Selective Test Overview 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On the SHSAT Mathematics section, which topic area typically receives the greatest number of questions?
- Statistics and probability
- Arithmetic and number sense
- Algebra and functions (Correct answer)
- Geometry and measurement
Correct answer: Algebra and functions
Algebra and functions make up the largest portion of the SHSAT math section, reflecting middle-school curriculum standards.
Question 2: The ELA section of the SHSAT includes which two primary components?
- Vocabulary and grammar editing
- Revising/editing passages and reading comprehension (Correct answer)
- Essay writing and oral presentation scoring
- Spelling and listening comprehension
Correct answer: Revising/editing passages and reading comprehension
ELA consists of a Revising/Editing section and a Reading Comprehension section with multiple passages.
Question 3: A student's SHSAT scaled score ranges between:
- 0 and 100
- 200 and 800
- 400 and 800
- 0 and 800 (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 0 and 800
SHSAT scaled scores are reported on a scale from 0 to 800, combining both ELA and Math section scores.
Question 4: Which of the following is a valid test-taking strategy specifically recommended for the SHSAT given its no-penalty scoring?
- Skip difficult questions and leave them blank
- Answer every question, even if guessing (Correct answer)
- Spend equal time on every question regardless of difficulty
- Only answer questions you are 100% certain about
Correct answer: Answer every question, even if guessing
Because there is no penalty for wrong answers, guessing gives you a chance to earn points at no cost.
Question 5: Which specialized high school is the largest in NYC by enrollment and uses the SHSAT for admissions?
- Stuyvesant High School
- Bronx High School of Science
- Brooklyn Technical High School (Correct answer)
- Staten Island Technical High School
Correct answer: Brooklyn Technical High School
Brooklyn Technical High School is the largest of the specialized high schools, enrolling over 5,000 students.
Question 6: On the SHSAT, 'grid-in' questions in the Math section require students to:
- Choose the best answer from four choices
- Write a short explanatory paragraph
- Bubble in a numerical answer without answer choices (Correct answer)
- Circle multiple correct answers
Correct answer: Bubble in a numerical answer without answer choices
Grid-in (student-produced response) questions have no answer choices; students must calculate and record their own answer.
Question 7: What is the primary reason cutoff scores for specialized high schools vary from year to year?
- The test questions get harder each year
- The number of applicants and seats available changes annually (Correct answer)
- The Department of Education adjusts scores for inflation
- Schools individually choose their cutoff each January
Correct answer: The number of applicants and seats available changes annually
Cutoffs fluctuate based on how many students take the test, their score distribution, and the number of available seats that cycle.
Selective Test Overview 3
On the SHSAT Mathematics section, which topic area typically receives the greatest number of questions?