Applying to private Catholic schools is a long process that is often confusing for parents. That’s why we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions about the HSPT, which is the entrance exams required to apply to some Catholic high schools.
Question 1: What is the HSPT?
The HSPT is a nationally-recognized private school entrance examination created by the Scholastic Testing Service (STS). The test includes five sections: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and Language. To learn more about the structure of the test, read our other blog post, Overview of the HSPT
Question 2: How do I sign up for the HSPT?
The HSPT is administered by individual schools or dioceses. To sign up to take the test, you must contact the school where you’d like to take the test for details regarding their registration and sign up process.
Question 3: When and how many times can I take the HSPT?
Since the HSPT is administered by individual schools or dioceses, the date of the test varies with each school, so contact the school where you’d like to take the test for details about the test date. Except for extenuating circumstances, students are only allowed to take the HSPT once.
Question 4: Are there testing accommodations offered for the HSPT?
Each school has their own policies for accommodations on the HSPT, so we recommend contacting the school where your student will take the test to find out about accommodation options.
Question 5: What is the best way to prepare for the HSPT?
Practice is essential for scoring well on the HSPT. Our comprehensive HSPT workbook includes over 2500 practice questions and three-full length practice tests for the HSPT. Students can learn the material on the test with a tutor or parent and then complete practice problems on their own to make sure they understand the material.
Question 6: How long does it take to get my scores back?
Since the HSPT is administered by individual schools or dioceses, you will need to check with your school to find out when they will have your scores available.