall, and year-round)
• Foundational courses that build reading, writing, and math fluency
• Private tutoring designed to meet each student’s academic goals, strengthen executive functioning, and build test-day confidence

Let’s reduce the stress—and help your student take the next step with confidence.

Best regards, 

Christine Carroll, EdS

How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for High School Admission Tests.

By: Christine Carroll,

Preparing for high school admission tests can be a stressful time for both students and parents. As a parent, you want to provide the right balance of support, guidance, and encouragement to help your child succeed. Here are some practical ways to help your middle schooler build strong study habits, reduce test anxiety, and stay organized throughout the admissions process.

1. Establish a Study Routine

Consistency is key when preparing for high school admission tests. Help your child create a study schedule that includes:

• Dedicated Study Time: Encourage daily or weekly sessions rather than last-minute cramming.
• Breaks and Downtime: Short breaks between study sessions improve focus and retention.
• A Distraction-Free Environment: Set up a quiet, organized study space, away from distractions like TV or social media.

2. Teach Effective Study Habits

Support your child in developing strategies that maximize learning:

• Active Learning: Encourage summarizing information, teaching concepts to others, and using flashcards instead of passive reading.
• Practice Tests: Simulating test conditions with timed practice exams helps build endurance and familiarity with the format.
• Note-Taking Techniques: Show them how to use outlines, color coding, and visual aids to organize information.

3. Address Test Anxiety

It’s normal for students to feel nervous about high-stakes exams, but parents can help reduce anxiety:

• Normalize the Experience: Remind your child that feeling nervous is a natural part of test-taking.
• Teach Relaxation Techniques: Deep breathing, mindfulness, and positive self-talk can help manage stress.
• Encourage a Growth Mindset: Emphasize effort and progress rather than perfection—learning from mistakes is part of the process.

4. Stay Organized with a Study Plan

High school admissions tests require preparation in multiple subject areas. Help your child break tasks into manageable steps:

• Create a Checklist: Track important test dates, registration deadlines, and study goals.
• Use a Planner or Digital Tools: Calendar apps or a simple notebook can help track study sessions and assignments.
• Set Small, Achievable Goals: Instead of overwhelming your child with big tasks, break them down into daily or weekly objectives.

5. Provide Emotional and Practical Support

Beyond academics, students need encouragement and reassurance:

• Be a Cheerleader, Not a Critic: Celebrate small wins and acknowledge their hard work.
• Encourage Healthy Habits: Good nutrition, sleep, and exercise play a huge role in cognitive function and focus.
• Know When to Seek Extra Help: If your child is struggling, consider a tutor or academic coach who specializes in test prep.

Final Thoughts

By fostering strong study habits, addressing test anxiety, and keeping your child organized, you can play a vital role in their test preparation journey. The key is to provide guidance without adding pressure—creating a positive learning environment where they feel supported and empowered to succeed.

Remember, preparing for high school admission tests is not just about the test itself, but about building lifelong skills in time management, resilience, and self-motivation. Your child can approach the challenge with confidence and a mindset for success with your support!