SHSAT Tutoring

The new digital, computer-adaptive SHSAT is here for NYC special high school admissions! For the past 16 years, Natalie has helped students prepare for the 8th grade and 9th grade versions of the SHSAT, for both the ELA and math sections, so they can reach their score goals. Now that both sections are computer adaptive, students will not be able to return to questions within the set and alter their responses; once they complete and submit all questions in the set, they cannot review their responses. Students will only be able to return and change their responses to passage-based questions sets in the ELA section. With Natalie’s guidance, students are well prepared to answer questions in both sections and balance their time management on the test for maximum success.

SHSAT test prep

SHSAT Math

The new digital SHSAT Math section is computer-adaptive, which means that students cannot change their answer choices once they have answered a question. Calculators are not allowed. Since the SHSAT focuses on strong arithmetic skills as well as a good foundation of basic math and algebra knowledge, Natalie helps her students learn how to solve SHSAT math problems step-by-step and how to build good time management with test-taking strategies.

SHSAT ELA

The SHSAT ELA section focuses on writing concepts and skills, grammar knowledge, and complex reading comprehension. Now that students can only change their answers to passage-based questions, with the rest of the test section being computer adaptive, Natalie helps them understand the questions being asked, review any needed concept knowledge, and master strategies that target efficient reading comprehension in a standardized test setting.

Tutoring includes:

Study plan based on previous SHSAT score results or initial practice test scores

Complete review of SHSAT concepts and strategies with targeted practice

Lesson notes (PDF format)

List of recommended resources for SHSAT Math + SHSAT ELA

Weekly feedback on student progress and homework completion (available for both sections)

FAQ about Natalie’s test prep

Do you offer a full test prep program or classes?

I offer one-on-one lessons, not classes, where my tutoring adapts to the needs of every student. I guide students through their test prep with targeted concept review, strategies, and time management techniques. I do not have a one-size-fits-all approach or set curriculum for everyone to follow.

What does a typical lesson with you look like?

Test preparation is a combination of concept review and test-taking strategies. I help my students not just get to the right answer, but also understand how they got to the right answer and what makes it correct. They also learn how to methodically approach questions and answers. A typical lesson for a reading comprehension test section would be working through a number of passages with test-specific questions, for example, or for math test sections, working through practice questions and any needed concept review for those questions at the same time. A good amount of lesson time is spent on mastering strategies and building good time management skills. By understanding how a test works and how the testmakers have created the questions, students better learn how to take that test with minimal stress and maximum success.

Can you guarantee a score increase on the actual test?

Successful test prep depends entirely on a student’s commitment to a study plan, daily practice, and application of strategies and techniques learned during lessons. I personally cannot promise that any student will definitely raise scores just because of my tutoring. However, students who practiced diligently and listened to my advice during lessons — and applied it — did in fact raise their scores significantly.

How many lessons will my child need?

Some students need more support, while others need less. Guessing how many lessons a student needs requires more information. To start, I always ask for practice test results or previous test results to help me see where we need to focus our efforts the most. I also ask about what test prep, if any, you have done so far, and what your specific test score goals are. Your test preparation should start as early as possible before a test date. If your child has any struggles or gaps in a specific subject area, like math, reading or vocabulary, then they will most likely need more tutoring than the average student.

Parents and Student Reviews

Thoughtful, Generous, and Helpful

“Natalie G. is a thoughtful, generous, and helpful tutor. She does an assessment for her planning of support. The content instruction offers a clear understanding to achieve measurable goals. In addition, she provides resources for continued learning and study. Extremely satisfied with this fantastic tutor for my middle schooler.”