Secret Standards: How is the SHSAT Graded?

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The SHSAT is one heck of a mysterious test. For one, it contains a format completely unique to other standardized tests of its kind. SHSAT prep is often hard to find compared to wider-known tests such as the SAT and ACT. Yet perhaps the greatest challenge is how little we know about the test. Much of the information available to students is based on content alone. Sure, we know what kinds of questions will be asked of us, but how is the SHSAT graded? How will we know if we can get into Stuyvesant or Brooklyn Tech?

Have no fear. Recent information suggests that while the cutoff changes every year, the SHSAT follows a particular formula and score conversion chart. According to a yahoo posting by Leah Yates, students can use the chart below to tabulate their scores:

  1. Count the amount of right answers per each section, and assign point values based on the numbers above. these 2 numbers, one for each section, are referred to as your 'raw score.' (it should be between 1 and 50)

  2. Use this conversion chart for each of your raw scores to see what you would get per section.Number out of 50-test score

    1-16

    2-30

    3-44

    4-58

    5-72

    6-82

    7-90

    8-98

    9-107

    10-129

    11-138

    12-145

    13-152

    14-158

    15-164

    16-170

    17-175

    18-180

    19-185

    20-190

    21-194

    22-198

    23-202

    24-206

    25-212

    26-214

    27-218

    28-222

    29-226

    30-230

    31-234

    32-238

    33-242

    34-246

    35-250

    36-254

    37-258

    38-262

    39-267

    40-272

    41-277

    42-283

    43-290

    44-298

    45-308

    46-318

    47-328

    48-339

    49-350

    50-400

  3. Add the "test scores" together from each section. this is your final score. 

Content provided by: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20101009145654AAh6BOT

After using this chart, students can then compare their scores to the previous year's school admission reports. For example: in 2010, Stuyvesant's cutoff for the SHSAT was a combined raw score of 569. While this may change in 2011, at least students will have a general idea of how high they need to score.

My suggestion is for students to consider having a grade-point cushion. That is, if you are looking to get into Stuyvesant next year, try to score around a 575. This overall goal will take into consideration the increasing competition each year. Generally, it is slightly harder to get into any specialized high school every year. Erring on the side of caution will help you make the all-important decision of stating your top-choice schools on test day.

Think about your practice test scores before sitting down to take the actual test. If you know you've never scored anywhere near Stuyvesant's cutoff, maybe you should consider choosing Bronx Science or Brooklyn Tech as your primary choices. Remember, preparation is the key, and as I said earlier, few companies offer SHSAT tutoring. One that might work well is Five Points Learning in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Their team of SHSAT tutors are experienced in helping students achieve their highest scores on the exam.

No matter how you choose to get ready for the SHSAT exam, plan ahead and be prepared to study for many long hours. For most students, this is not the type of test that will allow for last minute cramming. Doing so will only lead to a less than optimal score. This highly competitive test requires forethought and intense preparation. Good luck all!

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