HSPT Tutoring

Personalized support from educators who know the local schools.

 
 
 

About the HSPT

HSPT Basics

The HSPT is a test for eighth graders applying to Catholic high schools. The HSPT is administered by each individual school, so a student must register for the test through the prospective high school. The HSPT is typically administered in January; it is up to individual schools whether to accept a retake score, so planning to retake is not recommended. If students apply to multiple schools that accept the HSPT, their test scores for one school can be sent to the other schools. Contact each individual school for further details.

Scoring

Questions are all multiple-choice. All of the questions are worth one point with no guessing penalty. Students’ raw scores are converted to a scoring scale, which ranges from 200 to 800. These scores are then used by the individual schools for admissions, academic placement, and assigning scholarships. 

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Content and structure of the HSPT

The HSPT’s content is similar to that of the ISEE and SSAT, but its structure is different. Students are given 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam.

The HSPT has 5 sections:

  1. Verbal (16 minutes)
  2. Quantitative (30 minutes)
  3. Reading (25 minutes)
  4. Mathematics (45 minutes)
  5. Language Skills (25 minutes)

Some schools also administer a writing test along with the HSPT. There are also 3 supplemental sections, which schools may or may not require students to complete:

  1. Mechanical Aptitude
  2. Science
  3. Catholic Religion

Simply the best HSPT prep

Preparing for the HSPT requires an exceptional level of attention, individualized support, and communication. Our tutors have the expertise, personality, and commitment to push students to do their best.

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Local schools that require the HSPT:

  • Junipero Serra High School (San Mateo)
  • Bellarmine College Prep (San Jose)
  • Mercy High School (Burlingame and San Jose)
  • Notre Dame High School (Belmont)
  • Sacred Heart Prep High School (Atherton)
  • Saint Ignatius College Preparatory (San Francisco)
  • Woodside Priory School (Portola Valley)
Talk to a director about our HSPT program

Our HSPT prep yields results.

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Session Structure

We typically meet with students for nine to twelve 60-minute sessions. For homework, we assign a mix of 45-minute assignments and full-length practice tests. We offer extended prep for those needing additional support.

Course Content

We cover test-taking skills and HSPT content, including question interpretation, guessing strategy, time management, and fundamental reading and math concepts.

Materials

Our HSPT materials reflect the current content and best strategies on the test. Your student will improve with tutoring materials that focus on the most important content and testing strategies.

Parents love us.

 Although my son started out thinking he didn’t need or want tutoring, he enjoyed going to AJ Tutoring a lot and got good advice that helped him get an outstanding score. His tutor quickly assessed what kind of student my son was and kept the tutoring moving at a fast pace and stayed completely relevant to what my son wanted.  Read what others are saying

HSPT frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How is the HSPT test structured?

Composition of the Test

Timetable and Analysis of the HPST

Section Time Allotted Number of Questions
  1. Verbal Skills
16 minutes 60
Verbal analogies 10
Synonyms 15
Logic 10
Verbal classifications 16
Antonyms 9
  1. Quantitative Skills
30 minutes 52
Number series 18
Geometric comparison 9
Nongeometric comparison 8
Number manipulation 17
  1. Reading
25 minutes 62
Comprehension 40
Vocabulary 22
  1. Mathematics
45 minutes 64
Concepts 24
Problem solving 40
  1. Language Skills
25 minutes 40
Punctuation, capitalization 12
Usage 28
Spelling 10
Composition 10

How do I interpret my scores? Why are my percentile and stanine ranking low?

The HSPT tests students in four areas:

  1. Reading
  2. Math
  3. Quantitative reasoning
  4. Language

Scores are reported as a comparison to the local Bay Area population and to national population. Percentile and stanine rankings can vary drastically from local to national level.

The local norm group is very competitive and very small, so percentiles can fluctuate drastically from test to test.

When and where can I take the HSPT?

The HSPT has no national administration. It is offered directly through the school to which a student is applying.

The tests are given as early as October and as late as January.

Meet some of our HSPT tutors.

Matt Furman

“It is through a shared vision of growth built on a foundation of positive confidence that any student can succeed.”

Sebastian Von Zerneck

“Outside of tutoring, I enjoy reading and writing, following the stock markets, and watching tennis tournaments.”

Elizabeth Emery

“I bring warmth, compassion, and humor to each session, and I do my best to make everyone feel comfortable.”

Need a better test score? Not a problem.

From the SAT to the HSPT, we've got your back. Our proven strategies and focused content review coupled with free proctored exams produce results.

Talk to a Director
Peninsula Main Phone Number (650) 331-3251
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