When should we begin HSPT prep if we live in Switzerland?

Timing is everything—especially with a one-shot test like the HSPT. Since most Catholic high schools in the U.S. administer the test in December or January, we recommend Swiss families begin preparation by August or September at the latest. Starting early gives your child time to adjust to the format, build test-day stamina, and sharpen skills in verbal reasoning, language mechanics, and quantitative problem solving.

The Swiss academic calendar, whether you’re in Matura, IB, or a bilingual program, is already full of demands. Starting prep in advance means less stress, fewer scheduling conflicts, and a stronger performance. At Cardinal Education, we help build a realistic, sustainable prep schedule around your child’s existing workload and term breaks. This also allows time for mock testing and review cycles. We treat the HSPT like a marathon, not a sprint. The earlier you begin, the more confident and composed your child will be on the big day.