Top 5 Mistakes Parents Make When Preparing for the SHSAT—And How to Avoid Them
Getting into a New York City Specialized High School is a huge opportunity—and for many students, it all comes down to one test: the SHSAT. As a parent, you want to make sure your child has every advantage, but with so much to learn about the process, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or unsure of the best next step. Even the most well-intentioned families can fall into common mistakes that hurt progress and increase stress.
In this post, I’m breaking down five of the most common mistakes I see parents make during SHSAT prep—and how you can avoid them to help your child stay confident, focused, and ready to succeed.
1. Starting Too Late
One of the biggest mistakes families make is waiting until the summer before 8th grade—or worse, the fall—to begin SHSAT prep. While some students can catch up quickly, most benefit from a longer, more consistent timeline. That’s because the SHSAT covers topics that often go beyond what’s taught in school, especially in math. Word problems are multi-step and tricky, while reading passages are long, complex, and often include unfamiliar vocabulary.
The truth is, the SHSAT isn’t a test that rewards cramming. Starting earlier—ideally in late 6th grade or early 7th—gives your child time to build the foundational reading and math skills they’ll need later on. They can grow their confidence without pressure and slowly work their way up to practice tests and advanced strategies. The extra time also means fewer surprises—and fewer late-night study marathons.
2. Only Focusing on Content, Not Strategy
It’s natural to think the key to SHSAT success is mastering all the math formulas and grammar rules. While content is absolutely important, test-taking strategy is just as critical. Many students score lower not because they don’t know the material—but because they run out of time, second-guess themselves, or get tripped up by tricky multiple-choice options.
Students need to learn how to pace themselves, skip questions when stuck, manage time between ELA and Math, and make smart guesses when necessary. They also need practice taking full-length, timed mock tests to build stamina for the real 3-hour experience. Make sure your child’s prep includes time not just to learn material—but to master how to apply it strategically under pressure.
3. Ignoring the Digital Transition
This one is new—and it’s a big deal. Starting in Fall 2025, the SHSAT will be administered digitally. That means no more pencil-and-paper test booklets or bubble sheets. Instead, students will be reading passages, solving math problems, and submitting answers using a computer-based system provided by the NYC Department of Education.
Some families are still preparing with only paper materials, not realizing the digital version will feel very different. Students who haven’t practiced on a screen may struggle with scrolling, typing answers, or switching between sections. Thankfully, the DOE has created a Student Readiness Tool that allows students to explore the new interface and test out the tools, such as highlighters and digital scratchpads. The DOE will also be releasing two digital practice tests to help students get even more comfortable.
To prepare properly, make sure your child is practicing on-screen. Encourage them to use tools like the SHSAT Readiness Tool (available here), and try at least a few mock exams using the new digital format. It can make all the difference on test day.
4. Not Addressing Test Anxiety or Burnout
Test prep can bring up a lot of emotions—especially when there’s so much riding on one score. Some students start to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or even defeated before they’ve had a chance to see what they’re capable of. Unfortunately, some parents unintentionally add to the pressure by overloading their child’s schedule, focusing too much on scores, or comparing them to others.
The SHSAT journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Help your child maintain a healthy mindset by building in mental breaks, celebrating effort (not just results), and keeping lines of communication open. Remind them that they’re more than a test score—and that their hard work, progress, and persistence matter most.
Sometimes students just need a little space to breathe—or a reminder that it’s okay not to be perfect. When students feel emotionally supported, they’re more likely to stay motivated and keep pushing forward.
5. Choosing the Wrong Prep Method for Your Child
Not all SHSAT prep programs work the same way—and not all kids learn the same way. Some students do well with independent study and online courses. Others need structured lessons, weekly check-ins, and guidance from a live tutor. A common mistake is picking the cheapest, fastest, or most popular option without considering how your child learns best.
Think about your child’s personality: Are they self-motivated or easily distracted? Do they get frustrated easily or thrive in a group setting? The best prep method is one that makes your child feel encouraged, challenged, and understood. If the current approach is causing frustration or disinterest, it might be time to switch things up. You want a prep plan that builds momentum—not resistance.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the SHSAT doesn’t have to be overwhelming—but it does take planning, patience, and a little trial and error. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help your child stay on track, grow their confidence, and walk into the test room knowing they’ve done everything they can to succeed.
Every student’s journey looks different, and that’s okay. What matters most is giving your child the tools, support, and space they need to reach their potential—on the SHSAT and beyond.
📅 Ready to Build a Smarter Prep Plan?
If you're not sure where to start—or want to make sure you're avoiding these common mistakes—I invite you to book a free SHSAT Strategy Session. We'll talk through your child’s strengths, goals, and how to make the most of your time.
👉 Click here to schedule your SHSAT Strategy Session
Let’s make sure your child has everything they need to succeed—without the stress.