SHSAT Study Guide — 250+ High-Yield Terms & Concepts

250+ High-Yield Terms & Concepts for the NYC Specialized High Schools Admissions Test

Prepare for the NYC Specialized High Schools Admissions Test with a focused, high-yield concept review covering 255 terms and concepts (each with key facts, a strategy tip, and a worked example) across 15 parts — built for the SHSAT's digital (computer-based) format in use since the fall 2025 administration. The guide covers the two-section, 114-question structure and 180-minute timing (per the official DOE General Directions), eligibility & MySchools registration, test-day rules & accommodations, how scores work (number correct to scaled scores to the composite), rank-order placement and what cutoffs are and are not, plus complete ELA and Mathematics content coverage. Facts-first and DOE-caveated: the guide never invents a scaled-score conversion formula, yearly cutoffs, or score-release dates — DOE does not publish the conversion; wherever facts vary or are unpublished, it says so honestly and directs you to the official pages (schools.nyc.gov, MySchools, the NYC SHSAT Portal). This independent study aid is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the NYC Department of Education (DOE), the SHSAT, the Specialized High Schools Institute, or any testing vendor. The SHSAT is administered by the NYC DOE, which sets its own dates, rules, and scoring: confirm current format, registration dates, and score-release information on the official DOE pages (schools.nyc.gov and MySchools) before registering.