2020 SHSAT Rescheduled for January 27, 2021

December 18, 2020
Category: Communications

This is the news we’ve been waiting for!

The DOE announced today that the SHSAT for current 8th graders will be administered beginning January 27, 2021. We’ve compiled the most relevant information for you and your family. Read on to learn more about key updates and what you can do to get ready.

Last Updated: 1/12/2021. This is breaking news – please bookmark this page for later reference.

  • COVID-19 testing is NOT required to take the SHSAT
  • SHSAT only being offered in person
  • Students who do not attend a DOE school (private, charter, etc.) will test in a centralized location on a weekend (Jan. 30 or Feb. 7)

Key Information

For current 8th graders, registration for the SHSAT opens Monday, December 21 (and closes Friday, January 15).

The test will be administered starting Wednesday, January 27 at the student’s own school.

The test date for current 7th graders has not yet been announced. For more info, read on, or consult the DOE’s Official SHSAT Page.

There are no current accommodations planned for those out of state.

A DOE representative stated to us that parents should email  [email protected] if students can’t take the test in person due to health reasons.

Next Steps

There are several steps to take to be ready for the January 27 test:

  1. Today
    Set up your MySchools account. Consult your welcome letter to set up your account. If you have trouble, or if your child attends a private or parochial school or is homeschooled, contact a Family Welcome Center to set up an account and get your letter.
  2. December 21
    Register for the SHSAT through your MySchools account.
  3. Today through January 3
    Review your old coursework, homework and practice tests. Take self-paced practice tests and content clinics to get back up to speed.
  4. January 3-January 26
    Join group review classes and consider taking timed practice tests. Work with a tutor for individualized attention.

We’ve created the following sample plan to help you structure the next 6 weeks. Feel free to download, print, and share it with your friends and family!

Other Admissions Updates

High Schools

High schools WILL CONTINUE to use academic screening for high school placements, and will be posting their rubric for ranking students. Ranking will be done centrally by the DOE, not by individual schools.

Since there were no state exams or grades given in public schools last year, schools will instead be able to use test scores and grades from 6th grade instead of 7th grade in ranking.

The ranking process WILL NOT consider a district’s geographic priorities.

The general high school application process begins January 18 and is currently scheduled to close during the week of February 22.

The DOE notes that a number of the policies, admissions priorities, admissions methods, and selection criteria, as well as all key dates and deadlines in the official SHSAT Handbook have been or are being updated.

Middle Schools

Middle schools WILL NOT use academic screening for middle school placements, but WILL CONTINUE to give admissions priority for students living within the school’s community district.

If a school receives more applications than it has seats, students would be chosen via a lottery.

The middle school application process begins the week of January 11 and is currently scheduled to close during the week of February 8.