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Success on the HSPT isn’t just about what you know, but how effectively you apply it. At Cardinal Education, we help New York families master the HSPT with customized tutoring, targeted study plans, and practice tests that actually feel like the real thing. Whether your child is tackling reading skills, math sections, or just battling test-day nerves, we’ll help them stand out by providing the tactics that transform preparation into top scores.
The High School Placement Test, or HSPT if you’re into shortcuts, is a standardized exam many Catholic and parochial high schools in the U.S. use to size up applicants. In New York, it’s kind of a big deal. Unlike the SSAT or ISEE, you only get one shot at the HSPT each admissions cycle. No do-overs. No retakes. Just one chance to shine.
The test covers five main areas:
If you’re eyeing the top Catholic schools in New York, starting early with full-length practice tests and focused tutoring is the best way to help your child walk in confident and walk out smiling.
When it comes to HSPT prep, there are no universal formula. That’s why New York parents come to us. We don’t hand out cookie-cutter lessons or recycled worksheets. Instead, we build a prep plan around your child’s unique strengths, weak spots, and admissions goals.
No surprises on test day? Yes, please. Our practice tests are designed to match the real HSPT in timing, format, and scoring, so your child knows exactly what to expect when it counts.
We kick things off with a full-length diagnostic test to see where your child shines and where we need to roll up our sleeves. It’s the foundation for a study plan that actually makes sense.
We work on mastering the content and cracking the code. That means coaching on time management, smart guessing, and how to keep cool under pressure in every section of the test.
Our students don’t just practice once and call it a day. With multiple full-length tests along the way, we track growth, tweak the plan, and celebrate the wins as they go.
Whether you’re in the heart of Manhattan or juggling after-school schedules in the suburbs, we’ve got you covered. Our HSPT tutoring is available both in person and online to fit your family’s needs and keep stress levels low.
We work with families all across New York, including the Upper East Side, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Riverdale, Westchester, and just about anywhere ambitious students are gearing up for Catholic school admissions. Whatever your zip code, chances are we’re already there.
The HSPT usually makes its grand entrance in January, but if you want your child to feel calm, confident, and totally ready, the magic happens months before test day.
Giving yourself a head start means more time to master the material, lower the nerves, and fit in those all-important practice tests. It’s like training for a marathon—cramming the night before doesn’t work out so well.
Fell behind? Life got busy? No worries. Our intensive prep programs are designed for late starters who need quick wins. We zero in on high-impact strategies and essential skills to make the most of the time you have.
Your child’s future starts now. Let Cardinal Education give them the tools and confidence to conquer the HSPT and stand out in the competitive Catholic school admissions process.
Not quite. While plenty of Catholic high schools in New York accept the HSPT, it’s not a universal requirement. Many schools lean toward the TACHS, especially within the five boroughs. Others might accept multiple tests, like the SSAT or ISEE. Some schools even have their own in-house exams.
Confused yet? You’re not alone. That’s why it’s always smart to check directly with the schools on your list. Think of it like a school-by-school menu of testing preferences. If you’re working with Cardinal Education, we help families figure out exactly which test each school wants so you’re never caught prepping for the wrong one. No wasted time, no wasted effort, and no surprises.
Unfortunately, no. The HSPT is a one-and-done kind of test. Once your child sits for it, that score is locked in for the admissions cycle. There are no do-overs, retakes, or second chances to “see how it goes” and try again. That’s why solid prep is such a big deal.
Walking in cold is risky, and there’s no safety net. But walking in ready? That changes everything. We treat it like training for a big performance. You practice, you polish, and you peak at the right time. If your child gets the right guidance and puts in the work, they’ll be able to give it their all on the first—and only—try.
The HSPT takes about two and a half hours from start to finish, not including breaks or check-in time. It’s a fast-paced sprint across five sections: Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, Math, and Language. Each section has its own time limit, usually around 25 to 30 minutes, and you have to keep up the pace. There are no calculators allowed, so mental math muscles matter.
Some schools offer the test on weekends, usually in January, but exact dates and locations vary. You’ll want to arrive early, bring the essentials (like pencils and ID), and leave the distractions at home. We’ll help your child get used to the timing so nothing feels unfamiliar when the real thing rolls around.
As much as we’d love to say yes, the truth is… not really. A high HSPT score definitely helps and can put your child on the radar for admissions and scholarships. But Catholic schools in New York look at the full picture. That includes transcripts, recommendations, essays, interviews, and sometimes even behavior or attendance records.
Think of the HSPT as your academic handshake—it makes a great first impression, but it’s not the whole conversation. The good news? A strong score paired with a thoughtful, well-rounded application can be a winning combo. That’s where we come in, helping families strengthen every part of the process so schools get to see the full brilliance of your child.
DISCLAIMER
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by any private school, including those mentioned on this website. All school names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used here for descriptive purposes only.
