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SHSAT Summer Group 2024
We are thrilled to have you join us for our SHSAT Summer Program at Smart Way Learning Center! 🎉 This blog will be your go-to resource for weekly updates, homework assignments, study tips, and more.
Week 1: Our Journey Begins! 🚀
We are excited to share that our first SHSAT prep class took place on July 1st, and it was a fantastic start! Roman Melikov, our expert math instructor, kicked off the program with a focus on Probability, an essential topic in the math section of the SHSAT.
Class Highlights:
Topic: Probability
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Understanding Probability: We began by exploring the basic concepts of probability, including how to define and calculate it.
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Probability Basics: Roman guided the class through the foundational principles, helping to understand the likelihood of different outcomes.
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Identifying Chances: We practiced identifying and calculating the chances of various events happening, using real-world examples to make the concepts more relatable.
Homework Assignments:
Please print out the homework file and submit it in the next class on July 8th.
Note:
Example: P(something here), meaning that
you need to find probability in fraction form of what is says in parenthesis
To further your understanding, watch the video on theoretical and experimental probability. A similar assignment will be given in class based on this topic.
In case something is unclear in homework directions,
email: smartwaylearningcenter@gmail.com
Week 2: Online Class Announcement 🚀
Hello Group!
I hope you found our first week on Probability both engaging and informative. As we continue our SHSAT preparation journey, we're excited to announce our upcoming online class.
Online Class Details:
Date: Wednesday, July 10th
Time: 10:00 AM
Platform: Zoom
zoom ID: 839 5495 3477
Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83954953477?pwd=0HkMJKE7aFNXCmPlsqaEPkiZa543oC.1
Password: 123
Important Instructions:
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Cameras On: Cameras must be on at all times during the class to ensure attendance
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Note-Taking: Please make sure to take detailed notes, as similar questions will be asked during the next class based on the material covered.
Week 2: Our Journey Through SHSAT Probability 🚀
Hello Everyone!
We’re excited to share the progress of our SHSAT Summer Program at Smart Way Learning Center. Whether you're a student in our program or just following along, we hope you find these updates helpful and inspiring.
Recap of Our First Online Class
Date: Wednesday, July 10th
Focus: Probability
During our first online class, our experienced math instructor, guided the students through probability questions sourced from the most recent SHSAT practice tests. Probability is a crucial topic, as some SHSAT tests have included up to 6 probability questions out of 57 total math questions, making it about 11% of the math section.
What We Covered:
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Most of the recent probability questions offered by SHSAT Handbook
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Probability Basics: Calculating the likelihood of events.
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Identifying Chances: Practical examples and problem-solving.
Class Materials and Homework
Resources Provided:
We’ve uploaded a file containing all the probability problems discussed during the class. These problems are designed to reinforce the concepts covered and provide practice opportunities.
Probability Questions File:
Homework:
Students are encouraged to review the probability questions and ensure they can solve them independently. If there are any difficulties, students should prepare questions for the upcoming class on Monday, July 15th.
Plus, homework given during the class on Monday.
Stay Connected
Keep following our blog for weekly updates, insights, and additional resources. We’re here to support our students every step of the way on their journey to SHSAT success!
Hello Everyone!
After test thoughts...
First things first,
I would like to congratulate everyone with going through your first test.
With that in mind I would like to share an important thoughts about how you should treat the grade that you are about to receive on our upcoming class on Monday.
Let me start with the students who received a high grade, because technically you have the hardest task possible. In the future you will have to keep up with the level that you started with and not get bored in the process. Whoever is running first technically has nobody to beat except themselves, so that motivation has to come from the place of "keeping being first not to fall behind."
Imagine that you are in a race and you started running, and you run the fastest but only 90% of the race, then you get tired, bored, unmotivated and in the end everyone who was behind you, pass you right before the finish.
So did it matter that you were in front of everyone in first 90% of the race? No, because you couldn't keep it up for the whole race.
Moral of that example is, if you stated well, get ready to be first/best for the next 4 month until the test in November or it all wouldn't have mattered at all.
Buuut, well done though, keep it up))
Now, the ones who didn't score that well. Your job is not to get discouraged, but to get curious of what you could have done better. Was it not enough practice? or maybe there was something that you didn't understand and you should have asked more questions during the class to improve your understanding?
Those things you need to think about on your own, and also think that "Next time, I will get it right", because you definitely have room to improve more.
And remember, if by the end of the race you will end up finishing it first, because you worked on your weaknesses - you WON, no matter how behind you were at the start.
I am here to help you do that and guide you through!
Enjoy your weekend, everyone!
P.S.
Our next topic will be, EQUATIONS, Algebraic Expressions, INEQUALITIES, Number lines.
Here is 3 YouTube videos you need watch to AND UNDERSTAND:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrZJKdXlZ3I&t=217s&ab_channel=TheOrganicChemistryTutor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n02r9ZKAi0I&ab_channel=MathwithMr.J
Week 4: 🚀
Quick announcement:
Before our zoom class on Wednesday please print out MATH section of TEST 1 of the 2025 SHSAT Handbook, so you can put your notes as we breakdown the problems.
here is the link:
https://admissionsquad.org/past-shsat-student-handbooks
See you on Wednesday!
Hello everyone!
Hope you're staying cool in this 94°F heat! 🥵 Just a quick update on our recent online class: we tackled more questions from the freshly released SHSAT 2025 Handbook. Remember, taking good notes and using diagrams can really help break down tricky problems.
Homework for this week: focus on solving one-step linear equations and practice combining like terms to simplify expressions. Keep up the great work!
!!! Complete your HW on a A4 (printing paper) sheets !!!
Stay hydrated and see you next class!
Dear Students,
This week marks the last week we will focus on equations. Before we conclude, I would like to summarize my thoughts about equation and solution ideas.
The most common way to think about solving equations is the idea of balance. Because whatever change we make to one side of the equation, we must also make to the other side, thus keeping the balance. However, I have a slightly different approach. For me, finding the value of a variable (X) is about performing isolation or "saving." I see X as something that needs to be saved from everything standing next to it. Once you do, it reveals its value to you. So, every equation is a small story in my mind, and as you grow older, the more complicated the equations (stories) become.
For equations that have multiple variable parts, like 5+2x=−3x+35, I think of X losing part of itself on the other side of the "bridge" (equals sign), which can be brought to the other side if you know how to do it. Knowing how is extremely crucial, and that's what tutors and teachers are for—to show you "how." They teach you how to use counter spells to solve any equation. After all, math can be much more interesting than just crunching numbers.
Now, back to reality.
Homework for this week will be a little different. I want you to open the link that has all the SHSAT Handbooks, and I want you to open each handbook from 2024 to 2014 one by one and solve all the equation questions. By now, I think you know how they look. Then, check your answers yourself to see if you got them right or if you could solve them at all. If you got any wrong or couldn’t solve them, write down the year and question number so I can break it down for you in class.
Each handbook has two tests, and each test will have 2-4 equation questions.
LINK: https://admissionsquad.org/past-shsat-student-handbooks
Why is this homework so unusual? Because without trying to improve yourself, the chances of scoring high are low. You need to understand that.
If you will have zero questions, well, it is on you, and yes, maybe you understand everything perfectly, but the choice here is yours, to become better or not.
Good luck, and see you in class!
Hey Guys,
Sorry about the delay in hw, here is some practice questions that I want you to do for hw.
I will see you on Monday..
Let's Dive into Geometry! 🚀
Hey Everyone!
I am excited to kick off our Geometry topic this week! 🎉 Geometry is one of the trickiest parts of the SHSAT, and it’s where students who haven’t had proper tutoring often make the most mistakes.
Why? Because unlike some other sections, it’s nearly impossible to guess your way to the right answer. It takes practice, and more importantly, a solid understanding of the formulas and rules.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help you master it! With the right guidance and dedication, you’ll be solving geometry problems like a pro in no time. 💪
I'll be posting a Word file with all the essential formulas and rules you need to know. Your homework? Learn them by heart! These will be your key tools in tackling geometry problems, so the more familiar you are with them, the better you'll perform. We will use them on during our next class, solving geometry questions!
Let's make this a strong week for mastering Geometry! 📚✨
P.S.
Come back and check for the updates on SUNDAY, because I need to update you on where the next class will take place.
Announcement!
📢 Important Announcement for the SHSAT Group 📢
On Monday, August 26th, our class will be held online via Zoom at 10 AM.
This is an important session, so please be ready to join on time. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Let’s make it a productive session as we continue our journey toward SHSAT success. 🚀
Geometry homework has been assigned and is now available. Posted 8/29/2024
Please ensure that you complete the assignment by Monday. This homework is designed to reinforce the concepts we've been discussing, so be sure to give it your best effort.
Stay focused and make sure you’re ready for the next class!
P.S Return and check this page soon for scheduling form
Announcement!
hey everyone!
The upcoming class on Monday will take place on at the new location. at 10:00 am
Don't be late!
Schedule changes for the school year will be announced during the class.
Address: 803 Kings Hwy, Brooklyn, NY 11223
see you there
Hey Guys,
I want to share an important thought that came up recently. I was asked a simple question about SHSAT preparation: “What can you suggest to students who feel overwhelmed by SHSAT prep?”
The first thing that came to mind was—why do you think you're not supposed to be overwhelmed? Isn’t the SHSAT supposed to be challenging? After all, you're applying to specialized high schools designed for "smart students." Feeling academically overwhelmed is something you’ll need to get used to and be okay with for the next 8 years (high school + college).
In fact, if you’re not feeling overwhelmed by the test prep, you might be doing it wrong. Over the next 8 weeks, your prep should be challenging, hard, long, and sometimes tedious. If it’s not, you’re knowingly reducing your chances of success.
So, how do you get overwhelmed? How do you push yourself to the next level?
It starts with daily practice challenges—increasing the amount of time you spend on them each day. You already have the page with all the previous SHSAT Handbook questions. Start by making sure you can solve every single question there. Day by day, spend 30 minutes to 1 hour on practice. start with 20 questions a day, then go up to 30 in a couple of days, then 40, all with checking the answers and going over the mistakes. Watch videos me explaining questions. Watch youtube on SHSAT tips. Anything works. If there’s a question you can’t solve or don’t understand, bring it to my attention.
This isn’t just homework; this is the right mindset. Make it your priority for the next 8 weeks.
I hope we all become a part of Specialized High Schools, and I hope you won’t be the one who didn’t make the cut.
GET OVERWHELMED.
SCHEDULING!
Hey Everyone,
Finally, we’re ready to finalize the schedule for our classes over the next 8 weeks of SHSAT prep.
After careful consideration, I’ve decided that our classes must be held on weekends, and they should be back-to-back for both Group 1 and Group 2.
Why? Because there will come a time when we’ll need to combine both 1-hour classes into a single 2-hour session. This will be crucial for full mock test practices and other intensive prep activities.
The only choice I can offer is whether to have these sessions on Sunday afternoons (1 PM, 2 PM) or Sunday mornings (10 AM, 11 AM). To decide, we’ll conduct a poll. We’ll vote, and based on the results, we’ll set the schedule. Even if the chosen time isn’t ideal for you, remember—it’s just for the next 8 weeks, so let’s make it work!
How do we vote, I just need ONE Text message from your parents to my phone number, - MORNING or AFTERNOON!
If the text msg is not received, I will consider that both times work for you and you will just roll with what will be chose, which is also a legitimate option.
THE Text message must be sent BEFORE this FRIDAY
Additionally, our online Zoom class will NOW be held on Wednesdays at 7:30 PM, starting September 4th.
Let’s make these final weeks count and push towards SHSAT success!
SCHEDULING!
Hey Everyone,Tomorrow's class will take place at 1pm.
ALthough its not the finall schedule, this Sunday it will be 1pm
I will see you all tomorrow !
UPDATED ON 9/7/2024
The Finish Line 🏁
Hey Everyone,
We’ve officially entered practice mode with just 48 days remaining until the SHSAT. From here on out, almost every class—both online and in person—will be focused on you guys practicing and solving SHSAT Math questions.
My goal for you is straightforward: You will be solving around 1,000 questions between now and the test. This includes mock tests, classwork, and homework. The practice is what will sharpen your skills and give you the confidence to face any question on the exam.
This is the phase where hard work really counts, so buckle up! Every session moving forward is your chance to prepare, review, and master these questions so that by the time test day comes, you'll be ready.
Let’s cross that finish line strong! 💪
P.s
- Schedule for Sunday stays the same. 1pm
- Whoever missed online class, it has been posted on my youtube channel gothammath
Road of 1000 Questions – PART 1 🚀
Hey Everyone!
We're kicking off Part 1 of our "Road of 1000 Questions"! 🛣️ Until Sunday, I need you all to complete 2 drills of 10 questions each day, timing yourselves for 15 minutes per drill. This is all about building speed and accuracy.
I’ll be posting a file with the questions, which should be enough for 2 days of practice. Keep an eye out for more drills in the next day or two!
Once you’ve completed the drills, email me your answers at smartwaylearningcenter@gmail.com in the format:
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76 – D
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77 – A
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And so on…
So far we did 58-77 Lets call them Drill 1 and 2
so for MONDAY
Drill 3 - 78-87
Drill 4 - 88-97
FOR TUESDAY
Drill 5 - 98-107
Drill 6 - 108-114 (only 6 questions - Do it 10minutes)
Wednesday will be posted later
P.s See you on Tuesday at 7:30 PM
ONLY 5 students submitted MONDAY AND TUESDAY (yesterday's online) DRILLS!!!
WHERE IS THE REST!????????
For Wednesday 9/18/2024
Drill 7- 58-67
Drill 8 - 68-77
FOR Thursday 9/19/2024
Drill 9 - 78-87
Drill 10- 88-97
FOR FRIDAY 9/20/2024
Drill 11 - 98-114 - 16questions - 24mins