HSPT PREP

The High School Placement Test (HSPT), created by the Scholastic Testing Service (STS), is used by parochial high schools across the United States to assess prospective students’ verbal, quantitative, reading, math, and language skills. In New York City, Regis, Xavier, Loyola, and Fordham use the HSPT for admissions and/or as a scholarship exam. The test is administered to 8th graders in the fall and the spring, but they can usually only take it once (please reach out to individual schools for their re-testing policies to confirm).

For many students, this is their first time navigating the competitive standardized test landscape. Few are prepared for the rigor, self-discipline, and endurance it takes to achieve an ideal score.
We are here to demystify this process and help your child take charge of their learning!

The HSPT's Format

Verbal Skills: 60 questions/18 minutes

The Verbal skills section covers synonyms, antonyms, analogies, classifications, and logical reasoning.

Quantitative Skills: 52 questions/30 minutes

The Quantitative section covers number series/sequences, algebraic equations (translating English to math), and quantitative comparisons (similar to the ISEE).

Reading Comprehension: 62 questions/25 minutes

The Reading section is standard for a standardized test, including short literary, historical, social science, and science passages. Questions test a student’s ability to notice main ideas, specific details, vocabulary in context, and inferences.

Mathematics: 64 questions/45 minutes

The Math section isn’t too advanced for 8th graders and focuses primarily on the foundations: fractions, decimals, percents, operations, ratios/proportions sequences, basic graphs and tables, geometry, Imperial and metric measurements, and word problems.

Language Skills: 60 questions/25 minutes

The Language section covers spelling and grammar rules, including punctuation, capitalization, and subject-verb agreement. It also covers basic writing skills: topic sentences, sentence order, transitions, and concluding sentences.

Our personalized approach and experienced expert tutors can help your child achieve dramatic score increases quickly (provided your child completes the homework we assign!).

Even if your child already gets in-class instruction on the HSPT as part of their exmissions process at their k-8 Catholic school, one-one-one tutoring can give them a competitive edge and address their specific needs in order to get them into the 90th+ percentile range.

By working with us and studying for this test, your child will see improvement in their school grades, study habits, and confidence.

DIAGNOSTIC TEST

This test is unusual because STS has never released a practice test. Luckily we have the best diagnostic test on the market, which shows us where a student's strengths and areas of improvement are. We will start with the areas of improvement and methodically cover all of the material that will be on the test.

TEACH CONTENT & STRATEGY

For this test, it’s not enough to know tips and tricks (though we have quite a few, and we're happy to share them!). Especially for the Language and Quant/Math sections, students need to know the concepts and rules that are being tested. We expertly weave teaching content and executing strategy into our sessions.

RETEST

A regular practice test schedule helps a student practice pacing, overcome test anxiety, and test their retention. It’s also a great way to measure a student’s progress (which isn’t always linear, please keep in mind). We will ensure that your child has a practice test schedule they can follow to achieve maximum efficiency.

Here's how we do it:

Carolina K, former student

"THANK YOU SO MUCH REMY!!! I TRULY COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT YOU!! THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU’VE DONE FOR ME. SEE YOU FOR THE SAT!!!"

FAQs

When should my child start studying for the HSPT?

For the best outcome with the least amount of stress, we recommend starting in February of the year your child is taking the test. This will give us 9 months to prepare for the test.

What scores does my child need in order to be competitive for their first-choice high school?

This depends on the schools that the child is interested in, but usually 90th percentile and up is required. Please reach out via our Contact form and Remy will set up a free phone consultation to discuss your specific needs.

When will my child take the HSPT?

Most students take the HSPT in the fall. Please check in with each school to see the specific date they offer the test.

Where will my child take the HSPT?

Most students take the HSPT at the school they're applying to, but please check in with the admissions offices of the schools to which you're applying to confirm.

Which materials do you recommend using?

Please visit our Books and Tools page to see which materials we use to prepare our students for the HSPT.

What about the TACHS?

The Test for Admission to Catholic High Schools (TACHS) is also used in Catholic High School admissions and tests similar topics to the HSPT. It is generally considered to be easier than the HSPT because it allows more time per question.

Please visit our TACHS page to learn more about whether or not the TACHS might be a better fit or an additional appropriate test for your child.

Ready to prepare your child for the HSPT?

BOOK A FREE 30 MINUTE DISCOVERY CALL