I run college access programs in New York City middle schools, and whenever standardized testing comes up, I hear the same sentence: “I’m bad at tests.”

Most of these students have never been taught how standardized tests work or how to prepare for them. That matters because these exams will continue to be part of their lives through high school and, for many, the college admissions process.

New York City students take a lot of tests. Outside of the spring standardized tests at each grade and middle school , there is the SHSAT, Regents exams, and eventually the SAT or ACT. Starting early gives students time to develop skills they can use for years.

For many middle school families, the SHSAT is the first major entrance exam on the horizon. According to the latest NYC Public Schools admissions data, about 26,000 eighth graders took the exam, and roughly 4,000 received an offer to one of the eight testing Specialized High Schools. Earning one of those seats can significantly expand a student’s high school options.

The SHSAT requires a different approach from a typical classroom test. On a seventh-grade social studies test, the questions usually come directly from material the teacher covered. On the SHSAT, every answer choice is written with a purpose. Some wrong answers appeal to students who rush, miss a detail, or make a common calculation error.

The reading passages may include unfamiliar vocabulary and technical language. The math can reach beyond what students are currently learning in school. A student can earn straight A’s in seventh-grade math and still need focused SHSAT preparation. Strong performance usually comes from learning ahead and practicing consistently.

Three things make the biggest difference.

1. Learn how test questions are built.
Before looking at the answer choices, students should pause and predict what the answer might be. They should practice eliminating choices and explaining why each one is right or wrong. Reviewing mistakes is especially useful. It helps students notice whether they rushed, misread the question, forgot a rule, or fell for an appealing answer choice. Over time, those patterns become easier to recognize.

2. Read widely and often.
Regular reading builds vocabulary, focus, comprehension, and comfort with unfamiliar topics. Fiction, nonfiction, newspapers, biographies, and long-form articles all help. Students who read outside of school tend to approach challenging passages with more patience. They are also more comfortable making sense of a topic they have never seen before, which is a skill every major standardized test requires.

3. Take a mock test before test day. A full-length mock test helps students understand the pacing, format, and concentration the SHSAT requires. Beginning in fall 2026, the SHSAT will be computer-adaptive. Students will answer 50 English Language Arts questions and 50 math questions, including multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and technology-enhanced items. The difficulty of the exam will adjust as the student works through it. Families can review the official NYC Guide to the SHSAT for 2027 Admissions for sample questions, test-day information, preparation tips, and an explanation of the new format. We also offer SHSAT mock tests throughout the year. If your student would benefit from taking one, please reach out.

Preparation can change the way a student talks about testing. After reading widely, practicing thoughtfully, and learning what to do when they get stuck, “I’m bad at tests” can become “I know how to handle this.”

That confidence stays useful long after the SHSAT is over.

Next Date: Wednesday, September 9, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

If your teen is interested in science, the environment, or simply doing something meaningful outdoors, this is a great opportunity to get involved in real oyster reef restoration in New York Harbor. Volunteers meet at the Battery Maritime Building and travel to Governors Island for three hours of hands-on fieldwork.

The remaining September dates are the 9th, 16th, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, and 30th. All of these dates fall on weekdays, so families will need to consider the student’s school schedule. Space is very limited. When I last checked, September 9 had only one opening, and the September 8 session had filled and disappeared from the calendar within four days. If your teen is interested, it is best to reserve a spot soon.

Why it matters: Opportunities for teenagers to participate in real environmental fieldwork are difficult to find, especially within New York City. Students are not just observing the project. They are contributing to the restoration of their own local harbor. For a teen who enjoys science or environmental issues, this can make those interests feel more real and may even help them imagine future classes, volunteer work, or careers in the field.

Learn more and register →

When: Saturday, August 29, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

This is a welcoming option for teens who enjoy art, culture, storytelling, or creative projects. Students can spend the afternoon meeting nine working artists, making their own art, and joining conversations about identity, migration, memory, and the Bronx. Two hands-on workshops run from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Students can create a memory box with Kiarita or make a screen-printed T-shirt with Motohiro Takeda.

The afternoon also includes a teach-in about fugitivity in art from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., as well as an English and Spanish workshop on immigrant memory with Diana Guerra from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. The Diana Guerra workshop is the only activity that requires an RSVP. Families can reserve a place by emailing [email protected]. A panel moderated by a Hostos Community College professor will close the event.

Museum admission is free throughout the year during the renovation, so students can return after the open house if the experience sparks their interest.

Why it matters: This is an easy, low-pressure way for a teenager to explore the arts without committing to a long or expensive program. Students can meet people who are actively building creative careers, hear how artists turn personal experiences into their work, and leave with something they made themselves. For a teen who is curious about art but unsure where to begin, this could be a comfortable first step.

Learn more →

Apply by: Saturday, October 3

This paid, nine-month internship is a strong fit for teens who enjoy organizing events, working with others, or taking on leadership roles. Students help plan, promote, and host after-hours programs for other teenagers at their local Brooklyn Public Library branch. Interns meet weekly from October 2026 through June 2027. Along the way, they receive practical training in event planning, project management, professional communication, and marketing. They also earn a stipend and volunteer service hours. Students must commit to 75 hours of service outside school time, and a parent or guardian must provide signed consent. Selected applicants will be invited to interview.

Why it matters: This gives teens the chance to take real ownership of a project that other people will experience and enjoy. They learn how to bring an idea to life, communicate with a team, solve problems, and follow through over several months. Just as importantly, they build a relationship with an adult supervisor who gets to see how they work, grow, and respond when things do not go perfectly. That kind of firsthand connection can eventually lead to a thoughtful and personal recommendation letter.

Learn more and apply →

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