Instruction led by an NYC educator
Founder Tariq Ahmed is an NYC DOE educator with 12+ years of teaching and test-prep experience.
SHSAT Prep · Astoria, Queens
SHSAT Prep in Astoria, Queens: Start With a Free Diagnostic
In-person SHSAT prep in Astoria and live online instruction for eligible students across Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island.
Your child receives a full SHSAT-style assessment, a breakdown of strengths and weaknesses, and a personalized plan for improvement.
Every SHSAT student receives
- Free SHSAT diagnostic
- Personalized study plan
- Practice exams
- Targeted Math and ELA instruction
- Progress reports for parents
Why AhmedPrep
Focused SHSAT preparation in Astoria
Plans built from a diagnostic
Every student starts with a timed diagnostic, so preparation targets real gaps instead of repeating what they already know.
Small, focused sessions
Students get direct feedback on their work and know exactly what to practice before the next session.
Parents stay informed
Regular progress reports show practice scores, growth by topic, and the next priorities.
How SHSAT preparation works
A clear path from diagnostic to test day
- Step 1
Diagnose
A timed, SHSAT-style diagnostic measures current Math and ELA performance and pacing.
- Step 2
Plan
We review results with parents and build a study plan around the student's goals and calendar.
- Step 3
Teach and practice
Direct instruction and targeted practice close content gaps and build accuracy.
- Step 4
Test and refine
Full-length practice exams build stamina, sharpen pacing, and guide the next adjustments.
SHSAT Math & ELA
Instruction for both sections of the test
SHSAT Math
- Fractions, ratios, rates, and percents
- Algebraic expressions, equations, and inequalities
- Geometry, probability, and statistics
- Multi-step word problems and fill-in-the-blank questions
- Accurate calculation without a calculator
SHSAT ELA
- Revising/Editing: grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure
- Organization, transitions, and text relevance
- Reading comprehension across informational and literary texts
- Main idea, inference, and evidence questions
- Reading stamina and active annotation
New for Fall 2026: The Computer-Adaptive SHSAT
- The Fall 2026 SHSAT is computer-adaptive and taken on NYCPS-provided computers, except for limited approved paper accommodations.
- 50 English Language Arts questions and 50 Math questions.
- 180 minutes of standard testing time.
- Students may choose whether to begin with ELA or Math.
- Multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and technology-enhanced items.
- Students must answer each question before advancing.
- Math and standalone ELA questions cannot be revisited after advancing.
- Passage-set ELA questions can be reviewed within the passage set until that set is submitted.
Confirm current details on the official NYC Public Schools SHSAT page, or read how the Fall 2026 SHSAT works.
Practice exams
Full-length practice under test-day conditions
Students take timed, full-length SHSAT practice exams in our Astoria classroom. Every exam is followed by a review of each missed question, so students understand whether an error came from content, timing, or strategy.
- Build stamina for a 180-minute exam
- Practice answer-before-advancing pacing
- Track scores from test to test
This Sunday at AhmedPrep
Digital SATFree Digital SAT class: Advanced Algebra
- 4–5 PM ET
- Live Online
Questions from parents
SHSAT prep FAQ
Who takes the SHSAT?
NYC 8th graders, and first-time 9th graders, take the SHSAT to apply to eight of the nine testing Specialized High Schools. Families register in MySchools; for the Fall 2026 test the deadline is October 30. Confirm current dates on the official NYC Public Schools Specialized High Schools page.
What does the SHSAT test?
Beginning in Fall 2026, the SHSAT is a computer-adaptive test with 50 English Language Arts questions (Revising/Editing and Reading Comprehension) and 50 Math questions. Questions include multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and technology-enhanced items. Standard testing time is 180 minutes, students choose which subject to begin with, and calculators are not allowed. Students test on NYCPS-provided computers, except for limited approved paper accommodations.
Can students skip questions or go back on the computer-adaptive SHSAT?
No skipping: every question must be answered before advancing. Math and standalone ELA questions cannot be revisited after the student advances. Passage-based ELA questions can be revisited within their passage set until the set is submitted. Once a subject is submitted, it cannot be reopened.
When should my child start SHSAT preparation?
It depends on where your child is starting. Many families begin in the spring or summer before 8th grade. The free diagnostic shows how much ground there is to cover so you can choose a realistic start date.
What happens during the free SHSAT diagnostic?
Your child takes a timed, SHSAT-style assessment at our Astoria location. We then review the results with you, explain strengths and gaps in Math and ELA, and recommend next steps. There is no cost or obligation.
Do you offer full-length practice exams?
Yes. Students take full-length, timed practice exams under test-day conditions, followed by a detailed review of every error so each test leads to improvement.
How will I know if my child is improving?
Parents receive progress reports with practice test results, growth by topic, and the priorities for the coming weeks.
Is AhmedPrep affiliated with the Specialized High Schools?
No. AhmedPrep is an independent test preparation provider and is not affiliated with NYC Public Schools or any Specialized High School.
Visit AhmedPrep
In-person classes in Astoria, Queens
AhmedPrep
20-65 47th Street
Astoria, NY 11105
Our Astoria classroom is easy to reach from across Queens, including Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside, Jackson Heights, and Ditmars, and from neighboring boroughs.
Free diagnostic
Reserve a free SHSAT diagnostic
Complete the form and we'll contact you to confirm a diagnostic time at our Astoria location.
- A timed, test-style assessment
- A clear breakdown of strengths and gaps
- A parent consultation with next steps
- No cost and no obligation
AhmedPrep is an independent test preparation provider and is not affiliated with the NYC Department of Education, the College Board, or any Specialized High School.