How is the HSPT different from other standardized tests like the SSAT or ISEE?

The HSPT is a unique beast. Unlike the SSAT or ISEE, which are used by a broad range of independent schools, the HSPT is specifically designed for Catholic high schools and is administered only once per student. That means no second tries and no room for error. What makes it tricky for Swiss students is that it blends familiar content—like reading comprehension and basic math—with American-style formatting, logic puzzles, and rapid-fire multiple-choice questions.

It also includes a language section and a focus on verbal skills that aren’t always emphasized in Swiss or IB programs. Most importantly, the test is fast-paced. Students have to move quickly and think strategically. At Cardinal Education, we coach Swiss students on how to shift gears, manage timing, and develop stamina. If your child has excelled in local curricula but has never taken a high-pressure U.S. exam, we make sure they’re more than ready—and that no surprises show up on test day.