Common SHSAT Mistakes That Cost You Points (and How to Avoid Them)

Introduction: It’s Not Just About What You Know

On the SHSAT, many points are lost not because students don’t know the content—but because of avoidable mistakes.The good news? Once students recognize these traps, they can sidestep them and boost their scores without learning new material.

This guide highlights the most common SHSAT mistakes and gives proven fixes.

ELA Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake 1: Gut-Feeling Answers

  • Students often pick the answer that “sounds right.”

  • Fix: Always find textual evidence before choosing.

Mistake 2: Rereading Entire Passages

  • Wastes time and builds frustration.

  • Fix: Skim strategically and focus on questions that direct you to evidence lines.

Mistake 3: Misreading Question Stems

  • Example: Confusing “main idea” with “detail.”

  • Fix: Circle the task word (main idea, inference, tone).

Math Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake 1: Spending Too Long on One Problem

  • Students burn 5 minutes on a single tough question.

  • Fix: Use the 90-second rule—move on and come back.

Mistake 2: Dropping Units

  • Forgetting to convert feet to inches or minutes to hours.

  • Fix: Write units clearly in each step.

Mistake 3: Careless Arithmetic Errors

  • Sign mistakes (+/−) or miscopied numbers.

  • Fix: Circle final answers and double-check key calculations.

Process Mistakes & Fixes

Mistake 1: Mis-Bubbling

  • Skipping one bubble throws off all following answers.

  • Fix: Check alignment every page.

Mistake 2: No Time for Review

  • Students finish exactly at time with no chance to fix errors.

  • Fix: Reserve 5 minutes for bubbling review.

Mistake 3: Ignoring Weaknesses

  • Students repeat the same errors without reviewing.

  • Fix: Keep a mistake log and drill error types weekly.

Related: Turn Wrong Answers into Wins: The Review Method That Works

Case Study: The Cost of Small Errors

  • Student A: Strong at math, but lost 20 points from mis-bubbling.

  • Student B: Average skills, but avoided careless errors. Ended with a higher score.

Lesson: Avoiding mistakes can matter as much as learning new material.

FAQ: SHSAT Mistakes

Q1: Are careless mistakes more common in math or ELA?
Math—because of mis-bubbling, arithmetic slips, and unit errors.

Q2: Should I guess if I don’t know an answer?
Yes—there’s no penalty for wrong answers. Never leave blanks.

Q3: Can practice tests reduce mistakes?
Yes—mistakes shrink when students simulate test conditions.

External Resources

  • NYC DOE – SHSAT Practice Tests

  • Learning Scientists – Common Study Errors

Student Checklist: Mistakes to Avoid

✅ Don’t answer without evidence.
✅ Circle task words in ELA.
✅ Apply the 90-second rule in math.
✅ Track units clearly.
✅ Check bubbling alignment.
✅ Leave 5 minutes for review.
✅ Keep a mistake log.

Conclusion: Fewer Mistakes = Higher Score

Sometimes the easiest way to raise a score isn’t by learning more—it’s by making fewer mistakes. Students who recognize traps, use evidence, and check their work can unlock hidden points on the SHSAT.

Next Read: Turn Wrong Answers into Wins: The Review Method That Works

CTA: Train yourself to avoid mistakes by practicing under real conditions. Start with our NYC SHSAT Practice Tests.