Your Child Has Prepared for Reading, Math, and Writing. Nobody Prepared Them for the Ability Section.
The TACHS has four sections. The fourth — which tests abstract spatial reasoning and pattern recognition — appears nowhere in your child’s school curriculum. It’s the section that surprises nearly every student on test day. HighScores.ai is the only TACHS prep platform with full Ability section simulation, all three question types, and section-level analytics.
Trusted by NYC tutors
One test. One shot. Three schools decide your child's next four years.
The TACHS is taken once in 8th grade. Scores go to three Catholic high schools of your choice.
No retakes. No appeals. The score, the application, and the wait.
| School | Area | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Stuyvesant High School | Manhattan | Top 1% |
| Bronx High School of S... | Bronx | Highly Selective |
| Brooklyn Technical Hig... | Manhattan | Moderately Selective |
| The Brooklyn Latin Sch... | Westchester | Top 1% |
| Staten Island Technical... | Queens | Top 1% |
| HS of American Studies... | Brooklyn | Top 1% |
| Queens HS for the Scie... | Staten Island | Top 1% |
1x
Students may only take the TACHS once — no retakes
4
Sections — Reading, Written Expression, Math, and Ability
200
Questions across 137 minutes of timed examination
Three problems most TACHS prep can't solve
The Ability section doesn't exist in school.
Abstract spatial reasoning and pattern recognition — Similarities, Changes, and Abstract Reasoning — are not taught in any school subject. Students encounter them cold on test day unless they've specifically practiced the format.
TACHS is digital. Prep books are paper.
Since 2020, the TACHS has been administered entirely online through Proctorio. Students who've only practiced with paper books face an unfamiliar digital interface, navigation system, and online timing pressure on test day.
Without section analytics, review is guesswork.
A student who scored in the 40th percentile on Ability and the 74th on Reading doesn't need Reading practice — they need Ability drilling. Without section-level data, prep time goes to the wrong places.
Similarities
Identify what two abstract figures have in common — shape, size, pattern, orientation, shading. 25 questions in 25 minutes.
Changes
Identify how a pattern transforms from one figure to the next. Rotation, reflection, scaling, sequence logic.
Abstract Reasoning
Spatial pattern sequences with figures. 10 questions, 7 minutes. The most time-pressured question type on the TACHS.
The section that surprises every student who hasn't practiced it.
Every NYC TACHS tutor says the same thing: students who walk in unprepared for the Ability section lose more points here than anywhere else. Not because they aren’t smart — because nothing in school teaches spatial reasoning the way this section tests it.
HighScores.ai covers all three Ability question types with dedicated practice sets, individual section analytics, and adaptive drilling that focuses on the weakest question type automatically.
All four TACHS sections. Real analytics. No guesswork.
Purpose-built for the 2026 TACHS — not a generic test prep tool with a TACHS module added on.
Section-by-Section Analytics — Including Ability
After every full-length practice test, see your performance broken down by all four sections. The Ability section is tracked separately with question-type performance (Similarities vs. Changes vs. Abstract Reasoning) — the diagnostic no other TACHS platform provides.
Digital Interface Simulation
Replicates the online TACHS format. Students practice in the same environment they'll face on test day — not on paper.
Timed Section Practice
Each section timed exactly as on the real TACHS. Build endurance and time management under real pressure.
Targeted Practice
Auto-generated practice sessions focused on your weakest section and question type. No manual planning required.
Full Course Library
Courses for all four TACHS sections — including dedicated Ability section lessons covering all three question types from fundamentals to advanced.
Score Guarantee
Complete the required assessments and courses. If section scores don't improve, get a full refund. Conditions apply.
Why NYC families are switching from tutors and books to HighScores.ai
A private NYC TACHS tutor costs $100–200/hour — $400–800+/month. Prep books give static questions with no section tracking. Neither simulates the digital Ability section.
| Feature | HighScores.ai ✔ | Books / Legacy Prep ✘ |
|---|---|---|
| Ability section practice | ✔ Full simulation — all 3 types, timed, tracked | ✘ A few pages in most books - Tutors underweight it |
| Digital exam format | ✔ Online interface matching real TACHS format | ✘ Paper only — format mismatch on test day |
| All 4 sections | ✔ Equal depth across Reading, Writing, Math, Ability | ✘ Books often thin on Ability |
| Section analytics | ✔ Score by section after every test — including Ability | ✘ Raw percentage only — no breakdown |
| Adaptive practice | ✔ Automatically targets weakest section | ✘ Same path for every student |
| Cost | ✔ Affordable monthly plans — see below | ✘ Tutor: $400–800/mo · Kaplan: $449+ |
| Score guarantee | ✔ Full refund if conditions met | ✘ No guarantee |
Why families are switching from tutors and books to HighScores.ai
Straightforward pricing. Less than two hours with a private tutor.
Full platform access — including all four sections, the Ability simulation, and section analytics — for a fraction of NYC tutoring rates.
TACHS Essentials
Everything to get started
$149 /month
- [N] full-length digital TACHS practice tests
- All 4 sections including Ability
- Full digital interface simulation
- Question bank access
- Detailed score reports + answer explanations
TACHS Complete
Everything + courses + guarantee
$299 /month
- [N] full-length digital TACHS practice tests
- Section-wise practice tests for all 4 sections
- Full courses — Reading, Writing, Math,Ability ★
- [N]+ TACHS-specific questions
- Targeted Practice + Self-Practice modes
- Section-level analytics including Ability breakdown
- Personalized study recommendations
- Score guarantee (conditions apply)
30-Day Progress Guarantee — If your child's practice test scores don't improve within 30 days, we'll refund your subscription in full. No questions asked.
Everything NYC families ask before starting TACHS prep.
You can reach out directly through our platform. Our support team and expert tutors are here to help you understand any tricky questions or concepts.
Yes, you can reset and retake tests to reinforce your learning and track your progress over time.
Yes, HighScores provides a space to connect with peers, share insights, and even join study groups, making your prep more engaging and interactive.
Yes! HighScores offers study guides, formula sheets, and extra resources to help you prepare fully and feel confident.
Many of our tests are adaptive, meaning they adjust to your skill level as you go, creating a personalized challenge every time.
Yes, you can access HighScores on both mobile and tablet for learning on the go!
Absolutely! You can review your past tests, performance analytics, and answers anytime to see how far you’ve come and where to focus next.
HighScores covers all major topics and sections for SAT, ACT, and PSAT, including Math, English, Reading, and Science.
We offer full-length tests, section-specific tests, daily questions, and targeted practice to ensure comprehensive preparation.
Yes, you can focus on specific subjects and even choose particular topics to target in each test.
HighScores is accessible as a website and is fully optimized for easy use on any device.
HighScores is accessible as a website and is fully optimized for easy use on any device.
Everything you need to know about the TACHS — in one place.
Understanding the exam
What is the TACHS Exam? Complete NYC Guide
TACHS 2025–2026: Dates, Registration & Deadlines
How Is the TACHS Scored? NPR, LPR & What Schools Look For
Is the TACHS Hard? What 8th Graders Actually Face
TACHS vs. HSPT: Which Test Does Your Child Need?
Practice & Prep
Free TACHS Practice Tests: Digital, PDF & What the Data Shows
Mastering the TACHS Ability Section: The Complete Guide
TACHS Math Topics: What to Study & Common Mistakes
TACHS Written Expression: Grammar, Punctuation & Paragraphs
Best TACHS Prep Books: Honest Review + What They’re Missing
Schools & Admissions
Guide to NYC Catholic High Schools: What TACHS Scores Mean
Regis High School: TACHS Score, Requirements & How to Prepare
Fordham Prep Admissions: What Score Do You Need?
How TACHS Scores Affect Scholarship & Honors Placement
When to Start TACHS Prep: Month-by-Month Timeline
See exactly how your child performs on the Ability section — before test day.
Free full-length digital TACHS practice test. All four sections. Instant score report with Ability section breakdown by question type. No payment. No commitment.
