If your student is taking the High School Placement Test (HSPT), understanding the scoring system is essential for admissions, academic placement, and scholarship opportunities.
In this guide, you’ll learn how the test is structured, what a good HSPT score looks like, how scores are calculated, and how to prepare effectively. Let’s get started!
What is the HSPT Exam?
The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a standardized entrance exam taken by students in grade 8 who are applying to enter grade 9 at Catholic high schools. Developed and administered by Scholastic Testing Services, the HSPT is a paper-based test and is also available in the following formats upon request:
- Braille
- Large print
- Audio
The test evaluates a student’s study skills in verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, math, quantitative reasoning, and language skills.
HSPT Test Structure at a Glance
| Section | Total Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|
Verbal Skills |
60 |
16 minutes |
Quantitative Skills |
52 |
30 minutes |
Reading Comprehension |
62 |
25 minutes |
Mathematics |
64 |
45 minutes |
Language Skills |
60 |
25 minutes |
What is a Good HSPT Score?
A “good” HSPT score depends on your goals and the school you’re applying to. Many Catholic schools typically view scores at or above the 75th percentile as an indicator of strong academic readiness.
The table below provides a general idea of interpreting HSPT percentile rankings for admissions:
| Percentile Range | General Interpretation |
|---|---|
90 – 99th |
Highly competitive |
75 – 89th |
Above average |
50 – 74th |
Average |
Below 50th |
Below average |
How Schools Use HSPT Scores and What to Do After Receiving Your Results?
Catholic high schools commonly use HSPT scores for three purposes:
- Admissions review
- Course placement into appropriate math or honors tracks
- Scholarship consideration
From Raw Scores to Percentiles: How HSPT Scoring Works
Understanding how HSPT scores are calculated helps students and families interpret results more clearly. The scoring process follows several steps, from counting correct answers to assigning national percentile rankings.
1. Complete the test
Students answer multiple-choice questions across the different sections of the HSPT. Each section is scored separately.
2. Raw scores are calculated
A raw score is the total number of questions answered correctly in a section. As there is no penalty for incorrect answers, guessing is recommended.
3. Raw scores are converted to standard scores
Raw scores are converted into standard (scaled) scores, typically ranging from 200 to 800 per section, to allow fair comparison across different test forms.
4. Scores are compared nationally
Each standard score is compared against results from a national sample of HSPT test-takers.
5. National Percentile Ranking (NPR) is assigned
The NPR shows the percentage of students in the sample who scored lower than you.
- The highest possible NPR is 99
- The lowest possible NPR is 1
For example, if your NPR is 81, it means you scored higher than 81% of students.
How to Prepare for the HSPT Exam
1. Review the test format
Staying informed about the HSPT exam format is essential for improving scores, managing time effectively, and reducing stress.
2. Self-study
Many students prepare independently using HSPT prep books and practice tests. Be cautious with free online materials, as many do not accurately reflect the content or difficulty of the actual HSPT.
3. Prep courses
For students who want a more guided approach, a structured HSPT prep course can make a significant difference. Our course includes 1,000+ questions across all five sections, two full-length practice tests, and an AI companion that explains any topic you’re struggling with.
4. Use spaced repetition
Studying in shorter, regular sessions over time is more effective than cramming before the test. Revisiting topics and questions at periodic intervals helps reinforce learning, improve retention, and strengthen performance.
Final Thoughts
A clear understanding of HSPT scoring facilitates accurate interpretation of results and the establishment of meaningful performance goals. Although admissions criteria differ among schools, percentile rankings provide the most transparent way to evaluate a student’s national standing. This context enables families to review score reports with increased clarity and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Scholarship cutoffs vary widely by school and are typically set at higher percentile ranges than general admissions requirements. Families should confirm requirements directly with their target schools.
There is no universal retake policy for the HSPT. Most students take the test once, and any retake options are determined by the individual school.
The cost of the HSPT typically ranges between $20 to 50$. However, the fees vary by school and region. It is recommended to check with the specific high school for the exact fees.
Calculators are generally not allowed on the HSPT, unless approved as an accommodation by the testing site
Most schools focus on national percentile rankings, as they allow for consistent comparison across different test forms.
