How to Stay Calm and Focused on SHSAT Test Day

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The SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test) is a critical exam for eighth and ninth graders in New York City, determining admission into prestigious specialized high schools. Every year, thousands of students prepare for the SHSAT, aiming for a spot in schools like Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech. The level of competition makes it essential for students to be well-prepared, but it’s not just the student’s responsibility. 

What to bring on exam day…

  1. Your testing ticket signed by a parent or guardian
  2. Your list of Specialized High Schools in the order of your preference. Make sure you discuss this with your parents in advance. This is a very important step! We strongly advise that you list more than one school. Anywhere from 4-8 schools in the appropriate order of preference is the right move! At the same time, only put schools you can see yourself attending.
  3. 4-5 sharpened number 2 pencils with good erasers or bring an extra eraser that does a great job
  4. Highlighter if you desire to have one
  5. A watch or any other timing device as long as it does not have a calculator function or any technology. You can’t use your phone to tell what time it is and you can’t guarantee that you will have access to a clock in the room in which you are placed. So, having a watch or non-smart timing device will be crucial.
  6. Dress for success. Wear something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Be prepared if the room is too hot or too cold. Layers are helpful here.
  7. Bring something to keep your energy up during the exam that does not make noise and some water that does not make noise. If it makes noise, it will be taken away. Some ideas include a small piece of candy, some nuts or dried fruit. Students can have their snack before the beginning of the test administration; snacks are NOT allowed during testing time.

 

What Causes Test Anxiety?

Test anxiety is a type of performance anxiety. In performance anxiety, one feels pressure to do well. Examples of performance anxiety include waiting to go onstage in a play, going to a job interview or making a class presentation. Test anxiety, like other performance anxiety can induce:

  • “butterflies”
  • shakiness
  • sweating
  • rapid heart beat
  • nausea
  • headaches

Tips to Help Students Cope With Test Anxiety & Stay Calm

1. Be Prepared

The more confident your child is going into an exam, the less severe the test anxiety is likely to be. Encourage your child to familiarize himself or herself with the test format (what kinds of questions, how much time is allotted, etc).

2. Think Positively

Be aware of negative thinking both before and during the test. Challenge the negative thoughts with positive statements. For example, if your child is thinking “There is no way I will do well on this test,” he or she could counter with “I studied hard. I know the information. I am going to try my best and will do as well as I can.” Positive thinking can go a long way.

3. Practice Relaxation Exercises

Develop relaxation strategies to help your child feel calmer before and during the test. Breathing slowly and deeply through the nostrils and exhaling through the mouth helps to slow heart rate and normalize breathing. 

4. Strategies During the Test . . .

  • If the material seems unfamiliar or you struggle at the start, find a question you can handle and then start there to build confidence.
  • Take breaks to recharge.
  • Take a few deep breaths.
  • Take a drink of water.
  • Close your eyes for a moment and envision a calming scene.
  • Try to think positively: Remind yourself that you prepared and are doing your best.
  • Think of a reward you will give yourself after the test: a treat, a movie or something else to look forward to when you are done.