What is the High School Placement Test (HSPT)?
The HSPT is an admissions test given to eighth-graders who are seeking entrance into specific Catholic high schools. At Divine Child High School, we use the HSPT exam results to assist with admissions decisions, determine curriculum placement, and offer scholarship awards.
Is the High School Placement Test required?
While it is a required step in the admissions process to be eligible for academic scholarships, the HSPT is only a part of the application review.
How do I register for the HSPT?
Please register and pay online here: HSPT Registration. There is a $50 testing fee for the exam. Students can select the date, time, and location.
When is the test offered?
The main test dates this year are November 23, 2024 and December 7, 2024. These are the dates that DCHS will host the HSPT. Additional testing dates are offered in January and February but do not fall in line with the admissions timeline. Those scores will not be available in order to apply for the January acceptance deadline. Those individuals applying after February should reach out to Meghan Simonie, msimonie@divinechild.org, to explore testing opportunities. Academic scholarships can be awarded to students who take the test during any of the testing dates.
Can my child get accommodations for the test similar to those he/she has at school?
Yes, the December 7th test is structured to support students testing with accommodations. To receive these accommodations, please complete the request form with registration and provide documentation to support this need two weeks prior to the test date. There must be a documented accommodations history at your child’s current school and a 504/IEP in place.
How is the HSPT scored?
The scoring for the High School Placement Test is percentile-based. This means that your child’s ranking is compared to all other students that took the same test across the nation, not specifically how many questions were answered correctly. The total score is reviewed for academic scholarship opportunities.
While these scores provide important guidance in admissions and general course placement, additional math testing is required by DCHS and occurs in spring. (English testing is also optional for students seeking honors English placement.)
What if my child scores poorly on the HSPT?
A poor score does not disqualify admission, however in some cases, Divine Child may seek to gain some additional information regarding a student’s academic provisions.
How can my child prepare for the HSPT?
Focus on 8th grade studies.
Can the HSPT be taken again if my child is not happy with his/her score?
No, students are only permitted to take the High School Placement Test once. If it is taken an additional time, the initial test score is still used.
Does my child have to take the test at Divine Child?
Your child is not required to take the HSPT at Divine Child, even though we would love to have him/her on campus. If students test at other locations, they simply need to identify DCHS as a school where they would like test scores sent.
What if my child takes the PSAT 8/9 instead?
If your child does not take the PSAT 8/9 in his/her school district until the spring, the scores will not be released in time to properly place a student or consider him/her for acceptance.
Will my child score better the longer he/she waits to test?
Since the test is scored based on how much he/she should know at a specific point in the school year on a national level, waiting does not benefit your child. For example: A February test taker should know approximately 3 months more content than a November test taker.
How are test scores delivered?
Test scores are sent to the child’s parent via mail or email, whichever option was selected during the registration process. The test company will send out the test score approximately 3-4 weeks after the test date. When a child identifies DCHS as the recipient of their test scores during the test registration process, these will automatically be forwarded to DCHS. If this step is overlooked, parents will have to facilitate the transmission of scores.
