Big changes are coming to the SHSAT! Starting in fall 2025, New York City’s Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) will move from paper to computer-based testing. This shift reflects broader trends in standardized testing, including the recent digital transitions of the PSAT, SAT, and state assessments for grades 3–8.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s changing—and what’s staying the same—so your student can feel confident and prepared.
Fall 2025: The SHSAT Goes Digital
Beginning in 2025, the SHSAT will be administered on computer instead of on paper. Students will still complete the same number of questions—57 in English Language Arts and 57 in Math—and have three hours to complete the test. They’ll be able to choose which section to start with and will be able to move back and forth between questions before submitting.
While the structure remains familiar, the digital version will include tech-enhanced items—questions that go beyond multiple choice and grid-in formats to assess skills in new, interactive ways.
The digital format also brings built-in supports:
- Glossaries in multiple languages for English Language Learners (ELLs)
- Accessibility features like zoom, highlighting, and note-taking
- Accommodations for students with IEPs or 504 plans, delivered through the computer whenever possible
Curious about the new question types? Try a sample here.
Fall 2026: The SHSAT Becomes Adaptive
In 2026, the SHSAT will become a computer-adaptive test (CAT). That means the test will adjust to each student’s performance in real time. If a student answers a question correctly, the next question may be more challenging. If they get it wrong, the next one might be easier. All students will be tested on the same grade-level standards, but the difficulty of individual questions will vary.
A few key differences in this format:
- Students cannot return to previous questions once they’ve moved on (with limited exceptions in reading passages).
- Students will still answer the same number of questions in each section.
- Time limits and scoring will remain the same.
How to Get Ready
The NYC Department of Education is releasing digital tools to help students prepare:
- A Student Readiness Tool tutorial is available now
- Two full-length online practice tests will be released in spring 2025
Students will take the SHSAT on DOE-provided computers at their school or a designated testing site—not at home and not on personal devices.
What Families Should Remember
- Fall 2025: SHSAT goes digital, but test structure remains the same
- Fall 2026: SHSAT becomes computer-adaptive
- ELL supports, accessibility features, and accommodations will be integrated digitally
- Scoring remains consistent with past years: raw scores → scaled scores → composite score
Staying Informed
To learn more, visit the NYC DOE SHSAT website.
Private Prep is here to help families navigate the admissions process with confidence, and we are committed to giving students the tools they need to succeed. Have questions about SHSAT preparation? Contact us to learn how we can help.
