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If you’re based in Singapore and your child is applying to a Catholic high school in the U.S., chances are they’ll need to take the HSPT. It’s not just another exam. It’s often a critical part of the admissions process. At Cardinal Education, we work with international families to help students understand the test, develop strong strategies, and walk in on test day feeling confident and prepared. Our program is customized for Singapore students, with online tutoring that works around your schedule and support that goes beyond just the test.
The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is commonly used by Catholic high schools in the U.S. to evaluate incoming students. It measures skills in five key areas: verbal, quantitative, reading, math, and language. For international students, especially those coming from educational systems like Singapore’s, the HSPT helps admissions officers understand how well a student might perform in a U.S.-based classroom. A strong HSPT score can be the difference between getting accepted or placed in more advanced tracks once admitted.
For international students in Singapore, the HSPT serves as a key admissions benchmark, especially when applying to highly selective schools in the following locations:
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Start with a full-length HSPT diagnostic. We’ll use the results to tailor a prep plan that fits your child’s needs.
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.
Your child’s growth is constantly measured so we can adjust strategies and stay focused on results.
We work through verbal skills, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, math, and language mechanics—one at a time, with care.
We typically recommend starting HSPT prep at least 3–4 months before the planned test date, which usually falls between November and January. For students applying for fall admissions, a June or July start gives them enough time to prepare at a manageable pace. Starting earlier means less stress and better outcomes.
Whether you’re just beginning the process or already have target schools in mind, we’re here to help. Our HSPT prep is customized, flexible, and designed with international students in mind. Reach out to schedule a consultation today.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
The HSPT (High School Placement Test, is an admissions test most U.S. Catholic schools use to gauge their applicants. The test provides a clear picture of where students are in their academics, especially those from different backgrounds and school systems. It covers verbal skills, quantitative reasoning, reading, math, and language. If you’re applying from Singapore, where the curriculum is different from what U.S. schools use, a strong HSPT score helps level the playing field. Although it’s not the only thing Catholic school admissions teams look at, it’s often one of the first things they see. Submitting great scores will leave a mark and give positive impression to make your child stand out.
Definitely. We work with families in Singapore all the time, and time zones are never an issue. Our tutors are very flexible and can adjust schedules according to your child’s availability. Whether your child is free after school, in the evenings, or on weekends, we’ll make it work. All tutoring sessions are one-on-one, so it’s very flexible and easy to fit into your regular routine. Your child doesn’t need to stay up late or skip school school to squeeze a session. Our goal is to make the test prep as seamless and stress-free as possible, so your child can focus on learning.
Yes, we do. Our private school admissions consulting is where a lot of families find the real value. While the test is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. We can help you figure out which Catholic schools are the best fit for your child, not just academically, but socially and spiritually too, if that’s something your family values. Then we guide you through the whole admissions process, from navigating deadlines and paperwork to crafting standout essays and preparing for interviews. We also help with securing strong recommendation letters, guide you through school visits (if you’re planning any), and everything in between. And since you’re applying from overseas, we make sure you’re presenting your child’s background clearly and in a way that resonates with U.S. admissions teams.
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.