Benchmarked Path
Initial diagnostic & placement
Students are placed in the Foundations track or Advanced track based on score and performance, including content and time-management errors.
Two-track structure
Foundations: content fluency + structure recognition. Advanced: problem-solving techniques + time management.
Advancement criteria
Can recognize all question types. Can solve most problem types correctly in sufficient time.
Adaptive progression
The foundations track teaches content in a test-taking format: time-conscious and problem-solving focused. The advanced track touches back on content as needed.
Pedagogical Philosophy
Structure Before Depth
We emphasize structure recognition of all guaranteed SHSAT problem types instead of ensuring abstract mastery.
Problem-solving systems
Students internalize workflows for all question-types which can be precisely implemented, thus learning how to apply what they know under pressure.
Time-first mentality
All questions are equal valued such that score optimization is achieved by learning when to stop on a problem, when to move on, and when to skip it.
Disciplined improvement
We work with students to identify the exact areas (subject matter, problem-solving techniques, or time management) in which they need to improve, valuing precise and efficient improvement over abundant busy-work.
Test-Taking
Students learn shrewdness in valuing time spent: a difficult question now is worth as much as an easy question later.
Diagnostics are SHSAT training simulations as much as indicators of progress.
Success is strictly defined as the correct number of answers in the correct amount of time.
Program Structure
Choose the track that fits your schedule and needs
Foundations Track
Content fluency + structure recognition
Homework is given depending on student proficiency in lesson material.
Goal: train content fluency
- NO busywork
- NO punitive homework
Advanced Track
Problem-solving + time management
Homework is given consistently until students demonstrate graduate readiness.
Goal: train time-efficiency
- Always: timed packets with all question types and test-accurate problems
- Specific question-type failure: additional incisive content review packet
Why IvyAtlas SHSAT Prep
IvyAtlas SHSAT brings credibility and a proven track record. Our co-leads have guided students into Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, Brooklyn Tech, and other top specialized high schools.
Jibran
Co-lead & Head Tutor
Jibran is a Senior at the Bronx High School of Science, planning to study medicine in university. He is a co-lead and the head tutor for the IvyAtlas SHSAT program. He's spent the past 4 years doing private SHSAT tutoring, guiding numerous students into acceptance to top specialized high schools including Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, and Brooklyn Tech. His extensive experience in the Bronx Science student council makes him an expert in coordinating large groups, enforcing standards, and holding peers accountable—skills he applies directly to structured SHSAT tutoring.
Aiden
Co-lead & Co-founder
Aiden is a sophomore at Columbia University studying physics. He is a co-lead of the IvyAtlas SHSAT program and one of the co-founders of IvyAtlas. He has 50+ hours of experience tutoring SAT and attended the Bronx High School of Science. His background in scientific research and robotics team leadership informs a structure and analytical approach to test preparation. He is deeply committed to education and enjoys training the academic rigor and cultivating the confidence in students necessary to get them into top high schools and institutions.
Our SHSAT Program Includes
Regular diagnostic exams & thorough performance analysis
A weekly 4.5-hour class, teaching both English and Math
Two free trial classes
Targeted homework tailored to students' needs