SHSAT Math: Content Map, Problem Types, and Timed Sets
SHSAT Math: Content Map, Problem Types, and Timed Sets
SHSAT Math: Content Map, Problem Types, and Timed Sets
Master SHSAT math with a domain-by-domain content map, timed-set pacing, grid-in strategies, common traps with fast fixes, and a 60-120-180 practice plan
SHSAT Math content map (what to master)
Arithmetic & Number Properties. Fractions, ratios, percentages, integer properties, divisibility, exponents, order of operations.
Algebra & Equations. Expressions, linear equations and inequalities, word equations, systems, proportional relationships.
Geometry. Angles, triangles, polygons, circles, perimeter/area, coordinate geometry (slope, distance, midpoints).
Data, Probability, Statistics. Tables, charts, average/median/mode/range, basic probability, counting reasoning.
Word Problems & Modeling. Multi-step setups, translating context to equations, unit conversions, rates, and mixtures.
Timed sets: pacing that wins the section
Micro-deadlines & target pace
Work in 6-8 minute blocks (~5 questions). Aim for ≈75s per question on average.
Use a quick check at each block: “How many solved? What’s left from this strand?” Adjust speed accordingly.
Two-pass plan (how to move through SHSAT math fast)
Pass 1: Solve all “green” questions in 45-60s each; skip anything that needs long algebra or multi-step geometry.
Pass 2: Return to the skipped items with a calmer brain; work medium/hard problems methodically.
Bail-out rule + triage tags
If you don’t have a plan by 75–90s, bail and mark it:
C = Concept (need a rule/formula), T = Timing (too long), S = Sloppy (arithmetic/sign/units).
On Pass 2, do C/T first; leave S for the final sweep since it’s quickest to fix.
Finish routine (last 3–5 minutes)
Do remaining grid-ins first: write answer in boxes, then bubble; prefer reduced fractions or clean decimals.
Run a bubbling audit: units, signs, copied numbers, and any unanswered questions → guess strategically.
Review loop after every timed set
Log each miss with time used, domain, tag (C/T/S), one-line fix.
Re-solve within 24 hours without notes; if still wrong, write a 3-step mini-tutorial for yourself.
Track two metrics weekly: attempt rate ≥85% and accuracy ≥75%; direct next drills to your two weakest domains.
Micro-deadlines & target pace
Work in 6-8 minute blocks (~5 questions). Aim for ≈75s per question on average.
Use a quick check at each block: “How many solved? What’s left from this strand?” Adjust speed accordingly.
Two-pass plan (how to move through SHSAT math fast)
Pass 1: Solve all “green” questions in 45-60s each; skip anything that needs long algebra or multi-step geometry.
Pass 2: Return to the skipped items with a calmer brain; work medium/hard problems methodically.
Bail-out rule + triage tags
If you don’t have a plan by 75–90s, bail and mark it:
C = Concept (need a rule/formula), T = Timing (too long), S = Sloppy (arithmetic/sign/units).
On Pass 2, do C/T first; leave S for the final sweep since it’s quickest to fix.
Finish routine (last 3–5 minutes)
Do remaining grid-ins first: write answer in boxes, then bubble; prefer reduced fractions or clean decimals.
Run a bubbling audit: units, signs, copied numbers, and any unanswered questions → guess strategically.
Review loop after every timed set
Log each miss with time used, domain, tag (C/T/S), one-line fix.
Re-solve within 24 hours without notes; if still wrong, write a 3-step mini-tutorial for yourself.
Track two metrics weekly: attempt rate ≥85% and accuracy ≥75%; direct next drills to your two weakest domains.
Micro-deadlines & target pace
Work in 6-8 minute blocks (~5 questions). Aim for ≈75s per question on average.
Use a quick check at each block: “How many solved? What’s left from this strand?” Adjust speed accordingly.
Two-pass plan (how to move through SHSAT math fast)
Pass 1: Solve all “green” questions in 45-60s each; skip anything that needs long algebra or multi-step geometry.
Pass 2: Return to the skipped items with a calmer brain; work medium/hard problems methodically.
Bail-out rule + triage tags
If you don’t have a plan by 75–90s, bail and mark it:
C = Concept (need a rule/formula), T = Timing (too long), S = Sloppy (arithmetic/sign/units).
On Pass 2, do C/T first; leave S for the final sweep since it’s quickest to fix.
Finish routine (last 3–5 minutes)
Do remaining grid-ins first: write answer in boxes, then bubble; prefer reduced fractions or clean decimals.
Run a bubbling audit: units, signs, copied numbers, and any unanswered questions → guess strategically.
Review loop after every timed set
Log each miss with time used, domain, tag (C/T/S), one-line fix.
Re-solve within 24 hours without notes; if still wrong, write a 3-step mini-tutorial for yourself.
Track two metrics weekly: attempt rate ≥85% and accuracy ≥75%; direct next drills to your two weakest domains.
Micro-deadlines & target pace
Work in 6-8 minute blocks (~5 questions). Aim for ≈75s per question on average.
Use a quick check at each block: “How many solved? What’s left from this strand?” Adjust speed accordingly.
Two-pass plan (how to move through SHSAT math fast)
Pass 1: Solve all “green” questions in 45-60s each; skip anything that needs long algebra or multi-step geometry.
Pass 2: Return to the skipped items with a calmer brain; work medium/hard problems methodically.
Bail-out rule + triage tags
If you don’t have a plan by 75–90s, bail and mark it:
C = Concept (need a rule/formula), T = Timing (too long), S = Sloppy (arithmetic/sign/units).
On Pass 2, do C/T first; leave S for the final sweep since it’s quickest to fix.
Finish routine (last 3–5 minutes)
Do remaining grid-ins first: write answer in boxes, then bubble; prefer reduced fractions or clean decimals.
Run a bubbling audit: units, signs, copied numbers, and any unanswered questions → guess strategically.
Review loop after every timed set
Log each miss with time used, domain, tag (C/T/S), one-line fix.
Re-solve within 24 hours without notes; if still wrong, write a 3-step mini-tutorial for yourself.
Track two metrics weekly: attempt rate ≥85% and accuracy ≥75%; direct next drills to your two weakest domains.
Grid-ins on the SHSAT: how they work (and how to win)
You’ll see 5 grid-in questions in SHSAT math. There are no answer choices you produce the number.
Acceptable formats: integers, decimals, or fractions (no mixed numbers; convert to improper fraction or decimal).
Bubbling tips
Write answer clearly in the boxes before bubbling.
If using decimals, keep them within the grid’s space; avoid trailing zeros you don’t need.
For fractions, reduce when easy (e.g., 1020→12 \frac{10}{20} \to \frac{1}{2}2010→21 ) to minimize bubbling
errors.
Re-read the question stem for units and form required (e.g., radius vs. diameter).
Strategy
Do one quick grid-in early, while fresh-confidence boost-then return to the rest after a first pass of easier MC.
Use back-solving or estimate-and-narrow when exact arithmetic feels heavy.
Leave 90 seconds at the end to re-check grid-ins; tiny transcription slips cost points.
Common traps by domain (and fast fixes)
1) Arithmetic & Number Properties
Trap: Percent change vs. percent of; order of operations slips; integer properties (even/odd, prime) overlooked.
Fix: Annotate x*(1 +/- r) for change; circle "of/by" language; write mini-PEMDAS rails.
Trap: Percent change vs. percent of; order of operations slips; integer properties (even/odd, prime) overlooked.
Fix: Annotate x*(1 +/- r) for change; circle "of/by" language; write mini-PEMDAS rails.
Trap: Percent change vs. percent of; order of operations slips; integer properties (even/odd, prime) overlooked.
Fix: Annotate x*(1 +/- r) for change; circle "of/by" language; write mini-PEMDAS rails.
Trap: Percent change vs. percent of; order of operations slips; integer properties (even/odd, prime) overlooked.
Fix: Annotate x*(1 +/- r) for change; circle "of/by" language; write mini-PEMDAS rails.
2)Algebra & Equations
Trap: Sign errors when distributing; solving proportions without cross-check; forgetting restrictions (division by 0).
Fix: Box the sign; plug answer back; sanity-check with an easy number.
Trap: Sign errors when distributing; solving proportions without cross-check; forgetting restrictions (division by 0).
Fix: Box the sign; plug answer back; sanity-check with an easy number.
Trap: Sign errors when distributing; solving proportions without cross-check; forgetting restrictions (division by 0).
Fix: Box the sign; plug answer back; sanity-check with an easy number.
Trap: Sign errors when distributing; solving proportions without cross-check; forgetting restrictions (division by 0).
Fix: Box the sign; plug answer back; sanity-check with an easy number.
3) Geometry (coordinate & plane)
Trap: Diagrams not to scale; mixing slope formula pieces; angle relationships missed.
Fix: Redraw to scale when helpful; label coordinates (x1,y1),(x2,y2)(x_1,y_1),(x_2,y_2)(x1,y1),(x2,y2) before computing; mark parallel lines and transversals.
Trap: Diagrams not to scale; mixing slope formula pieces; angle relationships missed.
Fix: Redraw to scale when helpful; label coordinates (x1,y1),(x2,y2)(x_1,y_1),(x_2,y_2)(x1,y1),(x2,y2) before computing; mark parallel lines and transversals.
Trap: Diagrams not to scale; mixing slope formula pieces; angle relationships missed.
Fix: Redraw to scale when helpful; label coordinates (x1,y1),(x2,y2)(x_1,y_1),(x_2,y_2)(x1,y1),(x2,y2) before computing; mark parallel lines and transversals.
Trap: Diagrams not to scale; mixing slope formula pieces; angle relationships missed.
Fix: Redraw to scale when helpful; label coordinates (x1,y1),(x2,y2)(x_1,y_1),(x_2,y_2)(x1,y1),(x2,y2) before computing; mark parallel lines and transversals.
4) Data, Probability, Statistics
Trap: Mean vs. median vs. range; “at least/at most” probability language; double-counting outcomes.
Fix: Write the definition you’re using; list outcomes with a quick tree or table; reduce fractions at the end.
Trap: Mean vs. median vs. range; “at least/at most” probability language; double-counting outcomes.
Fix: Write the definition you’re using; list outcomes with a quick tree or table; reduce fractions at the end.
5) Word Problems & Modeling
Trap: Extra info; unit mismatches (minutes vs. hours; feet vs. inches).
Fix: Underline what’s asked; make a units line (given → needed); convert units before solving.
Trap: Extra info; unit mismatches (minutes vs. hours; feet vs. inches).
Fix: Underline what’s asked; make a units line (given → needed); convert units before solving.
60-120-180 pacing blueprint
First 60 minutes: harvest “greens” (your easiest problems) in ~45-60 seconds each; tag tricky ones as C (concept), T (timing), or S (sloppy/careless).
Next 60 minutes: tackle tagged C/T problems; if algebraic manipulation explodes, estimate or skip.
Final 60 minutes: full-section sweep- finish remaining MC, then grid-ins, then a last 3–5 minute bubbling audit.
Remember: no calculators-practice mental arithmetic ladders and fraction/decimal fluency.
First 60 minutes: harvest “greens” (your easiest problems) in ~45-60 seconds each; tag tricky ones as C (concept), T (timing), or S (sloppy/careless).
Next 60 minutes: tackle tagged C/T problems; if algebraic manipulation explodes, estimate or skip.
Final 60 minutes: full-section sweep- finish remaining MC, then grid-ins, then a last 3–5 minute bubbling audit.
Remember: no calculators-practice mental arithmetic ladders and fraction/decimal fluency.
First 60 minutes: harvest “greens” (your easiest problems) in ~45-60 seconds each; tag tricky ones as C (concept), T (timing), or S (sloppy/careless).
Next 60 minutes: tackle tagged C/T problems; if algebraic manipulation explodes, estimate or skip.
Final 60 minutes: full-section sweep- finish remaining MC, then grid-ins, then a last 3–5 minute bubbling audit.
Remember: no calculators-practice mental arithmetic ladders and fraction/decimal fluency.
First 60 minutes: harvest “greens” (your easiest problems) in ~45-60 seconds each; tag tricky ones as C (concept), T (timing), or S (sloppy/careless).
Next 60 minutes: tackle tagged C/T problems; if algebraic manipulation explodes, estimate or skip.
Final 60 minutes: full-section sweep- finish remaining MC, then grid-ins, then a last 3–5 minute bubbling audit.
Remember: no calculators-practice mental arithmetic ladders and fraction/decimal fluency.
Error-log system (turn mistakes into points)
After every timed set or mock, record: ID, domain, time spent, error type (Careless / Concept / Timing), fix, and a 1-line rule (“Distribute negative!”).
Re-solve within 24 hours without notes; if still wrong, write a mini-tutorial for your future self.
Track your net gain per domain week-to-week; allocate drills where gains are slow.
DOE alignment call-outs (what to show parents)
Gr.7 foundations → multi-step problems: ratios & proportional relationships, expressions & linear equations, geometry (area/circumference, angle relationships, coordinate slope), statistics/probability.
Each unit should culminate in a multi-step word problem and at least one grid-in that requires setting up an equation or model.
How VEGA AI Supports SHSAT Prep Businesses
How VEGA AI Supports SHSAT Prep Businesses
How VEGA AI Supports SHSAT Prep Businesses
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Smart Tagging & Skill Maps
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Every item is auto-tagged by SHSAT section, topic (e.g., “Plane Trig,” “Rhetorical Skills”), difficulty, and cognitive skill so you can pull custom drills in seconds.
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Adaptive Practice & 24 × 7 AI Tutor
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Students get real-time feedback, time-management tips, and AI-avatar explanations any hour of the day reducing teacher load.
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Mastery Dashboards for Educators & Parents
Accuracy, speed, and mastery scores update live so instructors know exactly who struggles with “Scientific Reasoning” or “Comma Rules.”
Accuracy, speed, and mastery scores update live so instructors know exactly who struggles with “Scientific Reasoning” or “Comma Rules.”
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No-Code Course Builder
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FAQ's - SHSAT Timing & Exam Length
FAQ's - SHSAT Timing & Exam Length
FAQ's - SHSAT Timing & Exam Length
Q: What topics are tested in shsat math?
A: Arithmetic, ratios/proportions, algebra (expressions, equations, inequalities), geometry (angles, area, perimeter, coordinate basics), data/statistics, and probability.
Q: What topics are tested in shsat math?
Q: What topics are tested in shsat math?
Q: What topics are tested in shsat math?
A: Arithmetic, ratios/proportions, algebra (expressions, equations, inequalities), geometry (angles, area, perimeter, coordinate basics), data/statistics, and probability.
Q: Are calculators allowed on shsat math?
Q: Are calculators allowed on shsat math?
Q: Are calculators allowed on shsat math?
Q: Are calculators allowed on shsat math?
Q: What are grid-ins and how do I fill them?
Q: What are grid-ins and how do I fill them?
Q: What are grid-ins and how do I fill them?
Q: What are grid-ins and how do I fill them?
Q: How should I pace the section?
Q: How should I pace the section?
Q: How should I pace the section?
Q: How should I pace the section?
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