Everything You Need to Know About the HSPT Test

The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a standardized exam used by many private and Catholic high schools to assess students applying for 9th grade. Understanding the ins and outs of the HSPT is crucial for families navigating the high school admission process. In this guide, we’ll break down the details of the HSPT, why it’s important, how it’s scored, and how you can best prepare for it.

What Is HSPT?

The HSPT is a comprehensive test measuring a student’s academic abilities in key areas like math, reading, and verbal skills. It is primarily used by private and parochial schools to evaluate prospective students’ readiness for a rigorous academic environment.

Why Should Someone Take the HSPT?

Taking the HSPT can significantly enhance a student’s chances of getting into a top Catholic or private high school. The test is often a requirement for admissions, and a high score can demonstrate that a student is academically prepared for challenging coursework. Furthermore, many schools offer scholarships or advanced placement based on HSPT performance.

Scoring of the HSPT

The HSPT scoring system is designed to give schools a well-rounded view of a student’s academic capabilities. The exam is scored on a scale of 200-800, with percentiles showing how a student compares to their peers. Each section of the test (verbal, quantitative, reading, mathematics, and language skills) is scored separately, and these are combined to form a composite score.

The HSPT uses a straightforward scoring process:

Students earn 1 point for each correct answer.
No points are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions, meaning there is no penalty for guessing.

There is no official passing score for the HSPT; schools determine their own standards for what constitutes a successful score. The test results are used alongside other criteria to evaluate a student’s application.

Which Schools Accept HSPT?

The HSPT is accepted by a wide range of private and Catholic high schools across the United States. Here’s a list of notable schools that require or accept the HSPT for admission:

Each school has its own admissions timeline, so it’s important to check directly with the institution for specific HSPT requirements.

HSPT Practice Tests

Taking HSPT practice tests is essential for understanding the exam’s format and improving performance. By simulating the test environment and reviewing answers, students can become familiar with time constraints and question types. Several online platforms offer free or paid HSPT practice tests to help students prepare effectively.

Comparison of HSPT to SSAT and ISEE

When considering private high school admissions, families often weigh the HSPT against other tests like the SSAT and ISEE. The table below highlights key differences between these exams.

Feature	HSPT	SSAT	ISEE
Test Sections	Verbal, Math, Reading	Verbal, Math, Reading	Verbal, Quantitative
Scoring Scale	200-800	500-800	760-940
Test Length	2.5 hours	3 hours	2.5-3 hours
Schools	Catholic/Private Schools	Independent Schools	Independent Schools

For a deeper comparison, read more on SSAT vs. ISEE and HSPT.

Sections of the HSPT

Here’s a comprehensive table outlining the key details for all the sections of the HSPT:

Section	Purpose	Number of Questions	Time Limit	Topics Covered
Verbal Skills	Tests cognitive language abilities	60	16 minutes	– Synonyms – Antonyms – Analogies – Sentence Logic – Verbal Classification
Quantitative Skills	Assesses cognitive quantitative abilities through word problems	52	30 minutes	– Number Series – Geometric Comparisons – Non-Geometric Comparisons – Number Manipulation
Reading Comprehension	Evaluates ability to recall and understand written text	62	25 minutes	– Main Idea – Details – Vocabulary
Mathematics	Tests basic math knowledge and skills	64	45 minutes	– Basic Math (fractions, decimals, percentages, estimation, word problems) – Basic Algebra (solving 1-variable equations) – Basic Geometry (lines, angles, area)
Language Skills	Evaluates grammar, spelling, and composition abilities	60	25 minutes	– Capitalization – Punctuation – Spelling – Usage – Composition
Optional Test (if applicable)	Varies by school; may include Science, Mechanical Aptitude, or Religion	Varies	Varies	Varies by school

HSPT exam Sections by TUTORONE

This table captures all key aspects of the HSPT, providing an overview of what to expect in each section of the test.

HSPT Free Practise Test Questions

Verbal Skills Practice Questions:

Synonym:
Which word is the closest in meaning to exhilarated?
a. Sad
b. Bored
c. Excited
d. Nervous
Antonym:
Choose the word that is the opposite of benevolent:
a. Cruel
b. Generous
c. Wealthy
d. Polite
Analogy:
Cat is to Kitten as Dog is to:
a. Puppy
b. Lion
c. Tail
d. Cub
Sentence Logic:
Identify the word that best completes the sentence:
The athlete trained diligently to _____ her performance in the upcoming race.
a. decrease
b. improve
c. ignore
d. remove
Verbal Classification:
Which word does not belong in this group?
a. Sofa
b. Chair
c. Bed
d. Oven
Synonym:
Which word means the same as gregarious?
a. Shy
b. Lonely
c. Friendly
d. Silent
Analogy:
Pen is to write as scissors are to:
a. Cut
b. Fold
c. Glue
d. Paper
Antonym:
Which word is the opposite of opaque?
a. Transparent
b. Translucent
c. Obscure
d. Solid

Quantitative Skills Practice Questions:

Number Series:
Find the missing number: 3, 6, 12, 24, ___
a. 30
b. 36
c. 48
d. 60
Geometric Comparison:
If the area of a square is 16 cm², what is the perimeter of the square?
a. 8 cm
b. 12 cm
c. 16 cm
d. 20 cm
Non-Geometric Comparison:
Compare: $12\frac{1}{2}21$ and $34\frac{3}{4}43.$ Which is greater?
a. $2\frac{1}{2}21$
b. $34\frac{3}{4}43$
c. They are equal
d. Cannot be determined
Number Manipulation:
A number is multiplied by 5 and then reduced by 10. If the result is 20, what was the original number?
a. 4
b. 6
c. 7
d. 10
Word Problem:
Sarah has 3 apples and buys 5 more. If she eats 2, how many apples does she have now?
a. 4
b. 5
c. 6
d. 7
Number Series:
What comes next in the series: 10, 20, 40, 80, ___?
a. 100
b. 120
c. 160
d. 180
Geometric Comparison:
Two circles have radii of 3 cm and 5 cm. What is the ratio of their areas?
a. 9:25
b. 3:5
c. 5:3
d. 6:10
Word Problem:
The sum of two numbers is 18, and their difference is 2. What are the two numbers?
a. 9 and 9
b. 10 and 8
c. 11 and 7
d. 12 and 6

Reading Comprehension Practice Questions:

Eating healthy is essential for both physical and mental well-being. A balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, can improve energy levels, enhance mood, and even reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. Furthermore, healthy eating is linked to better cognitive function, helping individuals to concentrate and perform well in both academic and professional settings.

One of the primary reasons people choose to eat healthy is the long-term benefit of maintaining a healthy weight. Obesity and being overweight are associated with numerous health issues, such as joint pain, sleep disorders, and cardiovascular complications. By maintaining a diet that is low in processed foods and sugars, individuals can help regulate their body weight and promote overall health.

Another important aspect of healthy eating is hydration. Drinking plenty of water supports digestion, keeps the skin hydrated, and helps maintain energy levels throughout the day. In many cases, people mistake dehydration for hunger, leading to overeating. Thus, staying hydrated can also aid in weight management and prevent unnecessary snacking.

While some may view healthy eating as restrictive, it can be quite flexible and enjoyable. With so many delicious and nutritious options available, from fresh salads to savory stir-fries, adopting a healthy diet doesn’t mean giving up flavor. In fact, discovering new recipes and cooking methods can be a rewarding experience that enhances one’s relationship with food.

Reading Comprehension Practice Questions:

What is the main idea of the passage?
a. Exercise is the most important part of a healthy lifestyle.
b. Eating healthy helps improve both physical and mental well-being.
c. Only fruits and vegetables contribute to health.
d. Water is more important than food.
According to the text, what is the purpose of hydration?
a. To produce energy
b. To help with digestion and maintain energy levels
c. To build muscles
d. To regulate body temperature
Which word is closest in meaning to cognitive?
a. Physical
b. Emotional
c. Mental
d. Nutritional
Based on the passage, why is a healthy diet important for weight management?
a. It increases sugar consumption.
b. It eliminates all fats.
c. It helps regulate body weight by avoiding processed foods and excess sugar.
d. It encourages frequent snacking.
The word restrictive most likely means:
a. Expensive
b. Limiting
c. Easy
d. Temporary
What is the main reason people confuse hunger with thirst, according to the passage?
a. Eating makes you feel dehydrated.
b. Water can make people more hungry.
c. Dehydration is sometimes mistaken for hunger.
d. Hydration improves mental well-being.
Which sentence from the passage supports the idea that eating healthy can still be enjoyable?
a. “A balanced diet can improve energy levels and enhance mood.”
b. “Obesity is associated with numerous health issues.”
c. “Discovering new recipes and cooking methods can be a rewarding experience.”
d. “Drinking plenty of water supports digestion.”
What is the passage’s stance on processed foods?
a. Processed foods are the best source of nutrients.
b. Processed foods help maintain energy levels.
c. Processed foods should be avoided for better health.
d. Processed foods are healthy in moderation.

Language Skills Practice Questions:

Capitalization:
Which sentence is correctly capitalized?
a. The president of the company will meet us on Monday.
b. The President of the company will meet us on Monday.
c. The president of the Company will meet us on Monday.
d. The President of the Company will meet us on Monday.
Punctuation:
Choose the sentence with the correct punctuation.
a. I cant believe it’s already September!
b. I can’t believe its already September!
c. I can’t believe it’s already September!
d. I cant believe its already September!
Spelling:
Which word is spelled correctly?
a. Accquire
b. Aquire
c. Acquire
d. Accuir
Usage:
Which word correctly completes the sentence:
The teacher gave _____ pencils to the students.
a. there
b. their
c. they’re
d. them
Composition:
Which sentence is written correctly?
a. Running fast, the finish line was crossed by the athlete.
b. The athlete, running fast, crossed the finish line.
c. The finish line was crossed, running fast, by the athlete.
d. Crossing fast, the finish line was done by the athlete.
Punctuation:
Which sentence uses a comma correctly?
a. After dinner, we played a game.
b. After dinner we played, a game.
c. After dinner we played a game.
d. After, dinner we played a game.
Spelling:
Which word is spelled incorrectly?
a. Believe
b. Definately
c. Receive
d. Achievement

Question 1:

A right triangle has side lengths of 9, 12. Find:

a. $\sin(\theta)$
b. $\cos(\theta)$
c. Using the identity $\sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1$ , verify your answers.
d. Find the angle $\theta$ in degrees, using $\sin^{-1}$ or $\cos^{-1}$ .

Here is the triangle with $\theta$ adjacent to the 12-unit side:

To solve:

$\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{9}{15} = 0.6$
$\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{12}{15} = 0.8$
Using $\sin^2(\theta) + \cos^2(\theta) = 1$ , verify:
$(0.6)^2 + (0.8)^2 = 0.36 + 0.64 = 1$
Therefore, the identity holds.
Now, find $\theta$ using $\sin^{-1}(\theta)$ :
$\theta = \sin^{-1}(0.6) \approx 36.87^\circ$

Question 2:

In a right triangle, the two legs are given as 7 units and 24 units. Find:

a. $\sin(\theta)$
b. $\cos(\theta)$
c. Using the Pythagorean theorem, find the length of the hypotenuse.
d. Using the identity $\sin(90^\circ - \theta) = \cos(\theta)$ , verify your result.

Here is the triangle with $\theta$ adjacent to the 24-unit side:

*** QuickLaTeX cannot compile formula:


\begin{tikzpicture}
% Define triangle vertices
\draw[thick] (0,0) -- (7,0) -- (0,24) -- cycle;

% Right angle symbol
\draw (0.5, 0) -- (0.5, 0.5) -- (0, 0.5);

% Label sides
\node at (3.5,-0.3) {24};
\node at (-0.3,12) {7};
\node at (3.5,12) {25 (to be solved)};

% Label angle theta
\node at (1, 0.5) {$\theta$};
\end{tikzpicture}



*** Error message:
Error: Cannot create png file



To solve:

First, use the Pythagorean theorem to find the hypotenuse:
$c^2 = a^2 + b^2 = 7^2 + 24^2 = 49 + 576 = 625$
Therefore, $c = 25$ .
Now find $\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{7}{25} = 0.28$
$\cos(\theta) = \frac{\text{adjacent}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{24}{25} = 0.96$
Using the identity $\sin(90^\circ - \theta) = \cos(\theta)$ , verify:
$\sin(90^\circ - \theta) = \cos(\theta)$ holds because $\sin(90^\circ - 16.26^\circ) = \cos(16.26^\circ) = 0.96$ .

Question 3:

Solve for $x$ in the equation:
$4x + 5 = 3(x + 7)$
a. $x = 2$
b. $x = 4$
c. $x = -2$
d. $x = 1$

Question 4:

If $y$ is divided by 6, the result is then divided by 4, and the final result is 2. What is $y$ ?

a. $y = 48$
b. $y = 12$
c. $y = 36$
d. $y = 24$

Question 5:

Jamal ran a distance of 600 feet, while Lonnie ran a distance of 50 yards. What is the ratio of the distance Jamal ran to the distance Lonnie ran?

a. 4:1
b. 5:1
c. 6:1
d. 12:1

Question 6:

A list of numbers consists of 5, 7, 10, 14, 14, 18. If the number 14 is added again, how will the median and mode change?

a. The median will increase, and the mode will stay the same.
b. The median will stay the same, and the mode will increase.
c. The median will decrease, and the mode will increase.
d. The mode will stay the same, and the median will decrease.

Question 7:

Solve the inequality:
$3x + 4 > 7x - 8$
a. $x > 3$
b. $x < 3$
c. $x = 3$
d. $x = -3$

Question 8:

If $z < -2$ and $4z + y = -10$ , which of the following must be true?

a. $z + 5 > 0$
b. $y > 0$
c. $z + y > 0$
d. $y = 16$

HSPT Prep Course Offered by TutorOne

At TutorOne, we offer a comprehensive HSPT Prep Course that is designed to help students excel on the exam. Our course includes full-length practice tests, targeted lessons, and one-on-one tutoring to help students build confidence and improve their scores. Check out our course offerings and get started on your path to success.

HSPT Tutoring

Personalized HSPT tutoring can make all the difference in a student’s performance on the test. At TutorOne, we provide expert tutors who specialize in preparing students for the HSPT. Whether you need help with specific subjects or want general test-taking strategies, our tutors can help you reach your goals.

HSPT Score Calculator

Curious about how your practice scores translate to real-world results? Use an HSPT score calculator to estimate your final score based on practice test results. This tool helps students assess their current standing and identify areas for improvement.

The HSPT is a critical exam for students looking to enter some of the most competitive Catholic and private high schools. By using resources like practice tests, tutoring, and prep courses, students can approach the exam with confidence. Visit TutorOne to learn more about how we can help you succeed on the HSPT!

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