Why SHSAT practice tests matter more in 2025?
With the SHSAT going fully digital in Fall 2025, students must rehearse under conditions that replicate the real exam. Practicing online builds familiarity with DOE’s test platform, improves pacing across the 180 minutes, and reduces stress on test day. A consistent shsat practice test online routine should be the foundation of every prep plan.
Device policy: what families need to know
What stays the same in 2025?
Two sections: ELA and Math; 57 items per section (114 total).
180 minutes total; students choose whether to start with ELA or Math and can navigate back and forth before submitting.
These fundamentals remain as in prior years; the big difference is that responses are entered on a testing platform instead of paper.
Timing and pacing strategy for online practice
The exam is 3 hours (180 minutes) with two sections:
ELA section: Revising/Editing + Reading Comprehension (57 multiple choice).
Math sections: Multiple choice + grid-in, plus tech-enhanced items.
Mock exam guidance:
Always run full-lengths in a single sitting.
Set mini-deadlines (e.g., 45 minutes per passage set or math block).
Practice section order choice students can start with Math or ELA depending on strengths.
Train “flag and return” habits: mark tricky questions and come back later within the platform.
TEI practice via DOE portal
The biggest change in 2025 is the addition of Technology-Enhanced Items (TEIs). Students must practice:
Multi-select: choosing multiple correct answers.
Drag-and-drop sorting: matching items into correct categories.
Numeric entry: typing answers for math problems instead of bubbling.
Passage-based highlighting: using digital tools to mark evidence.
The DOE’s Student Readiness Tool (SRT) and two online practice tests replicate these features. Every student should complete the tutorial first, then move to full shsat practice tests online.
How to run a mock-test cycle at home or in class
Setup: Quiet room, DOE portal loaded, scratch paper ready.
Simulate timing: 180-minute clock with short breaks only if DOE policy allows.
Device rules: Practice exactly as on test day—DOE-style setup, no phone use.
Post-test review: Analyze raw score, highlight error types (careless, concept, timing).
Error correction: Re-solve wrong items, compare to correct answers, and log rules missed.
Download the one-page sheet and keep it visible this week.
Building mock exams into prep programs
Tutors and schools should align practice with DOE’s admissions calendar:
Spring: Diagnostic online test to benchmark performance.
Summer: Weekly timed sets + one full-length mock exam.
Fall: Two to three online full-length practice tests before the real exam.
Final week: Shorter mixed drills, not another full-length, to avoid burnout.
SHSAT Test-Day Checklist for Mock Runs
DOE-style device, charged and updated.
Scratch paper and pencils ready.
Quiet testing space, free of distractions.
Timer set for 180 minutes.
No calculator.
Practice section navigation: switching between ELA and Math, flagging questions, reviewing before submission.
VEGA AI Capability
What It Means for Your SHSAT Program
Offer a free 15-minute SHSAT diagnostic; VEGA AI captures contact info, scores, and gap analysis so your marketing team can convert prospects with data-driven calls.
