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