NYC Parents: This One Test Could Shape Your Child’s Future. But Most Families Don’t Understand It Until It’s Too Late!

Here’s the Step-by-Step Guide Parents Are Calling a Lifesaver.

Download your free parent guide to understand the SHSAT, what’s changing in 2025, and how to give your child an edge, without guesswork or burnout!

Over 25,000 NYC students take the SHSAT each year. Only ~4,000 get in. This guide helps you be one of them.

You want your child to have the best shot at a top high school, but you feel like you’re flying blind.

“What exactly is the SHSAT, and when should we start preparing?”

“How do I know if we’re doing enough?”

“Is it too late already?”

“I keep hearing conflicting advice, who do I trust?”

Sound familiar?

This guide was built for parents like you who want answers, a plan, and peace of mind.

Inside This Free Guide, You’ll Learn:

✅ What the SHSAT really is, and how NYC high school admissions actually work

✅ A breakdown of all 8 specialized high schools (so you know what fits your child)

✅ The latest changes for 2025 & 2026 — including the shift to digital testing

✅ Clear score targets, study timelines, and prep strategies

✅ The truth about the Discovery Program and cutoff scores

✅ A behind-the-scenes look at real prep strategies that get real results

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SHSAT, and should my child take it?

The SHSAT is the admissions test for one of eight specialized high schools in New York City. These schools consistently rank in the top schools in America, has a significant number of students attend Ivy League colleges, and are some of the most competitive admissions wise in the city. This guide will help you understand how the test works, who it’s for, what scores are needed, and how to prepare.

Do I really need to start thinking about the SHSAT in 6th or 7th grade?

Yes — and starting early doesn’t mean stressing your child out. This guide gives you the age-specific prep timeline so you know exactly what to focus on at each grade level. No cramming. No pressure. Just a smart head start.

My kid is strong in school. Do they really need special SHSAT prep?

Yes. The SHSAT isn’t about grades. Top students often struggle on this test because it’s unfamiliar, high-stakes, and strategy-heavy. This guide breaks down why even honors students need focused SHSAT practice — and how to prep without overwhelm.

How is this different from what the school or DOE already gives us?

This guide fills the gaps the DOE doesn’t. While DOE offers basic info, this guide gives you real-world insight: Score breakdowns, Prep options (free vs paid), What’s changing with the digital SHSAT, and a proven prep roadmap from an NYC test coach

What if my child has test anxiety?

You’re not alone, there’s help. We’ve included strategies for building test confidence, managing time under pressure, and preparing in ways that reduce anxiety (instead of increasing it). And in the FB group, you’ll hear directly from other parents who’ve worked through this too.

Is this guide just trying to sell me tutoring?

Nope! it’s a complete, standalone resource. There’s no paywall and no bait-and-switch. We do run a test prep program if you're looking for expert help, but this guide is free, useful, and built to help all NYC families, regardless of your budget or timeline.

What exactly is inside the Facebook group?

Think of it as your parent-powered SHSAT support squad:

Get up-to-date reminders about key dates and changes

Ask questions and get parent-to-parent advice

Learn what’s working for other families — and what’s not

Direct access to Carl (the guide’s author and SHSAT coach) for answers that actually help