New Digital SHSAT – What’s Different

The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is one of the most important exams for 8th-grade students applying to New York City's elite public high schools. For years, the SHSAT has been a paper-based test, but starting in fall 2025, it’s going digital.

If you’re a parent of an 8th grader who’s preparing for the SHSAT, you’re probably wondering what this change means for your child. Will it affect the test’s content? How can students prepare for the new format? In this post, we’ll break down what the digital version of the SHSAT will look like and how you can help your child succeed in this new testing format.

What Is the SHSAT?

The SHSAT is an entrance exam used for admissions to New York City's nine specialized high schools, including Stuyvesant High School, The Bronx High School of Science, and Brooklyn Technical High School. The exam tests two major areas: English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics.

• ELA Section: The English section includes reading comprehension passages, sentence correction questions, and logical reasoning. Students must read the passage and answer questions based on the content, including understanding vocabulary, drawing inferences, and identifying the main ideas.

• Math Section: The math section covers topics like algebra, word problems, and number theory, with an emphasis on problem-solving and mathematical reasoning.

The test is challenging, and it’s designed to assess the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed for success in high school.

What’s Changing with the Digital SHSAT?

As of fall 2025, the SHSAT will no longer be a paper-based test. Instead, students will take the exam on a computer. What does this mean for your child?

Here are the key differences with the digital SHSAT:

1. The Format Will Be ComputerizedInstead of filling in multiple-choice bubbles on paper, students will click answers on a computer screen. The interface will be user-friendly, but the core content of the exam—the reading comprehension, math problems, and logical reasoning—will stay the same.

2. No More Answer Sheets to Fill OutOne of the most notable changes is that students will no longer have to manually fill in answer sheets. This may sound like a small difference, but it can impact how students interact with the test. The new format will have more dynamic features, such as the ability to highlight text in the reading comprehension section or mark questions for review.

3. The Test Will Be Timed on the ComputerPreviously, students used paper-based tests, but the digital version will include an on-screen timer. This will be helpful for students to monitor their progress and manage their time during the exam, ensuring they don’t get stuck on a particular question for too long.

4. Interactive FeaturesThe digital version will allow students to use tools like a virtual calculator (for the math section) and the ability to mark or flag questions for later review. These tools will help students track their progress as they move through the exam.

5. Better Accessibility FeaturesThe digital format will also introduce enhanced accessibility features for students who need accommodations. This includes larger text, screen readers, and the ability to adjust the display for color contrast.

How Does This Affect Your Child’s Preparation?

The digital format may seem like a big change, but the content of the test will remain the same. The main thing students need to practice is navigating the new test interface. Here’s how you can help:

1. Familiarize Your Child with the Test InterfaceThe best way to prepare for the digital SHSAT is to get your child comfortable with the new format. Practice tests in the digital format will help students get used to clicking answers, marking questions, and using the virtual calculator. Make sure they’re familiar with all the features they’ll encounter on test day, like the timer and flagging questions for review.

2. Prepare for the Content, Not Just the FormatWhile it’s important to practice with the new format, don’t forget about the core content of the SHSAT. Continue working on critical thinking skills, math problem-solving, and reading comprehension. Use practice questions to build your child’s confidence in these areas. You can find digital practice tests that simulate the new interface, which will help your child prepare in a way that feels familiar.

3. Time Management Is Still KeyThe digital SHSAT will still be a timed test, so time management is crucial. Practice pacing by timing your child as they complete digital practice exams. Encourage them to allocate specific time limits to each section, ensuring they don’t spend too long on any one question.

4. Stay Calm and ConfidentA digital test format might feel unfamiliar, but remind your child that the content is still the same. The best way to stay calm and focused on test day is by practicing beforehand. Encourage them to approach the test with the same confidence they would a paper-based exam.

How Bright Kids Can Help

At Bright Kids, we are committed to helping students prepare for the SHSAT, whether it’s in the traditional or digital format. We offer mock exams that simulate the digital SHSAT format, allowing your child to get comfortable with the interface before test day. Our personalized tutoring sessions focus on building skills in math and reading comprehension, and our experts can provide specific strategies to boost performance.

Additionally, we offer test-taking strategies that emphasize time management, pacing, and maintaining focus during long exams.

The Bottom Line

The digital SHSAT may seem like a big change, but with the right preparation, your child will be able to handle it with ease. By getting familiar with the digital format, practicing with real SHSAT content, and focusing on time management, your child will be well-prepared to succeed on test day.

At Bright Kids, we’re here to support you and your child every step of the way as they prepare for this important exam.