How is the HSPT different from the ISEE or SSAT?

While all three exams open doors, the HSPT is its own unique beast. It’s used almost exclusively by Catholic high schools, only offered once a year, and—brace yourself—there are no retakes. So it’s a one-and-done situation. That’s a lot of pressure on one morning.

Unlike the SSAT or ISEE, the HSPT doesn’t include an essay, but it does toss in sections like Language and Verbal that are heavy on tricky wording. It’s also faster-paced and shorter overall, but that speed can throw students off. The ISEE changes depending on grade level, the SSAT’s got its own quirks, but the HSPT is a one-size-fits-all test for 8th graders across the board. We help LA students prep specifically for its format, pacing, and scoring so there are no surprises and no regrets.