If you have a student in 7th or 8th grade who is considering applying to a private high school, you have probably heard about the High School Placement Test (HSPT). The HSPT is an admissions exam that is used by private high schools to determine the appropriate placement of incoming students in the curriculum as well as for the selection of scholarship candidates. HSPT test scores provide information about a student’s skills and are considered in the evaluation of applicants, along with transcripts, letters of recommendation, and interviews. Let’s look at some strategies that will help your student prepare and feel more comfortable as they approach the exam.
1.Getting Familiar with the Exam
Becoming acquainted with the content, structure, and directions of the HSPT can help reduce the anxiety that a student may have regarding the exam. The entire exam consists of 298 questions and takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, including two short breaks. Spending time reviewing the structure and types of test questions prior to the exam will reduce the number of unknowns for your student on test day!
What is on the HSPT?
The HSPT is a multiple-choice exam that consists of the following five sections:
a. Verbal skills (16 minutes)
b. Quantitative skills (30 minutes)
c. Reading skills (25 minutes)
d. Mathematics (45 minutes)
e. Language Arts (25 minutes)
2. Practice for the HSPT
There are various ways for students to practice for the HSPT. Students can find practice tests and practice question sets for each section online and in local bookstores. However, it should be noted that it may benefit your student to practice taking a sample exam using paper and pencil, with time limits. Practicing in a setting that mirrors actual test conditions can be more effective and will help your student to feel comfortable in that setting and to learn to manage their time during each test section. After working through problem sets, students can review answers and explanations to identify specific areas of strength and weakness, and tailor their study plan accordingly.
3. Key Takeaways
Remind your students that while the HSPT is important as one piece of their high school applications, school administrators and admissions directors understand that it does not provide the full picture of who they are! Letters of recommendation from teachers, academic transcripts, documentation of extracurricular activities, and personal interviews provide opportunities for your student to share more about their unique talents and abilities!
Written by Mrs. Janet Stankus. Janet has provided tutoring services for standardized test preparation (including the HSPT, SSAT, SAT, and ACT) for 15 years. She holds degrees in civil engineering and elementary education. Mrs. Stankus teaches an HSPT test prep class at Villa Victoria Academy each fall for 8th graders. Janet is also the mother of Villa grad Elise ‘21.
