HSPT results-how important

[Anonymous]

Did not do well. Child is A and A- student and completely bombed the HSPT. 35%. Strong teacher recommendations and student essay, but will the score on this exam mean we have no chance of getting in to area Catholic high schools? We are not in a catholic school now

[Anonymous]

How competitive are the schools where you applied?

[Anonymous]

Depends on school

[Anonymous]

Everything I have heard says it is just ONE piece of the puzzle. So it is not determinative of admission. I've heard this across the board. To be honest, only a select number of kids are going to get 98 & 99% and those kids are all going to go different places so there are plenty of spots for those who did not achieve those scores.

If your kid is an A or A- student, that is great. How do they usually do on standardized test scores - i.e., ERBs?

[Anonymous]

What did your child say about the day? Panic attack mid-test? Misanswered and everything on the scantron answer sheet was one off?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What did your child say about the day? Panic attack mid-test? Misanswered and everything on the scantron answer sheet was one off?

Yes-he said it was not good, tons of anxiety during the test and before so the results not a surprise.

[Anonymous]

Does your child generally test well? I assume they have no current accommodations?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does your child generally test well? I assume they have no current accommodations?

generally tests fine so this is unusual and frustrating.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Does your child generally test well? I assume they have no current accommodations?

We have accommodations and didnt test well either OP. I am sorry

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry, OP. Not sure if your child did much test prep but I think it would be a hard test for any students that went in cold, being unfamiliar with the format and not knowing what to expect. We did our own self-guided review at home with a workbook and didn’t prep as much for the math section, which really showed in the score (it was substantially lower than all the other sections)

I think how much test scores count really depends on the school. The more competitive ADW schools seem to weigh the HSPT more heavily.

Arlington Diocese schools seem more forgiving/flexible. We’ve been repeatedly told it’s mostly for placement in math and English levels (honors, etc). And it can be used for scholarships.

Hang in there and know your child is more than the results of this one test!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m sorry, OP. Not sure if your child did much test prep but I think it would be a hard test for any students that went in cold, being unfamiliar with the format and not knowing what to expect. We did our own self-guided review at home with a workbook and didn’t prep as much for the math section, which really showed in the score (it was substantially lower than all the other sections)

I think how much test scores count really depends on the school. The more competitive ADW schools seem to weigh the HSPT more heavily.

Arlington Diocese schools seem more forgiving/flexible. We’ve been repeatedly told it’s mostly for placement in math and English levels (honors, etc). And it can be used for scholarships.

Hang in there and know your child is more than the results of this one test!

Absolutely. Tell your kid to keep their chin up. They will be fine.

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry, OP. As others have said, different schools use HSPTs in different ways. While some schools are looking for a high score, others use it more for honors placement and scholarships. For all schools, it’s just one thing they consider. Since the score was lower than what is typical for your child on standardized tests, it might be worth reaching out to the schools to let them know that and maybe offer to provide copies of other standardized tests if they want that and don’t have it.

[Anonymous]

If it’s not consistent with other markers of success, then I would not worry too much.

[Anonymous]

I would hire a school counselor to help with how to market around this. You may want to take an SSAT or ISEE ( which you can schedule) for additional test info if that goes better. Do not over stress because grades and conduct most important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would hire a school counselor to help with how to market around this. You may want to take an SSAT or ISEE ( which you can schedule) for additional test info if that goes better. Do not over stress because grades and conduct most important.

Disagree. No need to shell out money for a counselor. ISEE/SSAT are not used by Catholic schools for admissions anyway. Not to mention, admissions deadlines have passed. Wait and see, it may be just fine, OP!