Overview of the SHSAT Mathematics Test
The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is a test that eighth and ninth graders in New York City take each year to gain admission to one of the city’s elite specialized high schools. The SHSAT is a pencil-and-paper, timed test with two 57-question sections: Math and English Language Arts (ELA). Students have 180 minutes (3 hours) to complete the SHSAT test.
Here we talk about SHSAT mathematics. So join us!
What kind of Math is on the 8th grade SHSAT?
The SHSAT has a very long and comprehensive math section to test students on math knowledge up to that year, with some advanced concepts you may not be familiar with yet.
The Absolute Best Book to Ace the SHSAT Math Test
The math part of the exam has 57 questions. 5 of them are grid-in questions while 52 of them are multiple-choice. The recommended time is 90 minutes or about half of the exam, but it still depends on how long you want to take. If you are good at math, it gives you more time to review your answers and return to the verbal section if necessary.
The math topic includes:
- Proportions
- Volume
- Scale
- Geometry (angles)
- Logic
- Consecutive integers
- Solve for the variable
- Unit conversion
- Mean with variable
- Multi-step story problems
- Percentages
- Ratios
- Inequality
- Probability
- Translate and solve
- Constant rate
- Adding mixed numbers
- Factors
- bar graphs
- Algebra
- Numerical expressions
In the math section, note that graphs are not necessarily plotted on a scale, and fractions should be reduced to the lowest terms possible.
What kind of Math is on the 9th grade SHSAT?
Students should expect that most of the questions out of a total of 57 math in the test are similar to the eighth-grade test (about 40-47) and about 10-17 questions from the following topics.
- Advanced Algebra
- Word problems
- Graphing functions
- Slopes of linear functions
- Transformation
- 3-D geometry
- Basic trigonometry
Is the SHSAT math test hard?
The new SHSAT is difficult only for students who are not ready.
Do you get a formula sheet in the SHSAT math?
The SHSAT does not provide a formula or reference material for use during the test. You need to know the formulas and be familiar with technical math terms.
Can you use a calculator on the SHSAT math?
You are not allowed to use a calculator on the SHSAT math.
How is the SHSAT math scored?
The highest score possible for the math section is 400.
Looking for the best resources to help you or your student succeed on the SHSAT test?
The Best Resource to Ace the SHSAT Math Test
Related to This Article
More math articles
- 10 Most Common SHSAT Math Questions
- How to Help Your 8th Grade Student Prepare for the New Hampshire NH SAS Math Test
- How to Prepare for the SSAT Middle-Level Math Test?
- The Ultimate 6th Grade SBAC Math Course (+FREE Worksheets)
- 4th Grade DCAS Math Worksheets: FREE & Printable
- How to Use Area Models to Divide Two-Digit Numbers By One-digit Numbers
- How to Solve Composition of Functions? (+FREE Worksheet!)
- Number Properties Puzzle – Challenge 9
- Full-Length 8th Grade FSA Math Practice Test
- Supermarket Sweep: How to Choose the Better Coupon in Aisle 7!


















What people say about "Overview of the SHSAT Mathematics Test - Effortless Math: We Help Students Learn to LOVE Mathematics"?
No one replied yet.