Learning Resources to Succeed on Standardized Tests
Explore guides, strategies, and expert tips to build skills in test prep, reading, vocabulary, essay writing, time management, and more — all designed to help students study smarter and perform better on exams like the SHSAT, Hunter, ISEE, and SSAT.
Gain full access to practice questions, personalized study plans, and progress tracking.
SHSAT Test Format Guide
Complete 2024-2025 Edition
Progress
Why These Resources Matter
Whether you're just starting your prep journey or looking to sharpen specific skills, these free study resources help you:
Use these resources alongside StudyShark practice to accelerate learning.
Browse by Category
Start with These Popular Guides
Our most helpful resources to get you started
SAT Vocabulary Word List
Essential SAT vocabulary words with definitions, usage examples, and memory techniques.
Read GuideCreating Your Study Schedule
Build a personalized study plan that balances different subjects and fits your lifestyle.
Read GuideSHSAT Reading Comprehension Tips
Master the ELA section with effective reading strategies and time management techniques.
Read GuideMemory Techniques for Words & Facts
Mnemonic devices, visualization, and memory palace techniques for learning vocabulary and concepts.
Creating Your Study Schedule
Build a personalized study plan that balances different subjects and fits your lifestyle.
Test-Taking Strategies
Universal strategies for any standardized test: time management, question analysis, and stress reduction.
Effective Study Habits
Science-backed study techniques including spaced repetition, active recall, and time management.
Context Clues Strategy
Master the art of determining word meanings from context in reading passages.
Root Words & Etymology Guide
Learn common Greek and Latin roots to decode unfamiliar words and expand your vocabulary.
SAT Vocabulary Word List
Essential SAT vocabulary words with definitions, usage examples, and memory techniques.
SHSAT Reading Comprehension Tips
Master the ELA section with effective reading strategies and time management techniques.
SHSAT Math Problem-Solving Strategies
Learn proven strategies for tackling SHSAT math questions efficiently and accurately.
SHSAT Test Format & Structure
Comprehensive guide to understanding the SHSAT exam format, timing, and question types.
The Science of Spaced Repetition
Evidence-based learning technique backed by cognitive science. Learn optimal review intervals and implementation strategies for maximum retention.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Test Essay
Complete breakdown of high-scoring essay structure, from compelling hooks to powerful conclusions, with real examples and scoring rubrics.
Greek and Latin Roots: The Foundation of Vocabulary
Master the 50 most common Greek and Latin roots that unlock the meaning of thousands of English words. Includes comprehensive examples and practice.
ISEE vs SSAT: Which Test Should You Take?
Comprehensive comparison of ISEE and SSAT formats, difficulty levels, scoring systems, and school preferences to help you make the right choice.
Hunter College HS Entrance Exam: Complete Guide
Comprehensive overview of the Hunter entrance exam format, including essay requirements, math and reading sections, and what makes this test unique.
Complete SHSAT Test Format Guide 2024-2025
Everything you need to know about the SHSAT structure, timing, question types, and scoring system. Your essential starting point for test preparation.
Active Recall vs. Passive Review: The Science
Why testing yourself is 300% more effective than re-reading. Learn active recall techniques and how to implement them in test prep.
Argumentative Essay Mastery for Test Day
Master persuasive writing with claim-evidence-reasoning framework, counterargument strategies, and techniques for logical coherence.
Context Clues: Advanced Techniques for Word Meaning
Go beyond basic context clues. Learn to use sentence structure, tone, connotation, and literary devices to infer precise word meanings.
ISEE Quantitative Reasoning Strategies
Master the unique quantitative comparison and word problem formats on the ISEE with systematic approaches and proven techniques.
Hunter Essay Prompts: Analysis and Strategies
Deep dive into Hunter essay requirements with analysis of past prompts, scoring rubrics, and techniques to craft compelling responses under time pressure.
SHSAT Math: Grid-In Questions Mastery
Master the unique grid-in format with proven strategies, common pitfalls, and practice techniques specific to SHSAT math.
Creating Your Optimal Study Schedule
Step-by-step guide to building a personalized, sustainable study plan that balances intensity with recovery and fits your lifestyle.
Thesis Statements That Score High
Learn to craft specific, defensible, and compelling thesis statements that earn top scores. Includes formula, examples, and common mistakes.
Mnemonic Devices for Vocabulary Retention
Scientific memory techniques including acronyms, visual imagery, keyword method, and story chains to remember vocabulary permanently.
SSAT Analogies and Synonyms Mastery
Comprehensive strategies for tackling SSAT verbal section, including relationship identification, process of elimination, and vocabulary building.
Hunter Math Section: What Makes It Different
Understand the unique approach Hunter takes to math testing, including logic puzzles, multi-step reasoning, and creative problem-solving.
SHSAT Reading Comprehension: Advanced Techniques
Go beyond basic reading skills. Learn annotation strategies, question prediction, and how to tackle complex literary and informational texts.
Managing Test Anxiety: Proven Strategies
Evidence-based psychological techniques including breathing exercises, cognitive reframing, and preparation strategies to perform your best under pressure.
Time Management for SHSAT Success
Master pacing strategies for 114 questions in 180 minutes. Learn when to skip, when to guess, and how to maximize your score with smart time allocation.
Growth Mindset for Academic Success
Transform how you approach learning and challenges. Research-backed strategies from Carol Dweck's groundbreaking work applied to test preparation.
Common SHSAT Math Traps and How to Avoid Them
Identify and overcome the most common mathematical misconceptions and trick questions that appear on the SHSAT year after year.
Want Practice That Builds on These Strategies?
Pair these guides with real practice, personalized study plans, and instant feedback inside StudyShark.
Get full access to SHSAT practice, progress analytics, and adaptive learning tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
No — guides are free. However, a free trial gives you full access to practice questions and personalized plans that make these strategies actionable.
Yes — all content is written with current exam structures and requirements in mind, including the latest SHSAT and Hunter test formats.