What is a good HSPT score?

A “good” HSPT score is often relative to the competitiveness of the specific schools your child is interested in. The HSPT provides scaled scores for each of its five sections, typically ranging from 200 to 800, which are then combined for a total composite score. Schools often look at percentile rankings, which compare your child’s performance to other students who took the test. For highly selective Catholic high schools, aiming for scores in the 80th percentile or higher across all sections is generally considered competitive. Since there’s no penalty for incorrect answers on the HSPT, a key strategy to maximize the score is to answer every single question. This ensures that your child has the best chance to earn points, even on questions they might be unsure about. While scores are important, remember that Catholic high schools also consider academic records, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement in their holistic admissions process.