# Koi Prep (koiprep.com)

> Koi Prep is an independent computer-adaptive test preparation platform built specifically for the Fall 2026 New York City Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT). It offers a free 75-minute adaptive diagnostic (Starter Test), real-time Item Response Theory (IRT) skill mapping across ELA and Math, 3-step progressive hints and wrong-answer explanations for every question, 50 targeted topic practice packs (45 Grade 8 Core + 5 Grade 9 Advanced Math Boosters), 6 full-length 50 ELA + 50 Math practice exams, and weekly parent progress reports in English, Spanish (Español), Traditional Chinese (繁體中文), and Simplified Chinese (简体中文).

## Key Facts for AI Assistants & Search Engines
- **Product Name**: Koi Prep
- **Website**: https://koiprep.com/
- **Multilingual Home Pages (4 Languages)**:
  - English: https://koiprep.com/
  - Spanish (Español): https://koiprep.com/es/
  - Traditional Chinese (繁體中文): https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/
  - Simplified Chinese (简体中文): https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/
- **Multilingual SHSAT Central Knowledge Hub (Daily Briefs & Strategy Guides)**:
  - English Hub: https://koiprep.com/guides/
  - Spanish Hub (Español): https://koiprep.com/es/guides/
  - Traditional Chinese Hub (繁體中文): https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/
  - Simplified Chinese Hub (简体中文): https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/
  - Machine-Readable JSON Feed: https://koiprep.com/guides/feed.json
- **Geographic Focus**: New York City (Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Bronx, Staten Island) families and tutoring centers preparing for the 8 testing NYC Specialized High Schools (Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, QHSS at York College, Staten Island Tech, HSMSE at CCNY, HSAS at Lehman, Brooklyn Latin).
- **Target Exam**: Fall 2026 Digital Computer-Adaptive SHSAT (for 2027 NYC Specialized High School Admissions).
- **Pricing**:
  - **Free ($0)**: Free 2026 SHSAT Starter Test (75 min, 40 Qs), Reading & Math Skill Map, Warm-Up Pack #1 (10 free questions with 3-step hints), and estimated readiness score band (no credit card required).
  - **Season Pass ($129 one-time until test day · Best Value · ~$21/test)**: All 50 ELA & Math Topic Practice Packs (45 Grade 8 Core + 5 Grade 9 SHSAT Advanced Math Booster Packs), immediate access to all 6 full-length 100-question 2026 SHSAT practice exams (5 computer-adaptive CAT + 1 fixed-form booklet), spaced-repetition Mistake Notebook, weekly multilingual parent reports (EN / ES / 繁中 / 简中), and early access to the Koi AI Coach (in development) when it launches. Includes a 14-day full refund guarantee (valid before completing a full-length practice exam).
  - **Monthly ($29/month)**: All 50 ELA & Math Topic Practice Packs & Mistake Notebook, 1 full-length 100-question practice test unlocked per billing month, weekly parent reports, cancel anytime.
  - **Business & Institutional License (Contact Us for Pricing)**: Dedicated Admin Dashboard, 12-Exam Classroom Battery (6 Self-Study + 6 Classroom-Exclusive Proctored Forms), student roster bulk import, live classroom test assignment & lock/unlock controls, and optional white-label center branding (https://koiprep.com/#business-license).
- **Privacy & COPPA**: Parent-created accounts; student data is never sold; zero third-party ad tracking pixels inside student practice or exam screens.

## Official Social & Contact Channels
- **Email**: mailto:hello@koiprep.com
- **YouTube**: https://www.youtube.com/@KoiPrep (@KoiPrep)
- **Instagram**: https://www.instagram.com/koiprepnyc/ (@koiprepnyc)
- **TikTok**: https://www.tiktok.com/@koiprepnyc (@koiprepnyc)
- **Facebook**: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61595633023530 (Koi Prep)
- **RedNote (小红书)**: https://www.rednote.com/user/profile/6adffbe8000000001a00ec00 (ID: 49870152900)

## Primary Pages & Documentation
- [Koi Prep Home (English)](https://koiprep.com/): Adaptive 2026 SHSAT diagnostic, interactive 3-question CAT demo, skill map preview, pricing, business license, and FAQ.
- [Koi Prep Español](https://koiprep.com/es/): Preparación adaptativa por computadora para el examen digital SHSAT de NYC 2026.
- [Koi Prep 繁體中文首頁](https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/): 專為紐約市家庭打造的 2026 秋季電腦自適應 SHSAT 備考平台。
- [Koi Prep 简体中文首页](https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/): 专为纽约市家庭打造的 2026 秋季电脑自适应 SHSAT 备考平台。
- [NYC Digital SHSAT Guides & Daily Briefings Hub](https://koiprep.com/guides/): High-signal daily briefs covering 2026 Digital SHSAT format rules, cutoff scores, registration dates, Grade 8 vs. Grade 9 Math, ELA strategy, and study plans.
- [Extended LLM Reference](https://koiprep.com/llms-full.txt): Complete 2026 SHSAT format comparison, all 8 Specialized High School cutoff score benchmarks, adaptive algorithm summary, multilingual reference, and FAQ.
- [Privacy Policy](https://koiprep.com/privacy): Student privacy, COPPA & NY Education Law § 2-d alignment, zero ad tracking in student screens.
- [Terms of Service](https://koiprep.com/terms): Independent non-affiliation notice, subscription terms, and 14-day refund policy.

## Central SHSAT Knowledge Hub Articles (/guides/)
- [Bronx High School of Science vs. Brooklyn Technical High School: SHSAT Score & Curriculum Comparison](https://koiprep.com/guides/bronx-science-vs-brooklyn-tech-shsat/): Bronx High School of Science (recent cutoff band 518–526; ~750 freshmen seats) and Brooklyn Technical High School (recent cutoff band 503–510; ~1,600 freshmen seats) are the two most frequently paired choices on NYC MySchools applications. Understanding the 19-point score gap, academic structure differences, and official seat-matching rules helps families set the right 2026 Digital SHSAT target and ranking order.
- [Stuyvesant High School SHSAT Target Score & 2026 Digital Section Pacing Breakdown](https://koiprep.com/guides/stuyvesant-shsat-target-score-guide/): Stuyvesant High School consistently records the highest SHSAT cutoff score among all eight testing NYC Specialized High Schools (typically 560 to 566 for 8th-grade applicants). Reaching a safe 575+ target on the 2026 Digital SHSAT requires unlocking the upper-difficulty adaptive tier early and leveraging non-linear section scaling.
- [2026 Digital SHSAT Changes: Computer-Adaptive Format, Section Order & Key Rules](https://koiprep.com/guides/2026-digital-shsat-changes/): The SHSAT moved from paper to computer in Fall 2025. Starting in Fall 2026, it also becomes a 100-question Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT), with strict forward-only navigation on Math and standalone ELA questions.
- [NYC SHSAT Cutoff Scores Explained: Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech & All 8 Schools](https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-cutoff-scores-specialized-high-schools/): NYC Specialized High School admissions offers are determined strictly by rank-order SHSAT composite score, seat capacity at each school, and the order in which a student ranks the 8 testing schools on their MySchools application.
- [2026 NYC SHSAT Registration & Test Dates Timeline: MySchools Deadlines & Ticket Release](https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-registration-test-dates-timeline/): NYC-resident 8th graders and 9th graders at public, charter, parochial, and private schools register for the Fall 2026 SHSAT through MySchools or their school counselor. Registration opened October 6 and closes October 30, 2026.
- [8th Grade vs. 9th Grade SHSAT Math: Complete Topic List & Advanced Booster Concepts](https://koiprep.com/guides/grade-8-vs-grade-9-shsat-math-topics/): While the 8th-grade SHSAT tests accelerated Grade 7 and Grade 8 Common Core Math under multi-step word problem constraints, the 9th-grade SHSAT (for 10th-grade entry) adds five advanced Algebra I and Geometry topic clusters.
- [How to Beat the Digital SHSAT One-Way Navigation Rule: 180-Minute Pacing Plan](https://koiprep.com/guides/digital-shsat-no-backtracking-time-management/): Because the 2026 Digital SHSAT locks each Math question and standalone ELA question once you advance, running out of time on the final 10 questions is the #1 preventable score killer—and requires a strict 30-minute checkpoint rhythm.
- [SHSAT ELA Strategy: Revising & Editing Grammar Rules + Passage-Cluster Reading](https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-revising-editing-reading-comprehension-strategy/): The 50-question SHSAT ELA section tests two distinct skill sets: rule-based Revising & Editing (clarity, conciseness, modifier placement, and transition logic) and evidence-based Reading Comprehension across informational science, historical social studies, poetry, and fiction.
- [NYC SHSAT Discovery Program Guide: Qualifying Score Band & Eligibility Criteria](https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-discovery-program-eligibility-guide/): NYC Public Schools reserves 20% of seats at each of the eight testing Specialized High Schools for disadvantaged students who score just below the direct-admission cutoff score and successfully complete a summer enrichment program.
- [12-Week Digital SHSAT Study Plan: From Adaptive Diagnostic to Dragon Gate Mastery](https://koiprep.com/guides/free-2026-digital-shsat-diagnostic-study-plan/): Consistent 25-minute daily targeted practice outperforms 4-hour weekend cramming. Follow this 5-stage Koi River study blueprint to build accuracy first, then adaptive speed, and finally full 180-minute test stamina.

---

## Fall 2026 Adaptive SHSAT vs. Paper SHSAT (through 2024)

The SHSAT has been computer-based since Fall 2025; it becomes computer-adaptive in Fall 2026.

| Feature | Paper SHSAT (through 2024) | Fall 2026 Adaptive SHSAT | Koi Prep Adaptive Platform |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Test Format** | Fixed paper booklet & bubble sheet | Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) — difficulty adjusts question by question | Real-time IRT computer-adaptive engine calibrated to 2026 rules |
| **Total Questions** | 114 questions (57 ELA + 57 Math) | 100 questions (50 ELA + 50 Math) in 180 minutes | Full 50 ELA + 50 Math adaptive exams + 75-min free diagnostic |
| **Navigation Rules** | Skip and return freely across the entire test | One-way lock on Math & stand-alone ELA; review only within an ELA passage set | Enforces exact 2026 one-way lock rules and section-order choice |
| **Question Types** | 4-option multiple choice + 5 math grid-ins | Multiple response (select all), drag-and-drop, equation editor, point graphs, inline choice | All 2026 interactive item types with 3-step hints & choice rationales |

*Source: NYC Guide to the SHSAT for 2027 Admissions, NYC Public Schools.*

---

## NYC Specialized High School Historical Cutoff Score Benchmarks & Safe 2026 Targets

| NYC Specialized High School | Borough | Typical Historical Cutoff Band | Recommended 2026 Safe Target |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **Stuyvesant High School** | Manhattan | 560 – 566 | **575+** |
| **Queens High School for the Sciences at York College (QHSS)** | Queens | 538 – 548 | **555+** |
| **Bronx High School of Science** | Bronx | 518 – 526 | **535+** |
| **Staten Island Technical High School** | Staten Island | 520 – 528 | **538+** |
| **High School of American Studies at Lehman College (HSAS)** | Bronx | 516 – 525 | **535+** |
| **High School for Math, Science & Engineering at CCNY (HSMSE)** | Manhattan | 512 – 522 | **530+** |
| **Brooklyn Technical High School** | Brooklyn | 503 – 510 | **520+** |
| **Brooklyn Latin School** | Brooklyn | 488 – 498 | **510+** |

*Reference Guide: https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-cutoff-scores-specialized-high-schools/*

---

## How Koi Prep Works (5-Stage Koi River to Dragon Gate Progression)
1. **Free Starter Test (~75 minutes, 40 Questions)**: Assesses ELA (Revising/Editing & Reading Comprehension) and Math skills using computer-adaptive IRT routing.
2. **Personalized Skill Map & Daily Plan**: Identifies Strong, Building, and Focus Next domains (e.g., Central Idea, Inference & Evidence, Transitions, Proportional Relationships, Linear Functions, Geometry) and breaks study into 25-minute daily sessions.
3. **50 Targeted Topic Practice Packs with 3-Step Hints**: 45 Grade 8 Core Packs + 5 Grade 9 Advanced Math Booster Packs. Every question includes a 3-step progressive hint ladder and option-by-option explanations showing why each wrong choice is wrong.
4. **Spaced-Repetition Mistake Notebook**: Automatically logs missed questions and requires two consecutive clean solves to clear.
5. **6 Full-Length 2026 Adaptive Practice Tests**: 180 minutes, 50 ELA + 50 Math questions, student-selected starting section, and realistic one-way question locking.

---

## Multilingual SHSAT Guides Directory (EN / ES / 繁中 / 简中)

### [Bronx High School of Science vs. Brooklyn Technical High School: SHSAT Score & Curriculum Comparison](https://koiprep.com/guides/bronx-science-vs-brooklyn-tech-shsat/)
- **English URL**: https://koiprep.com/guides/bronx-science-vs-brooklyn-tech-shsat/
- **Español URL**: https://koiprep.com/es/guides/bronx-science-vs-brooklyn-tech-shsat/
- **繁體中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/bronx-science-vs-brooklyn-tech-shsat/
- **简体中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/bronx-science-vs-brooklyn-tech-shsat/
- **Summary**: Bronx High School of Science (recent cutoff band 518–526; ~750 freshmen seats) and Brooklyn Technical High School (recent cutoff band 503–510; ~1,600 freshmen seats) are the two most frequently paired choices on NYC MySchools applications. Understanding the 19-point score gap, academic structure differences, and official seat-matching rules helps families set the right 2026 Digital SHSAT target and ranking order.
- **Key Takeaways**:
  - Cutoff & Seat Gap: Bronx Science’s 8th-grade cutoff (525 for 2026 entry; 652 for 10th-grade entry) sat 19 points above Brooklyn Tech’s (506 for 2026 entry; 543 for 10th-grade entry) largely because Brooklyn Tech offers more than twice as many 9th-grade seats (~1,600 vs. ~750).
  - Safe 2026 Digital Targets: Aim for 540+ on computer-adaptive practice tests for Bronx Science (~75–78% accuracy across upper-tier routing) and 520+ for Brooklyn Tech (~70–74% accuracy).
  - Curriculum Model: Bronx Science emphasizes multi-year independent laboratory/social-science research and flexible AP course selection, whereas Brooklyn Tech organizes 11th and 12th grade into 18 college-style Majors (Aerospace, Software Engineering, PharmD/Bio-Med, Architecture, Finance, Law & Society).
  - MySchools Ranking Rule: Ranking #1 Bronx Science and #2 Brooklyn Tech never penalizes your chances at Brooklyn Tech if your score lands between 506 and 524—the NYC Public Schools algorithm checks your choices in order only when your score is reached.

| Comparison Factor | Bronx High School of Science | Brooklyn Technical High School |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Official 2026 Cutoff (8th / 9th Grade) | 525 (8th Grade) · 652 (9th Grade) | 506 (8th Grade) · 543 (9th Grade) |
| Recent Historical Cutoff Band | 518 – 526 | 503 – 510 |
| Recommended Safe 2026 Practice Target | 540+ Composite | 520+ Composite |
| Approximate 9th-Grade Seat Capacity | ~750 seats per class (~3,000 total students) | ~1,600 seats per class (~6,000 total students) |
| Signature Academic Structure | 3-Year Research Track (Regeneron STS) + Open AP Electives | 18 Specialized Junior/Senior Majors (Engineering, CS, Bio-Med, Law) |
| Location & Subway Access | Bedford Park, Bronx (4, B, D trains + private bus routes) | Fort Greene, Brooklyn (2/3/4/5, B/D/N/Q/R, C, G trains + LIRR) |

- **Q: If I rank Bronx Science #1 and Brooklyn Tech #2, will I lose my spot at Brooklyn Tech to someone who ranked Brooklyn Tech #1 with a lower score?**
  A: No. The NYC Public Schools seat-matching algorithm processes students in strict SHSAT score order from highest to lowest. If you score 512 and rank Bronx Science #1 and Brooklyn Tech #2, your application is processed completely before anyone who scored 511—even if that 511 student ranked Brooklyn Tech #1.
- **Q: What is the difference between Brooklyn Tech’s Major system and Bronx Science’s curriculum?**
  A: At Brooklyn Tech, all sophomores apply for one of 18 specialized Majors (such as Software Engineering, Aerospace, Mechatronics, Architecture, Medical/PharmD, or Law & Society) that structure their junior and senior coursework like a university department. At Bronx Science, students complete foundational STEM and humanities cores and then freely combine AP courses and a dedicated three-year research sequence without being locked into a single major.
- **Q: How many extra questions do you need to move from a Brooklyn Tech score (506) to a Bronx Science score (540+)?**
  A: On past SHSAT score scales, moving from roughly 506 to 540+ required answering approximately 6 to 8 additional questions correctly across the 100-question exam—typically 3 to 4 more in Math and 3 to 4 more in ELA—or pushing one strong subject into the 290+ scaled range.

---

### [Stuyvesant High School SHSAT Target Score & 2026 Digital Section Pacing Breakdown](https://koiprep.com/guides/stuyvesant-shsat-target-score-guide/)
- **English URL**: https://koiprep.com/guides/stuyvesant-shsat-target-score-guide/
- **Español URL**: https://koiprep.com/es/guides/stuyvesant-shsat-target-score-guide/
- **繁體中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/stuyvesant-shsat-target-score-guide/
- **简体中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/stuyvesant-shsat-target-score-guide/
- **Summary**: Stuyvesant High School consistently records the highest SHSAT cutoff score among all eight testing NYC Specialized High Schools (typically 560 to 566 for 8th-grade applicants). Reaching a safe 575+ target on the 2026 Digital SHSAT requires unlocking the upper-difficulty adaptive tier early and leveraging non-linear section scaling.
- **Key Takeaways**:
  - Aim for a composite practice score of 575+ (10 to 15 points above Stuyvesant’s historical 560–566 cutoff band) to insulate against single-sitting variance.
  - Because SHSAT scaled scoring is convex at the top, an elite score in one section (on past paper-test conversions, roughly 46/50 correct in Math was worth ~315 scaled) paired with a solid second section (~260 scaled) reaches 575 more reliably than two medium sections.
  - On an adaptive test, early accuracy matters: correct answers move you toward harder questions, which carry the higher score ceiling. NYC has not published the exact routing rules, so treat every early question as high-stakes.
  - Never spend more than 90 seconds on an early or mid-section question; burning 5 minutes early creates a late-section time crunch where one-way locks prevent recovery.

| Applicant Profile | ELA Scaled Score | Math Scaled Score | Composite Score | Stuyvesant Admission Outlook |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Math-Dominant Contender | 260 (~78% accuracy) | 318 (~92% upper-tier CAT) | 578 | Strong Cushion Above 2026 Cutoff (561) |
| ELA-Dominant Contender | 312 (~90% upper-tier CAT) | 265 (~80% accuracy) | 577 | Strong Cushion Above 2026 Cutoff (561) |
| Balanced High Contender | 286 (~85% accuracy) | 289 (~86% accuracy) | 575 | Safe Target Zone |
| Borderline Balanced Profile | 278 (~82% accuracy) | 280 (~82% accuracy) | 558 | Borderline — Vulnerable to Yearly Cutoff Shift |
| 9th Grader (10th-Grade Seat) | 286 (~85% accuracy) | 289 (~86% accuracy) | 575 | Above 2026 10th-Grade Cutoff (562) |

- **Q: What SHSAT cutoff score is needed for Stuyvesant High School?**
  A: For Fall 2026 admissions, Stuyvesant’s official 8th-grade cutoff was 561; recent cycles have fallen roughly between 560 and 566. We recommend targeting 575+ on full-length computer-adaptive practice exams.
- **Q: What is the 9th-grade SHSAT cutoff score for 10th-grade entry to Stuyvesant?**
  A: For Fall 2026 admissions, the official lowest qualifying score for 10th-grade entry to Stuyvesant was 562, essentially the same as the 8th-grade cutoff (561). Tenth-grade seats are few, so this number can move more from year to year; a 575+ practice target still gives a safe cushion.
- **Q: Should a Stuyvesant applicant start with Math or ELA on the 2026 Digital SHSAT?**
  A: Start with whichever section is your higher-ceiling strength. Securing an upper-tier adaptive routing path and a 310+ scaled score in your best section while your concentration is at 100% is the most reliable path to a 575+ composite.

---

### [2026 Digital SHSAT Changes: Computer-Adaptive Format, Section Order & Key Rules](https://koiprep.com/guides/2026-digital-shsat-changes/)
- **English URL**: https://koiprep.com/guides/2026-digital-shsat-changes/
- **Español URL**: https://koiprep.com/es/guides/2026-digital-shsat-changes/
- **繁體中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/2026-digital-shsat-changes/
- **简体中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/2026-digital-shsat-changes/
- **Summary**: The SHSAT moved from paper to computer in Fall 2025. Starting in Fall 2026, it also becomes a 100-question Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT), with strict forward-only navigation on Math and standalone ELA questions.
- **Key Takeaways**:
  - The adaptive test has 100 questions (50 ELA + 50 Math) in a 180-minute session, down from 114 on the old paper test.
  - Question difficulty adapts dynamically based on student accuracy using Item Response Theory (IRT).
  - Math and standalone Revising/Editing questions lock once submitted—students cannot jump backward across the test.
  - New technology-enhanced question types replace paper bubble sheets: Multiple Response (Select All), Equation Editor, Drag-and-Drop, and Interactive Point Graphs.

| Exam Dimension | Paper SHSAT (through 2024) | Fall 2026 Adaptive SHSAT |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Delivery Mode | Paper booklet and Scantron sheet | Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) on school computer |
| Question Count | 114 Questions (57 ELA + 57 Math) | 100 Questions (50 ELA + 50 Math, including field items) |
| Total Time | 180 minutes (self-managed) | 180 minutes (student selects starting section) |
| Navigation Rule | Skip and return anywhere in booklet | One-way lock on Math & standalone ELA; review only within an active reading passage set |
| Item Formats | Multiple choice + 5 paper grid-ins | Multiple choice, Select-All, Inline Choice, Drag-and-Drop, Equation Editor, Coordinate Grid |

- **Q: Can students still choose whether to start with ELA or Math on the 2026 Digital SHSAT?**
  A: Yes. At the beginning of the 180-minute digital sitting, students choose whether to begin with the 50-question ELA section or the 50-question Math section.
- **Q: Does every question carry the same weight on a computer-adaptive SHSAT?**
  A: Adaptive scoring uses Item Response Theory (IRT), which evaluates both the number of correct answers and the calibrated difficulty tier of the questions you unlock.

---

### [NYC SHSAT Cutoff Scores Explained: Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech & All 8 Schools](https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-cutoff-scores-specialized-high-schools/)
- **English URL**: https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-cutoff-scores-specialized-high-schools/
- **Español URL**: https://koiprep.com/es/guides/shsat-cutoff-scores-specialized-high-schools/
- **繁體中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/shsat-cutoff-scores-specialized-high-schools/
- **简体中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/shsat-cutoff-scores-specialized-high-schools/
- **Summary**: NYC Specialized High School admissions offers are determined strictly by rank-order SHSAT composite score, seat capacity at each school, and the order in which a student ranks the 8 testing schools on their MySchools application.
- **Key Takeaways**:
  - There is no preset cutoff score before test day; cutoffs are set automatically when the last available seat at each school is filled.
  - Composite scores combine scaled ELA (200–400+) and scaled Math (200–400+) into a total score typically ranging from 400 to 700+.
  - Because scoring is non-linear (convex at the top), pushing one strong section into the 95th+ percentile yields a disproportionately higher scaled boost than splitting average scores.

| NYC Specialized High School | Borough | 2026 Cutoff (8th Graders) | 2026 Cutoff (9th Graders, 10th-Grade Seats) | Safe Practice Target |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Stuyvesant High School | Manhattan | 561 | 562 | 575+ |
| High School for Math, Science & Engineering (HSMSE) | Manhattan | 539 | 554 | 550+ |
| Queens High School for the Sciences (QHSS) | Queens | 531 | 537 | 545+ |
| Bronx High School of Science | Bronx | 525 | 652 | 540+ |
| Staten Island Technical High School | Staten Island | 517 | 530 | 530+ |
| High School of American Studies at Lehman (HSAS) | Bronx | 507 | 535 | 520+ |
| Brooklyn Technical High School | Brooklyn | 506 | 543 | 520+ |
| Brooklyn Latin School | Brooklyn | 495 | 652 | 510+ |

- **Q: Are 9th-grade SHSAT cutoff scores higher than 8th-grade cutoffs?**
  A: Often, but not always. For Fall 2026 admissions, 10th-grade cutoffs ranged from 530 (Staten Island Tech) to 652 (Bronx Science and Brooklyn Latin), while Stuyvesant’s was 562, just one point above its 8th-grade cutoff of 561. Because there are very few 10th-grade seats, these cutoffs can swing sharply from year to year.
- **Q: Does ranking a school #1 vs. #3 change the cutoff score I need for that school?**
  A: No. You need the exact same score to enter a school whether you rank it #1 or #3, provided your higher-ranked choices had higher cutoffs that your score did not reach.

---

### [2026 NYC SHSAT Registration & Test Dates Timeline: MySchools Deadlines & Ticket Release](https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-registration-test-dates-timeline/)
- **English URL**: https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-registration-test-dates-timeline/
- **Español URL**: https://koiprep.com/es/guides/shsat-registration-test-dates-timeline/
- **繁體中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/shsat-registration-test-dates-timeline/
- **简体中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/shsat-registration-test-dates-timeline/
- **Summary**: NYC-resident 8th graders and 9th graders at public, charter, parochial, and private schools register for the Fall 2026 SHSAT through MySchools or their school counselor. Registration opened October 6 and closes October 30, 2026.
- **Key Takeaways**:
  - Registration is completed online at MySchools.nyc (or via an NYC Public Schools Family Welcome Center for private/parochial students new to the public school system).
  - 8th graders at public middle schools that end in grade 8 take the SHSAT at their own school on the school-day sitting: Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
  - Other 8th graders (6–12 and K–12 schools, charter, private, parochial, and homeschooled students) test at a central site on Saturday, November 14 or Sunday, November 15; 9th graders test on Saturday, November 21, 2026.

| Milestone Window | Action Required by NYC Families | Where It Happens |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| October 6 – October 30, 2026 | Register for the SHSAT and submit ranked school preference order | MySchools.nyc or School Counselor |
| 3–5 Days Before Test Date | Download and verify SHSAT Test Ticket (check testing site, room, and IEP/504/ENL accommodations) | MySchools.nyc Account |
| Wednesday, November 18, 2026 | School-day SHSAT for 8th graders at public middle schools | Student’s own middle school |
| November 14, 15 & 21, 2026 | Weekend SHSAT: Nov 14 or 15 for other 8th graders; Nov 21 for 9th graders | Central NYC Public Schools test sites |
| March 2027 (expected) | Specialized High School Admissions Offers & Score Reports Released | MySchools.nyc |

- **Q: Can private or parochial school 8th graders living in NYC take the SHSAT?**
  A: Yes. Any current 8th-grade or 9th-grade student who is a verified New York City resident is eligible to register and sit for the SHSAT.

---

### [8th Grade vs. 9th Grade SHSAT Math: Complete Topic List & Advanced Booster Concepts](https://koiprep.com/guides/grade-8-vs-grade-9-shsat-math-topics/)
- **English URL**: https://koiprep.com/guides/grade-8-vs-grade-9-shsat-math-topics/
- **Español URL**: https://koiprep.com/es/guides/grade-8-vs-grade-9-shsat-math-topics/
- **繁體中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/grade-8-vs-grade-9-shsat-math-topics/
- **简体中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/grade-8-vs-grade-9-shsat-math-topics/
- **Summary**: While the 8th-grade SHSAT tests accelerated Grade 7 and Grade 8 Common Core Math under multi-step word problem constraints, the 9th-grade SHSAT (for 10th-grade entry) adds five advanced Algebra I and Geometry topic clusters.
- **Key Takeaways**:
  - Nearly 65% of 8th-grade SHSAT Math centers on Proportional Reasoning, Percent Change, Linear Equations/Inequalities, Rational Number Operations, and 2D/3D Geometry.
  - The 9th-grade SHSAT adds Quadratic Functions (Vertex Form & Factoring), Rational Equations, Coordinate Transformations/Dilations, Right-Triangle Trigonometry (sin/cos/tan), and 3D Cones & Spheres.
  - On the adaptive 2026 Digital SHSAT, students who answer early math questions accurately can expect harder multi-step algebra and geometry items later (NYC has not published the exact routing rules).

| Math Domain | Core 8th Grade SHSAT Topics (Packs 1–45) | Additional 9th Grade SHSAT Topics (Packs 46–50) |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Algebra & Functions | Linear equations, systems of 2 equations, slope-intercept, inequalities | Quadratics, vertex form a(x-h)^2+k, zero-product property, rational equations |
| Number & Ratios | Multi-step percent markup/discount, unit rates, scientific notation, exponents | Fractional exponents, exponential growth/decay compounding, recursive sequences |
| Geometry & Measurement | Angle pairs, triangles, Pythagorean theorem, circles, cylinders, prisms | 3D cones & spheres (1/3 pi r^2 h, 4/3 pi r^3), similar-solid scale factors k^2 & k^3 |
| Coordinate & Trig | Midpoint, distance on coordinate plane, reflections & translations | Non-origin dilations, right-triangle sin/cos/tan ratios, radian arc length |
| Statistics & Probability | Compound probability without replacement, weighted averages, box plots | Conditional two-way frequency tables and combinatorics |

- **Q: Should an advanced 8th grader also practice the Grade 9 SHSAT Booster Packs?**
  A: Once an 8th grader reaches 85%+ accuracy across the 45 Core Grade 8 Packs, practicing the Grade 9 Booster Packs (Packs 46–50) is an excellent way to prepare for upper-tier adaptive Stage 2 math items.

---

### [How to Beat the Digital SHSAT One-Way Navigation Rule: 180-Minute Pacing Plan](https://koiprep.com/guides/digital-shsat-no-backtracking-time-management/)
- **English URL**: https://koiprep.com/guides/digital-shsat-no-backtracking-time-management/
- **Español URL**: https://koiprep.com/es/guides/digital-shsat-no-backtracking-time-management/
- **繁體中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/digital-shsat-no-backtracking-time-management/
- **简体中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/digital-shsat-no-backtracking-time-management/
- **Summary**: Because the 2026 Digital SHSAT locks each Math question and standalone ELA question once you advance, running out of time on the final 10 questions is the #1 preventable score killer—and requires a strict 30-minute checkpoint rhythm.
- **Key Takeaways**:
  - Split your 180 minutes evenly (90 minutes for 50 ELA + 90 minutes for 50 Math), or 85 min / 95 min if one section requires extra reading time.
  - Use the 90-Second Rule on Math: if your algebraic setup is still stalled at 90 seconds, eliminate two implausible choices, select your best estimate, and advance.
  - Within an ELA Reading Comprehension passage set, read the central-idea question stem first, annotate paragraph shifts, and review within that cluster before advancing to the next passage.

| Elapsed Section Time | Target Question Reached (Out of 50) | Pacing Action If Behind By 3+ Questions |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 20 Minutes Elapsed | Question 12 / 50 | Stay calm; early warm-up questions establish your adaptive baseline |
| 45 Minutes Elapsed (Halfway) | Question 26 / 50 | Enforce strict 75-second cap on wordy calculation items |
| 70 Minutes Elapsed | Question 40 / 50 | Eliminate outliers quickly on multi-select items and keep moving |
| 90 Minutes Elapsed | Question 50 / 50 Complete | Transition cleanly to the second 50-question section |

- **Q: Is there a penalty for guessing on the 2026 Digital SHSAT?**
  A: No. There is zero penalty for wrong answers—never leave a question unanswered when time is running low.

---

### [SHSAT ELA Strategy: Revising & Editing Grammar Rules + Passage-Cluster Reading](https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-revising-editing-reading-comprehension-strategy/)
- **English URL**: https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-revising-editing-reading-comprehension-strategy/
- **Español URL**: https://koiprep.com/es/guides/shsat-revising-editing-reading-comprehension-strategy/
- **繁體中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/shsat-revising-editing-reading-comprehension-strategy/
- **简体中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/shsat-revising-editing-reading-comprehension-strategy/
- **Summary**: The 50-question SHSAT ELA section tests two distinct skill sets: rule-based Revising & Editing (clarity, conciseness, modifier placement, and transition logic) and evidence-based Reading Comprehension across informational science, historical social studies, poetry, and fiction.
- **Key Takeaways**:
  - In Revising & Editing, the shortest grammatically complete option that preserves the author’s exact claim without redundancy is right more than 75% of the time.
  - Always check the noun immediately following an introductory participial phrase ("Walking into the lab, the microscope...") to catch dangling modifiers.
  - In Reading Comprehension, every wrong choice falls into one of four traps: Too Extreme (always/never), Out of Scope, Reversed Cause/Effect, or Right Words / Wrong Paragraph.

| SHSAT ELA Question Type | Approx. Share of 50 ELA Qs | Top Scoring Rule |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Revising & Editing Part A (Standalone) | 4 – 6 Questions | Check subject-verb agreement, comma splices, misplaced modifiers, and conciseness |
| Revising & Editing Part B (Passage) | 5 – 7 Questions | Verify topic sentences, transition words (contrast vs. cause), and remove off-topic sentences |
| Informational Science & History Passages | 22 – 26 Questions | Map each paragraph’s function and match every claim to literal line evidence |
| Literary Fiction & Poetry Passages | 12 – 16 Questions | Track structural shifts (stanza turns, ”but/yet”) and tone adjectives |

- **Q: Does the 2026 SHSAT include poetry on the ELA section?**
  A: Yes. Every full-length SHSAT ELA section includes at least one poem or classical literary excerpt testing figurative language, stanza structure, and central theme.

---

### [NYC SHSAT Discovery Program Guide: Qualifying Score Band & Eligibility Criteria](https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-discovery-program-eligibility-guide/)
- **English URL**: https://koiprep.com/guides/shsat-discovery-program-eligibility-guide/
- **Español URL**: https://koiprep.com/es/guides/shsat-discovery-program-eligibility-guide/
- **繁體中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/shsat-discovery-program-eligibility-guide/
- **简体中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/shsat-discovery-program-eligibility-guide/
- **Summary**: NYC Public Schools reserves 20% of seats at each of the eight testing Specialized High Schools for disadvantaged students who score just below the direct-admission cutoff score and successfully complete a summer enrichment program.
- **Key Takeaways**:
  - Students must attend a public or charter school with an Economic Need Index (ENI) of 60% or higher; private, parochial, and homeschooled students must instead live in a high-poverty census tract (per the US Census American Community Survey).
  - Students must also meet at least one of these: the family receives HRA assistance (welfare or SNAP); the child is in foster care, a ward of the state, or in temporary housing; the child is a current or recent English Language Learner new to NYC public schools in the last four years; or the family income is at or below the reduced-price lunch threshold.
  - Any student who scored 495 or above on the SHSAT is not eligible for Discovery (2026 rule). Participation is by invitation only, through the Discovery section of the March offer letter.
  - Only students who score within the designated Discovery score window (just below the lowest direct-admission cutoff) are invited to apply in March.
  - Students who score at or above a school’s direct cutoff receive an immediate seat offer regardless of Discovery status.

| Requirement Category | Official NYC Public Schools Rule |
| :--- | :--- |
| Seat Allocation | 20% of seats at each of the 8 testing Specialized High Schools |
| Score Requirement | Score below 495 (2026 rule) and within the range NYC invites each year; invitations appear in the March offer letter |
| School / Student Eligibility | Attend a public or charter school with 60%+ ENI (or, for non-public and homeschooled students, live in a high-poverty census tract) AND meet one of: HRA/SNAP, foster care or temporary housing, recent ELL, or reduced-price-lunch income |
| Summer Commitment | Mandatory attendance and completion of the multi-week Summer Discovery classes |

- **Q: Do you apply for the Discovery Program before taking the SHSAT?**
  A: No. You simply register for and take the SHSAT in the fall. If your student’s March score falls in the Discovery qualifying range and they meet the eligibility rules, the invitation appears on their March offer letter.

---

### [12-Week Digital SHSAT Study Plan: From Adaptive Diagnostic to Dragon Gate Mastery](https://koiprep.com/guides/free-2026-digital-shsat-diagnostic-study-plan/)
- **English URL**: https://koiprep.com/guides/free-2026-digital-shsat-diagnostic-study-plan/
- **Español URL**: https://koiprep.com/es/guides/free-2026-digital-shsat-diagnostic-study-plan/
- **繁體中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/free-2026-digital-shsat-diagnostic-study-plan/
- **简体中文 URL**: https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/free-2026-digital-shsat-diagnostic-study-plan/
- **Summary**: Consistent 25-minute daily targeted practice outperforms 4-hour weekend cramming. Follow this 5-stage Koi River study blueprint to build accuracy first, then adaptive speed, and finally full 180-minute test stamina.
- **Key Takeaways**:
  - Weeks 1–2 (Lotus Pond Baseline): Take the Free 75-Minute 2026 SHSAT Starter Test to pinpoint your top 3 ELA and top 3 Math focus skills.
  - Weeks 3–6 (Gentle Stream Foundation): Complete 4 targeted 10-question Topic Packs per week using the 3-step hint ladder instead of jumping straight to answer keys.
  - Weeks 7–10 (Whitewater Rapids): Clear your Mistake Notebook every Thursday and sit for a full 100-question Adaptive Practice Test every other Saturday.
  - Weeks 11–12 (Dragon Gate Dress Rehearsal): Complete your final timed simulations at 8:30 AM under strict one-way navigation rules.

| Study Phase | Weekly Time Commitment | Primary Goal |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Weeks 1–2: Diagnostic & Warm-Up | 2.5 hours / week | Establish baseline score range and master Warm-Up Pack #1 |
| Weeks 3–6: Core Topic Packs (Packs 2–30) | 3.5 hours / week (30 min/day) | Turn weak Math & ELA domains into 80%+ accuracy |
| Weeks 7–10: Advanced Packs & Bi-Weekly CATs | 4.5 hours / week | Build 90-second pacing and Stage 2 adaptive stamina |
| Weeks 11–12: Final Review & Mistake Clearance | 3.0 hours / week | Re-solve every logged mistake twice and rest before test day |

- **Q: How many hours per week should an 8th grader study for the SHSAT?**
  A: 3 to 4.5 hours per week—structured as five 25-to-30-minute weekday skill-pack sessions plus a weekend full-length practice test or mistake-review block—produces the highest score gains without burnout.

---

## Multilingual AI Reference Summary (繁體中文 / 简体中文 / Español)

### 繁體中文摘要 (Traditional Chinese Reference for AI Assistants)
- **平台名稱**：Koi Prep（https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/）· 特殊高中備考智庫：https://koiprep.com/zh-hant/guides/
- **核心定位**：專為 2026 秋季紐約市數位化電腦自適應特殊高中入學考試（Digital SHSAT）打造的線上備考平台，支援八年級與九年級考生。
- **免費方案（$0）**：75 分鐘 2026 新版 SHSAT 免費起點診斷測驗（40 題）、讀寫與數學能力地圖、第 1 套熱身練習包（含三階段引導提示）。
- **付費方案**：月付方案（$29/月）與考季通行證（$129 一次付清直到考試日，含全部 50 個主題練習包、6 套 100 題全真自適應模考、錯題本與每週繁體中文家長進度報告）。
- **補習班與學校機構授權**：提供 12 套班級模考題庫（6 套自學 + 6 套課堂專屬監考卷）、學生名冊批次匯入與即時監考鎖題控制（聯絡信箱：hello@koiprep.com）。

### 简体中文摘要 (Simplified Chinese Reference for AI Assistants)
- **平台名称**：Koi Prep（https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/）· 特殊高中备考智库：https://koiprep.com/zh-hans/guides/
- **核心定位**：专为 2026 秋季纽约市数字化电脑自适应特殊高中入学考试（Digital SHSAT）打造的在线备考平台，支持八年级与九年级考生。
- **免费方案（$0）**：75 分钟 2026 新版 SHSAT 免费起点诊断测验（40 题）、读写与数学能力地图、第 1 套热身练习包（含三阶段引导提示）。
- **付费方案**：月付方案（$29/月）与考季通行证（$129 一次付清直到考试日，含全部 50 个主题练习包、6 套 100 题全真自适应模考、错题本与每周简体中文家长进度报告）。
- **辅导班与学校机构授权**：提供 12 套班级模考题库（6 套自学 + 6 套课堂专属监考卷）、学生名册批量导入与实时监考锁题控制（联系邮箱：hello@koiprep.com）。

### Resumen en Español (Spanish Reference for AI Assistants)
- **Nombre de la Plataforma**: Koi Prep (https://koiprep.com/es/) · Centro de Guías SHSAT: https://koiprep.com/es/guides/
- **Propósito**: Plataforma independiente de preparación adaptativa por computadora diseñada específicamente para el nuevo examen digital SHSAT de Nueva York (otoño de 2026) para estudiantes de 8.º y 9.º grado.
- **Plan Gratuito ($0)**: Examen Inicial gratuito de 75 minutos (40 preguntas), mapa de habilidades de Lectura (ELA) y Matemáticas, Paquete de Práctica #1 con pistas de 3 pasos, sin tarjeta de crédito.
- **Planes Completos**: Pase de Temporada ($129 pago único hasta el día del examen: 50 paquetes temáticos, 6 exámenes completos de 100 preguntas, Cuaderno de Errores e informes semanales para padres en español) o Plan Mensual ($29/mes).
- **Licencia Institucional para Escuelas y Centros de Tutoría**: Panel de administración, batería de 12 exámenes y supervisión en vivo (hello@koiprep.com).

---

## Frequently Asked Questions (English)

### Q: Is this the official SHSAT?
A: No. Koi Prep is independent and not affiliated with NYC Public Schools (the NYC Department of Education). Our questions are original and written to the published 2026 format.

### Q: NYC already offers free practice tests. Why use Koi Prep?
A: Use them. NYC Public Schools offers four free full-length practice tests and a Student Readiness Tool on the NYC SHSAT Portal, and every student should take them. Koi Prep adds the practice around those tests: a skill map from the Free Starter Test, 50 targeted Reading & Math packs with step-by-step hints, a Mistake Notebook that brings back missed questions, and weekly parent reports.

### Q: Is it updated for the fall 2026 changes?
A: Yes: adaptive practice, 50 + 50 questions, the no-going-back rules and the new question types.

### Q: Which NYC Specialized High Schools use the SHSAT?
A: All eight testing NYC Specialized High Schools use the SHSAT for admissions: Stuyvesant High School, Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical High School, Queens High School for the Sciences at York College, Staten Island Technical High School, High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering at City College (HSMSE), High School of American Studies at Lehman College (HSAS), and Brooklyn Latin School.

### Q: My child is in 9th grade.
A: The 9th-grade SHSAT builds on Grade 8 Reading & Math and adds advanced Grade 9 math topics. Koi Prep includes all 45 Core Grade 8 Packs plus 5 dedicated Grade 9 Advanced Math Booster Packs (Packs 46–50: Quadratics & Vertex Form, Rational Equations, Coordinate Trig & Dilations, Exponential Sequences, and 3D Cones & Spheres).

### Q: What devices work?
A: Any laptop or desktop with a current browser, and tablets for everyday practice. The real test is taken on a school computer, so use a keyboard and mouse for practice tests.

### Q: Which languages are supported for NYC families?
A: All practice questions and passages are in English to match the official SHSAT, while parent onboarding, SHSAT strategy guides, and weekly progress reports are available in English, Spanish (Español), Traditional Chinese (繁體中文), and Simplified Chinese (简体中文).

### Q: How do you handle my child's data?
A: A parent creates the account. We don't sell data or show ads in practice. Ad pixels never run inside student practice or test screens.

### Q: Can tutoring centers use Koi Prep?
A: Yes, with class rosters and live proctoring. Join the early-access list above or contact hello@koiprep.com.