The Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT) is an exam taken by eighth and ninth graders in New York City who want to attend one of the city’s specialized high schools. The test is highly competitive, and students often turn to prep books to help them prepare.
The best SHSAT prep books provide students with comprehensive study materials, practice questions, and test-taking strategies to help them succeed. When choosing a prep book, it’s important to consider factors such as the book’s content, the author’s expertise, and the book’s level of difficulty.
We spent hours researching and testing various SHSAT prep books to identify the ones that offer the most value to students. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best SHSAT prep books and provide insights into what makes them stand out.
Best SHSAT Prep Books
We have researched and compiled a list of the best SHSAT prep books to help you prepare for the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test. Whether you’re aiming for Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, or any of the other specialized high schools in New York City, these books will provide you with the tools and strategies you need to ace the exam. Our team of experts has carefully selected these books based on their comprehensive coverage of the test material, effectiveness in improving scores, and overall value. Keep reading to find the perfect SHSAT prep book for you.
SHSAT: New York City Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (Barron’s Test Prep)
We highly recommend the SHSAT: New York City Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (Barron’s Test Prep) for anyone preparing for the SHSAT. This book provides realistic practice tests and thorough explanations that will help you prepare for the entrance exam.
Pros
- The book includes the most realistic practice tests.
- The explanations are thorough and easy to understand.
- Covers all the revisions to the new test.
Cons
- The book is a bit easy.
- Some customers received damaged copies.
- Some customers have not used it yet.
This SHSAT prep book is well-organized and covers all the topics that will be tested on the exam. The practice tests included in the book are especially helpful. The book is a great resource for anyone who wants to prepare for the SHSAT, and we highly recommend it.
If you’re looking for a SHSAT prep book that provides realistic practice tests and thorough explanations, then the SHSAT: New York City Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (Barron’s Test Prep) is the book for you. It covers all the revisions to the new test and is well-organized. However, some customers have received damaged copies, and some customers have not used it yet. Overall, we highly recommend this book for anyone preparing for the SHSAT.
SAT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective SAT Strategies Ever Published
If you are looking for an all-in-one SAT prep book that covers everything, SAT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective SAT Strategies Ever Published is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The book covers everything you need to know for the SAT, including strategies, tips, and practice tests.
- The author’s writing style is engaging and easy to understand, making the book an enjoyable read.
- The book is well-organized, with clear explanations and examples.
Cons
- The book is quite lengthy, which may be overwhelming for some readers.
- Some of the content may be repetitive, especially if you have already studied for the SAT.
- Some readers may prefer a book that focuses more on practice tests and less on strategy.
SAT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective SAT Strategies Ever Published is an excellent resource for anyone preparing for the SAT. The book covers everything you need to know, from the format of the test to specific strategies for each section. The author’s engaging writing style makes the book an enjoyable read, and the well-organized content is easy to understand.
The book includes six full-length practice tests, as well as detailed explanations for each question. This makes it an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their score on the SAT. Additionally, the book includes a section on the essay, which can be helpful for students who struggle with writing.
One potential downside of the book is its length. At over 500 pages, it may be overwhelming for some readers. Additionally, some of the content may be repetitive, especially if you have already studied for the SAT. However, the book’s comprehensive coverage of the test makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their score.
Overall, SAT Prep Black Book: The Most Effective SAT Strategies Ever Published is an excellent choice for anyone preparing for the SAT. Its comprehensive coverage, engaging writing style, and helpful practice tests make it a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their score.
Cracking the New York City SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test), 3rd Edition: Fully Updated for the New Exam (State Test Preparation Guides)
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to prepare for the SHSAT, then you should consider purchasing Cracking the New York City SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test), 3rd Edition: Fully Updated for the New Exam (State Test Preparation Guides).
Pros
- The book is fully updated for the new exam, so you can be sure you’re getting the most current information.
- The book includes a variety of practice problems and tests, which will help you prepare for the real exam.
- The book is easy to read and understand, so you won’t get bogged down by confusing language or convoluted explanations.
Cons
- Some reviewers have noted that the math problems in the book are too easy, so you may need to supplement your studies with additional materials.
- The book only includes two practice tests, which may not be enough for some students.
- The book doesn’t include detailed explanations for every problem, so you may need to do some additional research to fully understand some concepts.
Overall, we recommend Cracking the New York City SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test), 3rd Edition: Fully Updated for the New Exam (State Test Preparation Guides) for anyone looking to prepare for the SHSAT. While there are some minor drawbacks, the book is an excellent resource that will help you improve your scores and increase your chances of getting into a specialized high school.
New York City SHSAT Prep 2022 & 2023: 3 Practice Tests + Proven Strategies + Review (Kaplan Test Prep NY)
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to prepare for the SHSAT, this book is a decent choice, but it has some flaws.
Pros
- The book comes with three practice tests, which are helpful for getting a sense of the test format and time management.
- The strategies provided in the book are useful and can help you improve your score.
- The book covers all the topics that are tested on the SHSAT, so you can be sure you’re not missing anything important.
Cons
- There are quite a few errors in the book, which can be frustrating and confusing.
- Some of the questions in the practice tests are poorly written, which can make it difficult to understand what is being asked.
- The book is quite long and can be overwhelming to work through.
Overall, if you’re looking for a book that covers all the topics on the SHSAT and provides some helpful strategies, this book is worth considering. However, be prepared to deal with some errors and poorly written questions.
SHSAT Math: The New Approach (Practice Math Tests for SHSAT)
If you’re looking for a comprehensive SHSAT prep book that focuses on math, then SHSAT Math: The New Approach (Practice Math Tests for SHSAT) is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The book contains a wide range of math problems that are challenging and aligned with the SHSAT exam.
- The explanations provided are clear and concise, making it easy to understand the concepts.
- The book is well-organized and covers all the major topics that are tested on the SHSAT exam.
Cons
- Some of the “What you need to know” preludes to each chapter in the booklet have very little to do with the actual problems.
- No answer sheet is provided, so you’ll need to keep track of your answers separately.
- There are a few errors in the practice test, so you’ll need to be careful when checking your answers.
The book is divided into several chapters, each of which covers a specific topic in math. The problems in each chapter are arranged in order of difficulty, so you can start with the easier problems and work your way up to the more challenging ones. The explanations provided for each problem are clear and concise, making it easy to understand the concepts.
One of the strengths of this book is the wide range of math problems it contains. The problems are challenging and are aligned with the SHSAT exam, so you’ll get a good sense of what to expect on test day. Additionally, the book covers all the major topics that are tested on the SHSAT exam, so you’ll be well-prepared for the test.
Overall, SHSAT Math: The New Approach (Practice Math Tests for SHSAT) is an excellent SHSAT prep book that is well-organized, comprehensive, and provides clear explanations. If you’re looking for a math-focused SHSAT prep book, then this is definitely one to consider.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best SHSAT prep book, there are a few key factors to consider. We’ve compiled a list of features to look for to ensure you get the most out of your prep book.
Content Coverage
One of the most important things to consider is the content coverage of the book. Look for a book that covers all the topics that will be on the SHSAT exam. This includes math, reading, and writing sections. Make sure the book also includes practice questions and sample tests to help you prepare.
Level of Difficulty
It’s important to choose a book that matches your skill level. If you’re struggling with the material, look for a book that starts with the basics and gradually builds up to more difficult concepts. If you’re already comfortable with the material, look for a book that offers more challenging questions and advanced topics.
Format and Layout
The format and layout of the book can also have a big impact on your learning experience. Look for a book that is well-organized and easy to navigate. This can include features like clear chapter headings, bolded key terms, and helpful diagrams and illustrations.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the book. While you want to make sure you’re getting a high-quality product, you also don’t want to break the bank. Look for a book that offers good value for the price, and consider purchasing used or older editions to save money.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best SHSAT prep book for your needs and maximize your chances of success on the exam.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which SHSAT prep books are recommended by educators for 2024?
We recommend the “Barron’s SHSAT” and “Kaplan’s SHSAT Prep 2024” books for students preparing for the SHSAT exam. These books have been updated to reflect the latest changes in the exam and are written by experienced educators.
What are the top-rated SHSAT prep books according to student reviews?
According to student reviews, the “Kaplan’s SHSAT Prep 2024” and “The Princeton Review’s Cracking the SHSAT” are some of the top-rated SHSAT prep books. Students appreciate the clear and concise explanations, helpful practice questions, and effective strategies provided in these books.
Are there any free SHSAT prep book PDFs available for download?
While there are some free SHSAT prep materials available online, we recommend using official prep books from reputable publishers. These books provide comprehensive coverage of the exam and are written by experienced educators.
How does Kaplan’s SHSAT book compare to other prep materials?
Kaplan’s SHSAT Prep 2024 book is highly recommended by educators and students alike. It provides comprehensive coverage of the exam, including practice questions and effective strategies. Compared to other prep materials, Kaplan’s book is well-organized and easy to understand.
What are some effective strategies for improving speed on the SHSAT?
To improve speed on the SHSAT, we recommend practicing with timed practice tests and using effective time-management strategies. Students should also focus on improving their reading comprehension skills and identifying key information in passages.
Is there SHSAT preparation material available on Khan Academy?
While Khan Academy does not offer specific SHSAT preparation material, it does offer a wide range of resources to help students improve their math and reading skills. Students can use these resources to supplement their SHSAT preparation and improve their overall academic performance. For SHSAT prep, visit Caddell Prep’s website. It has a full on-demand SHSAT course.
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