SHSAT Time-Management: Section-by-Section Hacks

Introduction: Why Time Management Is Everything

The SHSAT isn’t just about what you know—it’s about what you can do in 180 minutes. Even strong students lose points when they run out of time or mismanage pacing.

This article breaks down section-by-section time-management hacks so students can maximize their performance without panic.

Understanding the SHSAT Time Limits

  • Total Time: 180 minutes (3 hours).

  • Questions: ~114 total across ELA and Math.

  • Flexibility: Students can divide time however they want between sections.

👉 The key: students must set their own pacing checkpoints.

Time Management Hacks for the ELA Section

1. Start with Strengths

  • If your child is stronger in reading comprehension, start there.

  • If grammar/revising comes easier, knock those out first.

2. The 5-Minute Preview

  • Skim passages before diving into questions.

  • Circle key words, transitions, and tone markers.

3. The “30-Second Rule”

  • If stuck, don’t spend more than 30 seconds on one question.

  • Mark it, move on, and come back later if time allows.

4. End with a Quick Review

Reserve 5 minutes to check bubbled answers—misaligned answer sheets are a common pitfall.

Time Management Hacks for the Math Section

1. Start with Easy Wins

  • Do all the problems you recognize immediately.

  • Circle or star harder ones to revisit later.

2. Use Benchmarks

  • Every 15 minutes, check how many questions you’ve completed.

  • If behind pace, pick up speed and prioritize simpler problems.

3. Don’t Overwork One Problem

  • If it takes more than 90 seconds and you’re stuck, skip and return later.

4. Double-Check Bubble Alignment

  • One mis-bubbled answer can throw off the entire section.

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

General Time-Management Hacks

1. Practice With a Timer

Simulate test conditions—no pausing. Get used to the rhythm.

2. Break Test Into Quarters

Divide the 180 minutes into four 45-minute chunks. After each, check progress.

3. Stay Calm if Behind

Panic wastes time. Better to make educated guesses on skipped items than freeze.

Case Study: Time Managed vs. Time Lost

  • Student A: Jumped around, spent 5 minutes on one math problem, ran out of time.

  • Student B: Used checkpoints, skipped hard problems, returned later. Finished with time to review.

The difference wasn’t ability—it was pacing.

FAQ: SHSAT Time Management

Q1: Should students spend more time on ELA or Math?
It depends on strengths. Students should lean into their stronger section first.

Q2: How much time per question?
Roughly 90 seconds, but pacing should vary—easy questions faster, hard ones slower.

Q3: Can students bring a watch?
Yes—analog watches are allowed (not smartwatches).

External Resources

  • NYC DOE SHSAT Guide

  • Learning Scientists – Effective Time Use

Student Checklist for Time Management

✅ Use pacing checkpoints.
✅ Apply the 30-second rule for stuck ELA questions.
✅ Spend no more than 90 seconds on tough math.
✅ Start with easy wins in both sections.
✅ Reserve 5 minutes for answer sheet review.

Conclusion: Time Is Your Secret Weapon

The SHSAT rewards smart pacing as much as knowledge. By practicing time checkpoints, skipping traps, and reviewing answers, students can maximize every minute of the exam.

Next Read: How to Improve Reading Comprehension for the SHSAT

CTA: Ready to practice pacing? Use our NYC SHSAT Practice Tests to train under real time limits.