How to Get a Top Score on the HSPT

Top 5 Mistakes Students Make on the SHSAT—and How to Avoid Them

Tips and Target Scores

A good score on the HSPT typically falls in the 85th percentile or above, which can strengthen your chances for admission to competitive high schools. To do well, focus on timed practice in all sections—Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, Math, and Language. Build your vocabulary, review math fundamentals, and sharpen reading comprehension. Use official HSPT-style questions to get familiar with the format. To boost your score, take timed mock tests, review mistakes, and track your progress weekly. Consistency and confidence are key to improving your HSPT results.

The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a key factor for admission into many Catholic high schools across the United States. Earning a top score can help you stand out and even qualify for scholarships. With the right preparation strategy, you can master the test’s content and pace. This guide offers practical tips and recommended study tools to help you achieve your best performance.

Understand the HSPT Structure

The HSPT consists of five sections:

  • Verbal Skills

  • Quantitative Skills

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Mathematics

  • Language

Each section contains multiple-choice questions with strict time limits. The total test time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Practice Tips to Boost Your Score

1. Start Early and Create a Study Plan

Begin preparing at least 8–10 weeks in advance. Break your study time into manageable sessions—30 to 45 minutes daily—and focus on one section at a time.

2. Focus on Weak Areas

Take a diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Prioritize improving in the sections where your score is lowest.

3. Use Official and High-Quality Practice Tests

Practice under timed conditions with full-length HSPT practice tests. This helps you build stamina and understand the test’s pacing.

4. Master Time Management

You’ll have less than a minute per question. Use strategies like skipping and returning to difficult questions to maximize efficiency.

5. Practice Mental Math and Vocabulary

Mental math can help you move faster in the Quantitative and Math sections. Daily vocabulary practice builds confidence for the Verbal and Language sections.

HSPT High School Placement Test Practice

Best Study Tools for the HSPT

Study Tool Features
Barron’s HSPT Full-length practice tests, detailed answer explanations, vocabulary and math review
Peterson’s Master the Catholic High School Entrance Exams Covers HSPT, TACHS, and COOP exams with review and drills
Kaplan Catholic High School Entrance Exams Strategies and exercises for every section, plus bonus online resources
Varsity Tutors HSPT Practice Free online practice tests and diagnostic tools
Quizlet Flashcards for vocabulary, grammar rules, and math formulas

Final Tips Before Test Day

  • Get 8 hours of sleep the night before.

  • Eat a balanced breakfast with protein and complex carbs.

  • Bring necessary materials: pencils, eraser, ID, and admissions ticket.

  • Stay calm—confidence is key.

FAQ

Ideally, 6–9 months before the test date to allow steady, stress-free preparation.

Absolutely. Full-length practice tests simulate the real exam environment and improve pacing.

Read widely—novels, newspapers, and nonfiction—and make flashcards for unfamiliar words.