The HSPT is a standardized, timed test required of every 8th-grade student applying to attend a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. It contains five sections. The first two sections measure verbal and quantitative ability. The next three sections include questions related to reading comprehension, mathematics, and the components of written language. The HSPT questions are designed to test students at their curriculum level.

CSHM uses the test scores as one of several factors in evaluating a student's application for admission. Other factors include school transcripts and teacher/administration evaluations.

We do not provide accommodations on the test day. What we can do is have students test on a separate day that a CSHM faculty will administer the test. 

You register for the HSPT when your application to the school is submitted. Please note: students must have submitted an application 2 weeks prior to the test date. 

A good night's sleep! CSHM will provide the materials needed to take the test.

There will be brief breaks between the five sections of the test. CSHM will provide a light snack and drinks during the break.

Students may not use a calculator.

If a student arrives after the test has begun, there will be one testing classroom that will begin at 9:15 AM Otherwise we ask that the student return for the second test date.

No. The HSPT is taken only once and cannot be repeated.

Score will be provided at the time of registration.

STS includes a key on each score report. The HSPT score report includes five sections - verbal, quantitative, reading comprehension, mathematics, and language. Each of these scores is used to calculate a composite score. The sub-scores provide information on a student's strength of knowledge in three different areas. It is important to review the full range of scores, not just the composite score. The HSPT compares each student's correct score to the national norm (a large group of students of similar age across the U.S.). The score represents not the percentage correct, but where that score falls COMPARED to the large group of students. For example, if you take the HSPT and earn a score of 75%, this means your correct answers are where 75% of the norm group scored; it does not mean that you answered 75% of the questions correctly. The score is a comparison of test performance, not a measure of actual performance. Any questions regarding the interpretation of the HSPT scores should be directed to the admissions office of your high school of choice.

• Listen to and read the directions for each subtest carefully.

• Pace yourself - Time limits are set for each subtest. The test administrators should announce when time is halfway through so you can determine if you are working at a pace that will enable you to finish. Try not to spend too much time on one item.

• Read each question carefully.

• Work out the problem - Calculators are not permitted for the Mathematics subtest. You may use scratch paper or your test booklet to do any figuring.

• Answer every question - If you are unsure of an answer, take your best guess. Your score is determined by the number of items you answer correctly; there is no penalty for answering incorrectly.

• Check your work - If there is time left, go back and review your answers. Check to make sure each item has only one response. Throughout the test, continuously check that the answer you are marking on your answer sheet corresponds to the item number in the test booklet.

• STS believes that parents and teachers are best advised to avoid expensive preparation materials and to trust that a well-rounded education is the best form of test preparation.