The SHSAT uses a two-section scaled scoring system — raw correct answers convert to a 200–800 score per section, totaling up to 1600. This guide explains exactly how your score is calculated, what cutoff scores look like for each specialized high school, and how to use your practice scores to predict your real result.
The SHSAT is divided into two equal sections — ELA (English Language Arts) and Math — each containing 57 questions. Your performance on each section converts to a scaled score between 200 and 800, giving a maximum combined score of 1600.
The most important thing to understand: there is no penalty for wrong answers. Every question you answer correctly adds to your raw score. Blank answers and wrong answers both count as zero — so always guess if unsure rather than leaving a question blank.
Start preparing now with a shsat practice test to benchmark where your score stands before diving into the calculator logic below.
The ELA section has two parts:
For reading comprehension preparation, the SHSAT Reading Comprehension practice test targets this exact section type.
The Math section covers algebra, geometry, statistics, and probability from grades 5–8. Practice with the SHSAT Math Practice quiz, or focus on SHSAT Algebra practice test and SHSAT Geometry practice test for the highest-weight topics.
Students targeting NYC's specialized high schools should review our SHSAT cutoff scores 2026 to understand the exact composite scores required for each of the eight schools and how scores have shifted year over year.
Students preparing for standardized academic tests can also practice with our SAT practice test 2026, covering the quantitative and analytical reasoning sections tested on exam day.
Raw score = total correct answers per section (max 57 each). No deduction for wrong answers — always guess.
NYC DOE converts raw scores to scaled scores (200–800) using an equating table that adjusts for test-version difficulty differences.
Total SHSAT score = ELA scaled score + Math scaled score. Range: 400–1600.
Students are ranked by total score. Each school admits students in rank order until seats fill — the last admitted score becomes the cutoff.
Official SHSAT scores and school offers are announced in March/April each year, along with the final cutoff scores.
Stuyvesant High School is the most competitive NYC specialized school. Historical cutoff range: 552–562. Roughly 3% of SHSAT test-takers receive Stuyvesant offers. Focus your hardest prep on SHSAT Algebra 2 practice and advanced math topics.
Exact 2026 cutoffs announced March/April — these are historical planning ranges.
Bronx High School of Science cutoff typically ranges from 518–530. Both ELA and Math scores matter equally. Strong SHSAT Reading Comprehension 2 performance can compensate for slightly weaker math relative to Stuyvesant applicants.
Brooklyn Technical High School (~5,000 students, largest specialized school) cutoff typically ranges 493–505. Practice across all formats, especially shsat prep test online for Scrambled Paragraphs — unique to SHSAT ELA.
| School | Approx. Cutoff | Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Staten Island Technical | 520–530 | ~115 |
| Queens Sciences | 484–495 | ~150 |
| CCNY Math/Science/Engineering | 490–500 | ~140 |
| American Studies at Lehman | 482–492 | ~120 |
Cutoffs change annually. Use as planning guide only.
A "good" SHSAT score depends on which school you're targeting. The score for Brooklyn Tech falls 60+ points short of Stuyvesant. Use these ranges to set your goal:
Add 10–15 points to your consistent practice test average to estimate your real test score — most students perform slightly better under real test conditions after thorough prep. Use the SHSAT Algebra 3 practice to test yourself on the hardest math content the exam covers.
Track these metrics on every shsat practice tests session: