On average, 28,000 students take the SHSATonly 5,100 get offered.

Big Changes Are Coming to the SHSAT in 2026 — Be the First to Prepare for the New Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) Format

Student taking SHSAT at computer

We’ve built the only digital, computer- adaptive SHSAT practice test, designed exactly like the 2026 SHSAT (CAT). Limited Founders Access will open soon.

“Students often underperform on standardized tests not because they’re unprepared—but because they’ve never experienced the format.” - Mrs. Lloyd, 8th Grade Teacher

Forget Everything You Know About SHSAT Test Prep

The New Format: What is a Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT)?

A CAT is an exam that selects the questions that a student sees based on their ongoing performance. For example, a test-taker who performs well on a moderately challenging prompt will then receive a more difficult item; a student who does not answer such an item correctly will then be asked a less difficult question.

Why Choose Us Over Them?

Built for the New CAT

Adaptive difficulty by item and passage set — exactly like the real SHSAT CAT.

Exam Rules, Exactly

Passage sets allow edits until submit; stand-alone + math are forward-only; no backtracking.

True Test Length & Pacing

Full 180-minute timer and live progress bar for real test stamina training.

Adaptive by Topic

Balanced coverage across Algebra, Geometry, Probability, Evidence, Tone, and more.

Smart Navigation

Dot navigation, “answer all-then-lock” rules, and section order discipline.

Score + Time Analytics

Category breakdowns, average time per correct vs. incorrect, and top 3 slowest questions.

Review + Explanations

See every question again, with explanations for missed items and highlighted correct answers.

Unlimited Retakes & History

Take the test as many times as necessary. Every attempt is saved with scores, categories, and timing for measurable progress.

Performance by Category

Drill down into Algebra, Geometry, Probability, Evidence, and more—see accuracy and timing per topic.

Drill Mode

Practice only the topics/sections you choose (Math, Reading, Writing)—laser-focused reps that stick.

Error Log & Weakness Tracker

Missed or slow questions are auto-saved into a “Redo Later” set—so you can turn gaps into strengths.

$25 Donated per Purchase

Every order contributes $25 to the Donate-A-Practice-Test Fund—expanding access for more students.

Multilingual Reports

Score reports and explanations available in multiple languages to support every family.

Take A Quick Look On The Inside

How SHSAT (CAT) Practice Tests Work?

Chart about how the SHSAT practice test website works

They’ll Notice—And They’ll Wish They Had What You Do

Mother and son celebrating getting accepted

Stuyvesant

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Bronx

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Brooklyn Tech

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Brooklyn Latin

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HSMSE

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HSAS

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QHSSYC

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Staten Island Tech

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Stuyvesant * Bronx * Brooklyn Tech * Brooklyn Latin * HSMSE * HSAS * QHSSYC * Staten Island Tech *

The stakes are high so practice like it’s the real test.

Full-length. Precisely timed. Instant scoring. Explanations. Progress tracking. + Good will.

Imagine your child walking into the most important test of their young life… without knowing what it looks like, how to navigate the 180-minute time limit, or the CAT format.

black and whit photo of happy student with a blue bookbag

The Good Will Initiative/Donate A Practice Test

Two Ways to Make an Impact with Your Purchase

At SHSAT Computer-Adaptive Test Digital Practice Tests, we believe preparation shouldn’t come at the expense of community. That’s why every order carries built-in good — and gives you the option to do even more. Through our Good Will Initiative, a portion of your purchase supports a nonprofit of your choice. And if you’d like to take it further, you can give to the Donate A Practice Test Fund at checkout, giving another student the chance to prepare for the SHSAT who otherwise wouldn’t have access.

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FAQs

  • Yes — our practice tests are truly computer-adaptive. Many test prep companies avoid this step because it’s complex and expensive to build, but we believe it’s non-negotiable if the goal is elite admissions. The official exam your child will face is adaptive, so our practice tests must be as well.

    Every question adjusts in real time to your child’s performance, recreating the exact dynamics of test day. That level of precision gives two critical advantages:

    1. Accuracy — It’s the closest possible simulation of the actual test, ensuring your child is prepared for the pace, difficulty shifts, and decision-making required under pressure.

    2. Clarity — Adaptive scoring provides a sharper view of strengths and weaknesses, allowing us to target only what matters most for raising scores.

    For families aiming at the city’s most competitive schools, this level of preparation is essential. And for parents, it means peace of mind: when your child walks into the exam room, nothing will feel unfamiliar.

  • Limited Founders Access begins February 2026.

  • Yes! All practice tests are timed (3 hours) to mirror the actual exam’s timing and format, giving you an authentic test-day experience.

  • Currently, reports are available in the following languages:

    • English

    • Español (Spanish)

    • Chinese

    • Bangla (Bengali)

    • Russian

    • Urdu

    • Arabic

    • Haitian Creole

    • Korean.

    We are working very hard to add more language options.

    Start Practicing

  • Absolutely. Our platform is fully mobile-friendly, so you can practice anytime, anywhere on any internet connected device.

  • No printing is necessary. All tests are completed online, just like the real SHSAT.

    • Bronx High School of Science.

    • Brooklyn Latin School.

    • Brooklyn Technical High School.

    • High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College.

    • High School of American Studies at Lehman College.

    • Queens High School for Sciences at York College.

    • Staten Island Technical High School.

    • Stuyvesant High School.

SHSAT Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) Practice Tests 2026

practice@nycshsat.com

©2025 SHSAT Computer-Adaptive Test Practice Tests, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is administered by the New York City Department of Education (NYC DOE). Our practice materials are independently developed and are not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with the NYC DOE. While every effort has been made to design these practice tests in alignment with the skills and content areas assessed on the SHSAT, as well as the New York State Learning Standards for English Language Arts and Mathematics, they are intended for preparation purposes only. Use of these materials does not guarantee performance outcomes on the official exam.