The claura blog
Clear, data-backed guides for New York City families navigating the SHSAT and admission to the city's specialized high schools.
What's on the SHSAT? Format, Sections, Timing & Scoring (2026)
A plain-English guide to the SHSAT: the two sections (English Language Arts and Math), what each one covers, how long the test takes, how it's scored into a single composite — and what's changed now that the exam is digital and computer-adaptive.
Published June 30, 2026
SHSAT basics
Section guides
SHSAT Math: Topics, Question Types & How to Practice
What the SHSAT Math section covers — arithmetic, algebra, geometry, ratios, probability and more — plus multiple-choice vs. grid-in questions, the no-calculator rule, and how to practice for speed and accuracy.
Published June 30, 2026
SHSAT Reading Comprehension: What It Tests & How to Practice
The Reading Comprehension part of SHSAT ELA — passage types and question types (main idea, inference, detail, vocabulary in context, author's craft), why it's the slowest to improve, and how to practice it well.
Published June 30, 2026
SHSAT Revising & Editing: The Grammar Section Most Kids Under-Practice
The Revising & Editing part of SHSAT ELA tests grammar, usage, and clear writing — and it's the most learnable, under-practiced part of the test. What it covers and how to turn it into fast, reliable points.
Published June 30, 2026
Prep strategy
Test format
Paper vs. Digital SHSAT: 7 Things to Practice Differently
Now that the SHSAT is digital, some test-day habits help and others hurt. Seven concrete things your child should practice differently for the on-screen exam.
Published June 29, 2026
The SHSAT Goes Computer-Adaptive in 2026: A Parent's Guide
The SHSAT is moving to a computer-adaptive format. What that means, how it changes the way questions are chosen, and how to prepare for a test that adjusts to your child in real time.
Published June 29, 2026
The SHSAT Is Now Digital: What Changed and How to Prepare
The SHSAT moved from paper to computer in fall 2025. Here's what's different — technology-enhanced questions, on-screen tools, no backtracking on math — and how to get your child ready.
Published June 29, 2026
Admissions data
The 8 SHSAT Specialized High Schools: Cutoffs & Profiles
A guide to all eight test-admitted NYC specialized high schools, ranked by selectivity — with each school's estimated cutoff history, offer counts, and what score you need.
Published June 29, 2026 · Updated June 28, 2026
SHSAT Cutoff Scores by Year (2020–2026)
Historical SHSAT cutoff-score estimates and official offer data for all eight NYC specialized high schools, from 2020 to 2026 — with how many students tested, how many got offers, and how selectivity has shifted.
Published June 28, 2026
Registration
Explore the 8 specialized high schools
A profile of every SHSAT-admitted specialized high school — focus, signature programs, notable alumni, estimated cutoff scores and official admissions data.
Aiming for one of these scores? claura is adaptive SHSAT prep built for NYC families — full-length practice exams, the Ask claura AI tutor, and a parent dashboard that shows exactly where your child stands.