SHSAT questions are designed
to be answered quickly.
More than knowledge,
rigorous attention to detail
separates top scorers.
Skill Checklist
Review your skills. Make sure you are ready to do your best on test day.
1. Are you comfortable translating word problems into algebraic expressions and equations?
2. Do you know your geometry theorems? Are you adept at recognizing and combining different
geometry concepts to solve a range of geometry problems?
3. How well do you know the key grammar rules for the new ELA Edit/Revise section?
4. In math, do you know how to...
- define number types and execute problems related to number lines, coordinate systems
- solve a variety of equations including systems of two equations
- manipulate exponents including squares and square roots and all exponent laws
- calculate means and medians for different problem presentations
- idenitfy factors and use prime factors to calculate LCM and GCF
- calculate area and perimeter for various shapes including complex shaded areas
- use various angle related theorems for polygons, transversals, intersecting lines etc.
- identify and execute similar triangle and triangle inequality problems
- identify patterns including arithmetic, geometric, and fibonacci sequences
- count elements in a set, possible arrangements, and calculate basic probabilities
Reading Review - Next
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Reading Review
The ELA reading subjects -- history, anthropology, the arts etc. -- may not require topic knowledge in the same way
students must master math theorems or writing and grammar rules, but a solid understanding of the SHSAT ELA
reading section will lead to improved scores. After all, reading is by far the largest section of the ELA exam.
1. SHSAT reading is every bit as objective as math; no interpretation whatsoever is involved.
2. Correct answers always directly restate or provide examples of the text in the passage --
even for inference and main idea questions. If you cannot find the objectively correct answer,
then you missed the relevant text.
3. Details are critical; the difference between right and wrong answers can be one word.
4. There is no "correct" way to read a passage, only your best way to identify the relevant text.
Often, there is no need to understand the whole passage, so do not confuse yourself trying.
5. Find three wrong answer choices, then confirm the remaining answer restates or demonstrates
the relevant text. It is easier to find wrong answers if you know to look for the following:
- information in the asnwer is not in the passage
- answer confuses the relationships indicated in the text
- answer statement is barely relevant or irrelevant
- answer is false or directly contradicts the text
- answer choice is an interpretation, however reasonable it sounds, and not evidence from the text
6. Do not feel obligated to work in the order the test makers present -- beginning to end. Invest
your time wisely; don't spend too much time on any one problem. You may want to complete all
questions with line citations (easier problems) first and make several passes before you finish.
Math Review Next
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Math Review
SHSAT math is often simpler than it looks if you have mastered the basic math skills; the challenge becomes
understanding exactly what the prompt is asking you to do. Questions combine different concepts in strange
ways while focusing on details not often present in repetitive middle school math class exercises.
1. Read the question carefully and consider particular words in the question. This is most important.
2. The SHSAT rewards clever, informal solutions. Look out for shortcuts and try to simplify before
making calculations (don't convert to decimals too quickly or jump immediately to computations).
3. Review all the answer choices before solving. Why? Like reading, incorrect answers usually follow
a pattern. e.g two answers may be negative and two positive or multiples of a number etc. Often
these clues jumpstart a solution, narrow down the options, or highlight "trap" answer choices.
4. Don't invest too much time in any one problem. If you do not see the path to the solution after
10-15 seconds (yes 10 seconds not a minute), then it is best to move on. You are not obligated
to work in order.
5. Before filling in the oval, check the prompt to make sure you are answering the question asked
and, if time permits, try a different approach or plug results back into equations for corroboration.
6. Approach Grid-In problems the same way excepting step 3. Don't be surprised to see a
question that can have more than one solution. If so, enter only one of the correct possibilities.
7. Never leave a blank answer on the SHSAT. There is no penalty for wrong answers.
8. Make sure to commit quality time to practice. Quality practice is more important than taking exams
and getting your results. Try to incorporate some of the tips above to build better habits -- we
guarantee over 90% of you do not follow step 3. Spend as much or more time trying to
understand your mistakes than you do taking the practice exam.
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Good Luck on the SHSAT. Get excited and put your training to work!
