A guide to opportunity, access, and action—no matter your budget
If you’ve got an eighth grader in your life who loves math, science, tech, or problem-solving, you’ve probably heard about NYC’s specialized high schools—maybe even a school like Bronx Science or Stuyvesant. But how do students get into these top schools? And more importantly, how can Harlem families—especially Black and Latinx families—make sure their kids are ready?
The answer starts with a single test: the SHSAT.
What Is the SHSAT?
The Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) is the one and only requirement for admission to eight of New York City’s nine specialized public high schools. It’s a multiple-choice exam that tests English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics, and it’s open to all NYC eighth graders and eligible ninth graders.
The SHSAT is typically offered in late October or early November, and the results determine who gets a coveted seat at one of these elite schools:
- Bronx High School of Science
- Stuyvesant High School
- Brooklyn Technical High School
- Brooklyn Latin School
- High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College
- High School of American Studies at Lehman College
- Queens High School for the Sciences at York College
- Staten Island Technical High School
These schools offer rigorous academics, state-of-the-art STEM labs, and access to incredible internship and college-readiness programs. For many students, they’re a launchpad to Ivy League schools and careers in engineering, medicine, and technology.
Why Does the SHSAT Matter for Harlem Families?
Let’s be real: access to these opportunities hasn’t been equal. In 2024, only 4.5% of SHSAT offers went to Black students and 7.6% went to Latino students, even though they make up nearly 70% of the NYC public school population.
In fact, at schools like Stuyvesant, just ten Black students were offered spots out of more than 700 in 2021.
That’s not about ability. It’s about access.
Many Harlem families aren’t told about the SHSAT until it’s too late. Others don’t have the thousands of dollars for private test prep courses, or they don’t know where to begin. That’s where Harlem STEM Up comes in.
We believe in demystifying the process and giving every Black and Latinx student in Harlem the tools to dream—and prepare—big.
5 Free (or Almost Free) Ways to Start Preparing for the SHSAT
Even if you don’t have money for a prep class, you can still give your child a solid head start. Here’s how:
- Start with the Free SHSAT Handbook and Practice Tests
The NYC Department of Education publishes a free SHSAT Student Handbook every year, including full-length practice tests. Download the latest version at: https://www.schools.nyc.gov/learning/testing/shsat
Take the test under timed conditions so your child can build stamina and get familiar with the format. Review the questions they got wrong together—it’s a great bonding (and learning) moment.
- Join a Public Library SHSAT Workshop
Did you know the New York Public Library (NYPL) offers free SHSAT prep workshops at many Harlem branches? These programs are led by trained tutors and often run in the summer or after school. Some even offer weekly drop-in sessions.
Check schedules at: https://www.nypl.org/events/classes/shsat
- Use Free Online Tools Like Khan Academy and Caddell Prep
Even though SHSAT content is unique, many of the math and reading skills overlap with what’s offered on free sites like:
- https://www.khanacademy.org (especially the 8th Grade Math and Grammar sections)
- https://www.caddellprep.com – offers some free SHSAT videos and strategies
Set a weekly schedule with 2–3 sessions a week to build a habit. The key is consistency, not perfection.
- Set Up a Study Pod or Group in Your Building or Block
If you’re not a tutor, don’t worry—you don’t have to be. Sometimes the best prep comes from peers helping each other. Encourage your child to team up with friends or classmates to review practice questions, quiz each other, or take turns “teaching” a math concept. You can even use Zoom or WhatsApp if you’re not in the same place.
Want to organize a study pod but not sure where to start? Check with your local public library branch—many offer free academic help or can connect families with others interested in SHSAT prep. You can also try parent Facebook groups, InsideSchools.org, or community programs like DREAM or Harlem Children’s Zone. These networks can be a great way to team up with other families and build consistent study habits—together.
- Practice the “Test Mindset” in Everyday Life
Test-taking is as much about mindset as content. Help your child build:
- Time management (use a timer for reading or chores!)
- Focus stamina (encourage 30–40 min reading blocks without devices)
- Growth mindset (“It’s OK to get it wrong—it’s how we get stronger”)
Ask questions like, “How did you figure that out?” or “What strategy did you use?” These habits transfer directly to SHSAT success.
What’s at Stake—and What’s Possible
The SHSAT shouldn’t be a mystery or a gatekeeper—it should be a pathway to opportunity. When Harlem students are supported early, consistently, and with culturally responsive resources, they do thrive.
At Harlem STEM Up, we’ve seen what’s possible. Many of our mentors and volunteers are Black and Latinx alumni of Bronx Science and Stuyvesant, now working in medicine, engineering, and data science. They didn’t all have fancy tutors. But they had families, neighbors, and teachers who believed in their potential.
This summer, let’s make that belief visible. Whether it’s printing a practice test, sharing a flyer with a friend, or sitting down with your kid to read one chapter together—we’re planting seeds.
And we’re doing it together.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Sign up for SHSAT updates, free prep events, and student meetups: https://harlemstemup.com
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for #TestPrepTips and student spotlights.
Questions? Need help getting started? Email us at info@harlemstemup.com
Because every Harlem kid deserves access to a future in STEM. Let’s level the playing field—one practice question at a time.
