Beating the test since 1996.
IvyPrep has been helping students crush the SHSAT for 25 years. We recognize that each student presents a unique profile of skills, capabilities, and needs. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach to minimize cost, we offer tiered instruction and place students in classes that fit best based on ability. Students enjoy a uniquely tailored test prep experience that delivers maximum score-raising effects in minimum time.
Uniquely Qualified
IvyPrep brings together the right experts, the right materials, and vast experience to help our students prep smarter and score higher. Whether you choose in-person or remote, classroom or private tutoring, our award-winning team of instructors, writers, and coordinators are a powerful conduit of knowledge and growth. We help you raise your scores by working with you as partners and creating an immersive and supportive environment to help you unlock your potential and reach your dream score.
A Structured Approach
Every IvyPrep course is crafted and structured to take students beyond a superficial understanding. Our expert instructors skillfully inspire each student to curiosity, discovery, and connection of facts to concepts towards true mastery of the most challenging content areas of the test.
Available 1-on-1 Support
Add private tutoring to any course or self-paced package for more personal attention. By reviewing and analyzing your practice tests and homework, our expert instructors can identify and provide facts, guidance, and plenty of relevant practice to help you make the most progress towards your goals.
+ How many questions are on the SHSAT?
The SHSAT consists of 114 questions. There are 57 ELA questions that include editing/revising and reading and 57 math questions. There are 20 questions that are considered experimental and are not graded.
+ How long is the SHSAT?
The time limit for the SHSAT is 3 hours long. There are no hard limits on how much of the time should be spent on the ELA section and how much time should be spent on math.
+ Who is eligible to take the SHSAT?
Students must be residents of New York City in order to apply, register, and sit for the Specialized High Schools admissions Test (SHSAT) and to audition for LaGuardia High School. Eight-grade and first-time ninth-grade students who arrive in New York after the October/November test dates can request to take a make-up the following summer.
Students who are English Language Learners (ELL), students on Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or 504 Plans, and students with disabilities can request to take the test with appropriate accommodations. Students with disabilities The SHSAT is offered in English for all students; however, ELL students may request a math glossary in Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Urdu.
+ When and where is the SHSAT offered?
The SHSAT is offered once a year in October to 8th graders and first-time 9th graders. Students who are 8th graders take the SHSAT in late October. A different test is offered a week later for first-time 9th grade students and a third test is offered the following summer for students who started school in New York City after the October/November test dates. Students unable to take the test on their assigned test date due to religious observances can request to take a make-up test.
Students are assigned one of seven testing sites based on school district. There is at least one testing site in every borough. More information about test dates and testing sites for the current administration of the test can be found on the NYC Department of Education’s SHSAT website.
+ How do IvyPrep instructors prepare me to score my best?
Our expert instructors write the practice books used in the classrooms. Up-to-date and consistent with the latest test specifications, our practice test books are designed for help students gain the skills and strategies needed to score above the 95th percentile. All of our instructors have degrees from Ivy League or top schools, and a minimum of 10 years’ teaching experience.
+ How many students in a typical SHSAT class?
The typical SAT class is limited to about 15 to 25 students. With smaller classes, our test experts can understand and connect with each student’s needs. For students who desire even more personalized attention, we offer one-on-one tutoring that is customized to fit each individual’s optimum pace.
+ How many practice tests are included with the program?
Students in the regular spring and fall programs take practice tests monthly. This means that there are 4 practice tests included in the fall program and 6 practice tests included in the spring program. All students who take a summer program will take one practice test each week for a total of 7 practice tests.
+ How much homework is included with the program?
Students in the spring and fall programs are assigned one section of homework each week. Students in the summer program are assigned one section of homework each day Monday through Thursday. Each homework section has a question count roughly equivalent to 75% of a full-length SAT exam and takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.
+ How does IvyPrep track a student's progress?
Students are required to submit homework answers electronically via Google form. By comparing homework performance and practice test scores, IvyPrep is able to use sophisticated algorithms to measure effort and progress as well as make targeted suggestions for future improvement.
