Prepare to excel on the SHSAT.

Get matched with your ideal tutor. Enjoy personalized sessions and engaging tools. Then, gain the confidence to ace the SHSAT.

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Let's master the SHSAT

The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), is the entrance exam (and sole criterion for admissions) for 8th graders who aim to attend one of eight Specialized High Schools in NYC. Applerouth experts have studied the test inside-out, honing strategies to play to your student's strengths on test day.

Test prep your way.

We offer private SHSAT tutoring for that one-on-one, personal touch. Our expert tutors will work to customize the techniques and approaches that are the most effective for your learning needs.

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Hours

The hours you need. No more, no less.

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Tutors

Select the level of your tutor.

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Flexible

Anywhere.
Any time.

What's the format like?

The SHSAT is a 3-hour test that allows students to pace themselves through its ELA and Math sections. Students who are more comfortable with Math can choose to complete that section first. Only 47 of the 57 questions-per-section are scored, as the remaining 10 are used to gather performance data. There is no way to determine which 10 questions will not be scored. Our students are ready to tackle whatever the test throws their way.

ELA (reading & writing).

9-11 editing questions, 6 passages, 46-48 reading comprehension questions.

9-11
Editing Questions
6
Passages

Math.

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Multi-Choice
SSAT & ISEE Essentials

Give your student a competitive edge

Learn how your student can achieve their true potential on these crucial independent school admissions exams.

Applerouth's Process

From advisement to post-service follow up, we come alongside you on your journey.

1. Craft a plan.

Schedule an appointment with a Program Director to discuss which of our learning experiences would work best for you.

2. Tutor matching.

Get matched to the perfect tutor for you, based on learning needs, personality, and educational goals.

3. Start learning.

Make leaps and bounds in whatever it is you need help with the most - and then some. Get ready to feel more confident by the end.

Meet Some of Our Amazing Tutors

They all bring something unique to the table meaning there's a good match for every student. What they all have in common? An insatiable drive to help your student succeed.

Jenna B.
11
+ Years of Tutoring Experience

Jenna is a Premium Tutor, the D.C. area Tutor Manager, and the IEC Account Manager for DC, Maryland, and Virginia. She's worked with over 175 Applerouth students since joining the team in 2012 and is the most-requested tutor in the D.C. area. She's also tutored multiple students to perfect section scores on both the SAT and ACT. A native of Arlington, Virginia, Jenna attended the University of Virginia as an Echols Scholar, where she earned a B.A. in English (with distinction) and a minor in Theatre. Jenna spent five years in London, honing her acting skills at LAMDA, before returning to D.C. When it comes to tutoring, Jenna's style is encouraging and reassuring. "Don't let the test get inside your head," she says. "And remember - it's always simpler than you think."

When she's not tutoring, you can find Jenna rooting for the Nats, reading, and playing with dogs.
What Parents are Saying
"Jenna is the best! She really understood my son's needs and tailored her work to what he needed. She was patient and understanding. And, of course, my son's SAT scores improved. Working with Jenna was an all around great experience."
Chelsea B.
2
+ Years of Tutoring Experience

Chelsea is both a Premium Tutor and the Seattle area Tutor Manager, and she has worked with over 200 Applerouth students since joining the team. She is in the top 10% of Most Requested Tutors and has helped multiple students earn perfect section scores on both the SAT and ACT. A Florida native, Chelsea participated in the International Baccalaureate program in high school. She then went on to earn both a Bachelor's in Biological Science and a Master's in Biology and Science Education, both from Florida State University. During her time at FSU, she worked in a laboratory and taught college-level science classes to undergraduates. She has experience teaching a wide range of students, both individually and in groups. Chelsea takes a student-led approach to tutoring, saying, "I do not give direct answers to students; instead, I prefer to ask questions that help the student work out a problem-solving process that they can apply in the future."

When she's not tutoring, Chelsea enjoys rock-climbing, cooking and playing bass guitar.
What Parents are Saying
"Chelsea is an amazing tutor: intelligent, reliable, and can relate the material in a way that her student understands."
Jeff F.
10
+ Years of Tutoring Experience

Jeff is a Premium Tutor who has worked with over 350 students since joining the Applerouth team in 2012. A professional with degrees in both political science and teaching, Jeff has worked with multiple students who have gone on to achieve perfect section scores on their college admissions tests. He also assists our creative team by editing content for our books. Jeff believes that effective practice requires students to have a goal in mind: "To use a baseball analogy, smart ballplayers don't try to hit home runs in batting practice. Rather, they simulate game situations and ask themselves, "Given this situation, how would I react?" Similarly, whenever you do your homework or take a mock test, you should always practice with a purpose in mind."

When he's not tutoring, you can find Jeff hiking, traveling, or volunteering.
What Parents are Saying
"Jeff has been a wonderful communicator with us as parents! My daughter has mentioned several times how helpful and clear Jeff is in their sessions. I appreciate his session feedback and look forward to seeing the results of this partnership!"
Tom B.
12
+ Years of Tutoring Experience

Tom is a longtime Premium Tutor and the Director of Tutor Services here at Applerouth. Tom earned a Bachelors of Science with a Double Major in Economics and Finance Magna Cum Laude at the University of South Alabama before earning his MBA from the University of Rochester, focusing on both Corporate Accounting and Finance. After working in the finance world for several years, Tom went back to school, earned teaching certifications in Broad Field Business, Economics, and History at the University of Georgia, and taught high school for over 13 years. Since joining the team in 2011, Tom has tutored over 850 students and is one of our Top 10 Most-Requested Tutors of all time. Tom has tutored multiple students who have achieved perfect section scores and perfect composite scores on the SAT and ACT. He sums up his tutoring philosophy simply and decisively: "Take a two pronged approach: master the material and master the test."

When Tom isn't tutoring, you can find him fishing, driving his trademark red Camaro, and - most importantly - spending time with his family.
What Parents are Saying
"Tom is an amazing tutor; he does a great job of preparing his students and really connects with them. Fabulous!"
Sarah F.
10
+ Years of Tutoring Experience

Sarah is a Premium Tutor who has tutored over 140 students since joining the team in 2013. Sarah earned a degree in Mathematics from Harvey Mudd College before moving on to do graduate work in Mathematics and Theoretical Computer Science at Georgia Tech. Once she started PhD work, however, she realized that her true love was teaching, rather than research. She tutors SAT/ACT, math of all levels, as well as chemistry, physics and other sciences. Sarah's broad base of knowledge, combined with her dedication to her students, has cemented her place in our top 10% of Most Requested Tutors. Her dedication pays off: several of her students have achieved perfect section or composite scores in their SATs and ACTs. In addition to tutoring, Sarah serves as our Math Specialist, creating content for our books and online practice; she is the Applerouth authority on the SAT and ACT's math problems! Sarah's tutoring philosophy focuses on breaking difficult problems into steps: "It is good to keep the big picture in mind, but the best approach to most any problem is to take things one step at a time.

The small steps can be completely manageable even when the big picture seems overwhelming." When Sarah isn't tutoring, she knits, bakes, and sings in a choir.
What Parents are Saying
"My daughter likes Sarah's style and the way she helps her break things into pieces. She feels that Sarah is already helping her better understand the concepts."
Shara-Sue C.
9
+ Years of Tutoring Experience

Shara-Sue is a Premium Tutor and a Tutor Manager for the Atlanta and Chicago markets. Since joining Applerouth in 2014, Shara-Sue has tutored over 1,000 students, several of whom have gone on to achieve perfect section scores on both the SAT and ACT. Shara-Sue's dedication and infectious enthusiasm are impossible to miss: she is one of Applerouth's Top 10 Most Requested Tutors and won the company-wide Above and Beyond Award in 2015 for her willingness to go the extra mile for her students and their families. Before joining Applerouth, Shara-Sue taught in the public school system for several years. Shara-Sue describes her tutoring style as "lively, adaptive, energetic, visual, and auditory." She works hard to empower her students and build their confidence as they get ready for test day.

When she's not tutoring, Shara-Sue creates art, travels everywhere she can, and enjoys all the cultural and artistic events Atlanta has to offer!
What Parents are Saying
"Shara-Sue is the most incredible tutor! We are so appreciative of her and of Applerouth's matching us with her. We are so thrilled with the help and leadership she has provided our daughters, who adore her. She is truly wonderful."

SHSAT Test and Registration Dates

Keep in mind that students can only take the SHSAT once, so be prepared! Marking your calendar? Testing dates are set by the NYC Department of Education. Check their website for all the details.

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
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Nov
Dec
Testing typically begins in early October and runs through early December. High school offers are released around early March.

Explore What's Happening

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Want the SHSAT in a nutshell?

We’re way ahead of you – and we have just the thing. Download our one-pager for the perfect visual guide.

Schedule an appointment with a Program Director.

Questions? Need some advice? We're here to help.

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