The High School Placement Test, or HSPT, is a standardized exam used by many Catholic and parochial high schools in the U.S. as part of their admissions process. The test covers five main areas: 

1. Verbal Skills (synonyms, antonyms, and logic)
2. Quantitative Skills(number series and comparisons)
3. Reading Comprehension
4. Mathematics (computation, problem-solving, algebra, geometry)
5. Language Arts (punctuation, capitalization, grammar, and composition)

So, who needs to take it? Generally, it’s for 9th-grade Catholic school applicants. While there are other factors to consider, like grades and interviews, HSPT scores are often a key piece of the puzzle for admissions, scholarship consideration, and even helping schools place students in the right academic levels for their freshman year.

While all three are basically entrance exams, they’re definitely not interchangeable. Here are the basic differences. 

Who Takes Which Test?

• The HSPT (High School Placement Test) is almost exclusively for Catholic high schools. If you’re eyeing a Catholic school, this is likely the test you’ll need to take.
• The SSAT (Secondary School Admission Test) and ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) are the go-to tests for independent private schools (meaning non-religious ones). Many independent schools will accept either, but it’s always smart to double-check their preference.

What’s the Format Like?

• The HSPT is a fast-paced, multiple-choice test for 8th graders applying to 9th. It has no penalty for wrong answers, so you’re encouraged to guess if you’re not sure.
• Both the SSAT and ISEE are a bit different. They offer multiple levels for various grade levels, not just 8th graders. Plus, they both include an unscored writing sample that gets sent to the schools you apply to.
  • Here’s a key distinction: The SSAT actually penalizes incorrect answers, so strategic guessing is important.
  • The ISEE, on the other hand, doesn’t penalize wrong answers, similar to the HSPT.

Testing & Retakes

• You’ll typically take the HSPT just once, and it’s usually administered directly by the Catholic high schools you’re applying to.
• The SSAT and ISEE offer a lot more flexibility. You can often choose from multiple testing dates throughout the year and even retake them if you want to try and improve your score.

Ultimately, the test you need to take comes down to what the specific high school you’re interested in requires. Always confirm with their admissions office!

The earlier, the better! That is our general rule. But if you want a more focused timeline, here is our recommendation: 

• Start gently in the summer before 8th grade: If your child has a solid foundation in 7th-grade math and reading, a little bit of light review or practice during the summer can be really beneficial. This helps in keeping their academic muscles toned and familiarizing them with the types of questions they’ll see on the test.
• More focused preparation in the fall of 8th grade: As 8th grade gets underway, this is when you’ll want to ramp up the preparation. Given the HSPT’s fast-paced nature, practice with timed sections is crucial. Many families opt for a dedicated HSPT prep at this time.
• The sweet spot for intensive prep is usually 2-3 months before the test. This allows enough time to cover all the material, get comfortable with the format, and practice pacing without burning out your child.

The key is to find a balance that works for your child. The most important thing is to reduce stress and build confidence so they feel ready on test day!

Yes, absolutely! At Cardinal Education, we offer online HSPT tutoring. 

We understand that families have different needs. Some might have a busy schedule and are unable to chauffeur their kids to and from our offices in Burlingame or Woodside, while some just want to avail of the tutoring services in the comfort of their own homes. On some occasions, our families are located in different cities or even other countries, so their only option is to do virtual sessions. Our online tutoring programs are designed to be just as personalized and effective as the in-person sessions. We use video conferencing platforms and other digital tools to ensure an interactive learning experience.