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The SHSAT is going digital. Starting with the 2026 admissions cycle, students will take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test on a computer instead of filling in a paper bubble sheet. The digital format introduces several new question types beyond traditional multiple choice — and understanding each one is a real advantage on test day.
Here is a breakdown of all 13 question types you can expect on the digital SHSAT. Each section includes an interactive example you can try right now.
1. Multiple Choice
The classic. You are given a prompt and four answer choices (A through D). Select the one best answer. Multiple choice questions appear in both the ELA and Math sections.
Strategy: Eliminate obviously wrong answers first. On the digital test, you can flag questions and return to them.
If 3x + 7 = 22, what is the value of x?
2. Drag and Drop
You are given a set of items and a set of labeled zones. Drag each item into the correct zone. These appear in the Math section.
Strategy: Solve each item independently, then match. Start with the easiest pairing to narrow down the remaining options.
Match each equation to its solution.
Drag items
Drop targets
3. Equation (Free Response)
Instead of selecting from choices, you type your answer directly into an input field. These appear in the Math section.
Strategy: Double-check your arithmetic. The system accepts multiple forms (e.g., “5,” “x=5,” “x = 5”), but there are no partial credit options.
Solve for x: 5x + 3 = 28
4. Fill in the Blank
A sentence or expression with one or more blanks. You type the correct word or value into each slot. These appear in both ELA and Math.
Strategy: Read the full sentence before filling in any blanks. Context clues in the surrounding text often point to the answer.
Fill in the blanks.
5. Multiple Response (Select All That Apply)
Similar to multiple choice, but more than one answer may be correct. You must select all correct options to receive credit. These appear in both ELA and Math.
Strategy: Evaluate each choice independently. Do not assume there is always exactly two or three correct answers — the count varies.
Which of the following are prime numbers? Select ALL that apply.
Select all that apply
6. Solution Set
You are given a set of values and must select all that satisfy a given condition. These appear in the Math section.
Strategy: Plug each value into the equation. This is similar to multiple response but specifically involves algebraic or numeric conditions.
Select all values of x that satisfy: x² − 9 = 0
Select all values that belong in the solution set
7. Hot Text
A passage or set of sentences is displayed. You click on the correct word or sentence to answer the question. These appear in the ELA section.
Strategy: Read the full passage first. Hot text questions test close reading — the answer is always right there in the text.
Click the sentence that best states the main idea of the passage.
Click the sentences that answer the question
8. Inline Choice (Dropdown)
A sentence contains one or more dropdown menus. You select the correct word or phrase from each dropdown to complete the sentence. These appear in the ELA section.
Strategy: Read the completed sentence aloud in your head after making selections. If it sounds wrong, try another option.
Select the correct words to complete the sentence.
9. Table Grid
You are given a table with some cells filled in and some blank. You type the missing values. These appear in the Math section.
Strategy: Identify the pattern or rule first, then apply it systematically to each blank cell.
Complete the function table for y = 2x + 1.
| x | y | |
|---|---|---|
| Row 1 | ||
| Row 2 | ||
| Row 3 |
10. Reading Passage
A reading passage is displayed alongside comprehension questions. The passage stays visible while you answer each sub-question. These appear in the ELA section.
Strategy: Skim the questions before reading the passage so you know what to look for. The digital format lets you scroll the passage while answering.
Read the passage and answer the questions.
The Water Cycle
The water cycle is one of the most important processes on Earth. It begins when the sun heats water in oceans, lakes, and rivers, causing it to evaporate into the atmosphere. As this water vapor rises, it cools and condenses into tiny droplets, forming clouds. When these droplets combine and grow heavy enough, they fall back to Earth as precipitation — rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Much of this water flows into streams and rivers, eventually returning to the ocean. Some seeps into the ground, replenishing underground aquifers. The cycle then begins again, endlessly recycling the planet's water supply.
1. What causes water to evaporate?
2. What happens when water vapor cools in the atmosphere?
3. What is an aquifer?
11. Hot Spot
A diagram, graph, or figure is displayed. You click on the correct region or point to answer the question. These appear in the Math section.
Strategy: Read the prompt carefully — it may ask for a specific property (right angle, parallel lines, intersection point). Take your time to identify the correct region.
Click on the right angle in the diagram below.
Click on the correct region(s) in the diagram
12. Point Graph
A coordinate grid is displayed. You click on the grid to plot one or more points. These appear in the Math section.
Strategy: Count grid lines carefully. Start from the origin, move along the x-axis first, then the y-axis. On the digital test, you can adjust points after placing them.
Plot the points that satisfy y = 2x - 1 for x = -1, 0, 1, and 2.
Click on the grid to plot points (max 4). Click a point to remove it.
13. Shape Transformation
A shape is displayed on a coordinate grid. You apply a transformation (translation, reflection, or rotation) and plot the new shape. These appear in the Math section.
Strategy: Apply the transformation to each vertex individually. For translations, add or subtract from coordinates. For reflections, negate the appropriate coordinate. Write out each new point before plotting.
Translate the triangle 4 units to the right and 2 units up.
Translate the shape by dragging its vertices to the correct positions
Section Breakdown
| Question Type | Section | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Choice | ELA & Math | Select one answer |
| Drag and Drop | Math | Match items to zones |
| Equation | Math | Type a numeric answer |
| Fill in the Blank | ELA & Math | Type words/values into slots |
| Multiple Response | ELA & Math | Select all correct answers |
| Solution Set | Math | Select values satisfying a condition |
| Hot Text | ELA | Click a word or sentence |
| Inline Choice | ELA | Choose from dropdowns |
| Table Grid | Math | Fill in table cells |
| Reading Passage | ELA | Read passage, answer sub-questions |
| Hot Spot | Math | Click on a diagram region |
| Point Graph | Math | Plot points on a grid |
| Shape Transformation | Math | Transform shapes on a grid |
How to Prepare
The most important thing is exposure. Many of these formats are new, and students who see them for the first time on test day are at a disadvantage. Here is what to do:
- Practice each type individually. Focus on one format at a time until it feels comfortable.
- Time yourself. The digital test has a fixed time limit. Build speed without sacrificing accuracy.
- Review explanations. When you get a question wrong, read the explanation carefully. Understanding why an answer is correct matters more than memorizing answers.
- Simulate test conditions. Take full-length practice tests on a computer, not on paper, to get used to the digital interface.
The shift to digital is a significant change, but it also opens up richer question formats that better assess real understanding. Students who prepare for all 13 types will walk into test day with confidence.