HSPT - What You Need To Know About the High School Placement Test

What is HSPT?

The High School Placement Test [HSPT] is a nationally recognized private school entrance exam created by the Scholastic Testing Service [STS] and available to students as part of the private school application process. Because this test is designed for junior high school students who want to enter high school, most candidates are 8th graders, but 7th graders will also be tested. The math section requires a basic understanding of algebra and geometry, but in most cases the typical middle school curriculum exposes students to HSPT-tested content.

Unlike most other standardized tests, HSPT has no national control date. Private schools manage the HSPT as part of the application process. According to the STS website, students should not take more than one test. In fact, if a student takes multiple tests, the STS indicates that the lower of the two scores should be taken into account. Registration and testing schedules are handled by each school. Parents should contact the school where the child is applying to find a specific date and deadline. STS does not process exam registration. This is also handled for each school.

What is in HSPT?

The test is approximately 2.5 hours long and tests the following capabilities: Language skills, quantitative skills, reading comprehension, mathematics, language.

Language ability

The language skills section includes questions about analogy, synonyms, antonyms, vocabulary, and linguistic logic. The purpose of this section is to test students' ability to understand the relationship between words and concepts.

Quantitative skills

The quantitative skills section includes numerical manipulation, geometric and non-geometric comparisons, and questions about patterns and sequences. Topics covered in this section include arithmetic, basic algebra, and basic geometry.

Reading comprehension

The Reading Comprehension section includes passages and questions that test students' understanding of the core meaning, ability to obtain information from reading comprehension, and basic understanding of vocabulary.

Math

The math section contains questions that test students' problem-solving skills and understanding of mathematical concepts. Topics covered in this section include arithmetic, basic algebra, and basic geometry.

language

The language section tests students' understanding of written English. The problem is mainly related to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax.

Some schools also maintain an optional science section that covers general topics in astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, and physics.

HSPT vs. ISEE

HSPT is comparable to the ISEE higher level, another private school entrance exam, both in content and format. In terms of content, the biggest difference between the two tests is that there is no essay in HSPT. HSPT is mainly used in Catholic private schools. ISEE is used in a wider range of private schools. In addition, ISEE has three levels. The lower, middle, and upper levels correspond to which grade the student enters. HSPT is for high school candidates only.

Preparation of HSPT

As with standardized tests, preparation is critical to success. There are several HSPT study guides available on the internet and in stores. After reviewing the concepts and practicing the questions, consider preparing for a specialized HSPT exam if you and your students decide that further assistance is beneficial. HSPT should not be overlooked because it can have a major impact on the future of students. Thorough preparation is the key to making HSPT as smooth and stress free as possible.