HSPT Results

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child didn’t study for this test, took it and came out average. Now I wish we would have buckled down and studied for it because he would have gotten a way higher score.

This test is unfair. It clearly points out who has prepared for,it, whether it be by hiring tutors, test prep or sheer discipline….and who just wings it from what they e learned or been exposed to in school. I dislike…clearly I’m jealous of everyone here touting their kids 99th percentile ranks. It’s just impossible that so many kids have gotten that type of score unless the parents threw money at it.

I wish the Catholic schools doing this test would drop it altogether. Their are so many straight A kids that are stellar but maybe just don’t test well, that are high achievers, and doers, and this test clear;y at híñalo es them.

I’m now scared that my son won’t get into the school we are applying for given the supposed 99th percentile test takers in abundance here on this thread, and the fact that more people are applying to private schools than ever before. It makes me want to move somewhere else, if we could.

Are DC’s test scores TRULY average (50%?) or DCUM average (70%?)?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child didn’t study for this test, took it and came out average. Now I wish we would have buckled down and studied for it because he would have gotten a way higher score.

This test is unfair. It clearly points out who has prepared for,it, whether it be by hiring tutors, test prep or sheer discipline….and who just wings it from what they e learned or been exposed to in school. I dislike…clearly I’m jealous of everyone here touting their kids 99th percentile ranks. It’s just impossible that so many kids have gotten that type of score unless the parents threw money at it.

I wish the Catholic schools doing this test would drop it altogether. Their are so many straight A kids that are stellar but maybe just don’t test well, that are high achievers, and doers, and this test clear;y at híñalo es them.

I’m now scared that my son won’t get into the school we are applying for given the supposed 99th percentile test takers in abundance here on this thread, and the fact that more people are applying to private schools than ever before. It makes me want to move somewhere else, if we could.

Are DC’s test scores TRULY average (50%?) or DCUM average (70%?)?

59th percentile total composite. Basic skills were higher at 65th percentile. How is my kids going to get in anywhere since he didn’t prep for it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My child didn’t study for this test, took it and came out average. Now I wish we would have buckled down and studied for it because he would have gotten a way higher score.

This test is unfair. It clearly points out who has prepared for,it, whether it be by hiring tutors, test prep or sheer discipline….and who just wings it from what they e learned or been exposed to in school. I dislike…clearly I’m jealous of everyone here touting their kids 99th percentile ranks. It’s just impossible that so many kids have gotten that type of score unless the parents threw money at it.

I wish the Catholic schools doing this test would drop it altogether. Their are so many straight A kids that are stellar but maybe just don’t test well, that are high achievers, and doers, and this test clear;y at híñalo es them.

I’m now scared that my son won’t get into the school we are applying for given the supposed 99th percentile test takers in abundance here on this thread, and the fact that more people are applying to private schools than ever before. It makes me want to move somewhere else, if we could.

This is how I’m feeling. Add the shooting that happened in mcps yesterday and I just have all kinds of emotions.

[Anonymous]

This maybe dated info from my older child pre-covid - but the test aligns to more typical catholic parish school curriculum which does vary from public schools particularly in grammar. I had heard that admissions understand that especially when looking at the scores from the section that is more grammar focused.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child didn’t study for this test, took it and came out average. Now I wish we would have buckled down and studied for it because he would have gotten a way higher score.

This test is unfair. It clearly points out who has prepared for,it, whether it be by hiring tutors, test prep or sheer discipline….and who just wings it from what they e learned or been exposed to in school. I dislike…clearly I’m jealous of everyone here touting their kids 99th percentile ranks. It’s just impossible that so many kids have gotten that type of score unless the parents threw money at it.

I wish the Catholic schools doing this test would drop it altogether. Their are so many straight A kids that are stellar but maybe just don’t test well, that are high achievers, and doers, and this test clear;y at híñalo es them.

I’m now scared that my son won’t get into the school we are applying for given the supposed 99th percentile test takers in abundance here on this thread, and the fact that more people are applying to private schools than ever before. It makes me want to move somewhere else, if we could.

Are DC’s test scores TRULY average (50%?) or DCUM average (70%?)?

59th percentile total composite. Basic skills were higher at 65th percentile. How is my kids going to get in anywhere since he didn’t prep for it?

My DC’s friend scored in the low 30s last year and was accepted to a NOVA high school (DJO/BI/PVI). If you applied to multiple schools, my guess is that your DC will be fine, especially if their middle school grades are good. It will work out! Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child didn’t study for this test, took it and came out average. Now I wish we would have buckled down and studied for it because he would have gotten a way higher score.

This test is unfair. It clearly points out who has prepared for,it, whether it be by hiring tutors, test prep or sheer discipline….and who just wings it from what they e learned or been exposed to in school. I dislike…clearly I’m jealous of everyone here touting their kids 99th percentile ranks. It’s just impossible that so many kids have gotten that type of score unless the parents threw money at it.

I wish the Catholic schools doing this test would drop it altogether. Their are so many straight A kids that are stellar but maybe just don’t test well, that are high achievers, and doers, and this test clear;y at híñalo es them.

I’m now scared that my son won’t get into the school we are applying for given the supposed 99th percentile test takers in abundance here on this thread, and the fact that more people are applying to private schools than ever before. It makes me want to move somewhere else, if we could.

Are DC’s test scores TRULY average (50%?) or DCUM average (70%?)?

59th percentile total composite. Basic skills were higher at 65th percentile. How is my kids going to get in anywhere since he didn’t prep for it?

My DC’s friend scored in the low 30s last year and was accepted to a NOVA high school (DJO/BI/PVI). If you applied to multiple schools, my guess is that your DC will be fine, especially if their middle school grades are good. It will work out! Good luck.

I cannot believe we’re even discussing kids not getting into any Catholic high schools with a 59% on the HSPT. Is that kid getting into Gonzaga or Prep without some other hook, very likely no, but I can’t imagine they’re not getting into Diocesan schools (though I understand maybe that’s just not what you’re going for).

MY DC scored 67th percentile last year. He prepped, did worse on the test than he was doing in prep. Generally doesn’t test well. Rejected from Gonzaga (not waitlisted). Majority As, a few Bs, always on the honor roll. Got into both BI and DJO. At one of them and liking it very much.

My other kid will almost certainly score less than 59th or even 30th percentile. His Scantrons are usually 25th percentile or lower, ADHD with multiple learning disabilities. School is a major struggle for him, but he works hard and gets by with OK grades at his k-8 Diocesan school. It hasn’t really occurred to me that he wouldn’t be accepted to BI or DJO as they have specific programs for kids like him.

[Anonymous]

Wait- a PP is complaining that their child didn’t prepare for a test and did just average but other kids prepared and did better and that isn’t fair?!?

I get that some parents pay for courses. But really, the course DC went through was about the same we pay for sports activities in a season, actually less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wait- a PP is complaining that their child didn’t prepare for a test and did just average but other kids prepared and did better and that isn’t fair?!?

I get that some parents pay for courses. But really, the course DC went through was about the same we pay for sports activities in a season, actually less.

+2 The outrage is a little silly. My DC worked through the practice tests in a $20 prep book I bought on Amazon. There are even free practice tests you can download on the internet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wait- a PP is complaining that their child didn’t prepare for a test and did just average but other kids prepared and did better and that isn’t fair?!?

I get that some parents pay for courses. But really, the course DC went through was about the same we pay for sports activities in a season, actually less.

The reality is it creates an additional barrier and challenge for anyone outside the system with limited resources. That’s the unfortunate truth when it comes to most standardized testing.

[Anonymous]

Seriously calm down about the HSPT scores and prep. I had two kids take it after a K-8 private. No prep for either. One scored 99% and the other 50%. No disabilities on either.

I just take it as a warning that one kid may need some study and practice for any other tests!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wait- a PP is complaining that their child didn’t prepare for a test and did just average but other kids prepared and did better and that isn’t fair?!?

I get that some parents pay for courses. But really, the course DC went through was about the same we pay for sports activities in a season, actually less.

The reality is it creates an additional barrier and challenge for anyone outside the system with limited resources. That’s the unfortunate truth when it comes to most standardized testing.

Generally I might agree, but not for the HSPT. There are plenty of free practices tests online (and at Bishop O’Connell under true test conditions) and a practice book on Amazon for $18.

[Anonymous]

+1 if you can figure out how to get on the Internet and apply to the schools with all of the requirements and essays you can figure out how to get access to practice tests. The parent that was complaining about fairness knew all about the test but DC wouldn’t sit down to practice. If you aren’t willing to put in the time your results may be different from those who will put in the time. This is not a high cost, difficult venture.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child didn’t study for this test, took it and came out average. Now I wish we would have buckled down and studied for it because he would have gotten a way higher score.

This test is unfair. It clearly points out who has prepared for,it, whether it be by hiring tutors, test prep or sheer discipline….and who just wings it from what they e learned or been exposed to in school. I dislike…clearly I’m jealous of everyone here touting their kids 99th percentile ranks. It’s just impossible that so many kids have gotten that type of score unless the parents threw money at it.

I wish the Catholic schools doing this test would drop it altogether. Their are so many straight A kids that are stellar but maybe just don’t test well, that are high achievers, and doers, and this test clear;y at híñalo es them.

I’m now scared that my son won’t get into the school we are applying for given the supposed 99th percentile test takers in abundance here on this thread, and the fact that more people are applying to private schools than ever before. It makes me want to move somewhere else, if we could.

Are DC’s test scores TRULY average (50%?) or DCUM average (70%?)?

59th percentile total composite. Basic skills were higher at 65th percentile. How is my kids going to get in anywhere since he didn’t prep for it?

I don't understand why your child didn't prepare for the test? Will he prepare for the SATs, his drivers' test? I don't know where the narrative started that it is somehow not OK to prepare for an important test, but it is wrong. It has always been wrong. The only tests that are actually invalidated by preparation are IQ tests. These are not IQ tests. They are achievement tests and entrance exams and merit preparation. While tutoring is overkill, checking out the free on line stuff or getting the book from the library are not over the top and don't take much time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My child didn’t study for this test, took it and came out average. Now I wish we would have buckled down and studied for it because he would have gotten a way higher score.

This test is unfair. It clearly points out who has prepared for,it, whether it be by hiring tutors, test prep or sheer discipline….and who just wings it from what they e learned or been exposed to in school. I dislike…clearly I’m jealous of everyone here touting their kids 99th percentile ranks. It’s just impossible that so many kids have gotten that type of score unless the parents threw money at it.

I wish the Catholic schools doing this test would drop it altogether. Their are so many straight A kids that are stellar but maybe just don’t test well, that are high achievers, and doers, and this test clear;y at híñalo es them.

I’m now scared that my son won’t get into the school we are applying for given the supposed 99th percentile test takers in abundance here on this thread, and the fact that more people are applying to private schools than ever before. It makes me want to move somewhere else, if we could.

Are DC’s test scores TRULY average (50%?) or DCUM average (70%?)?

59th percentile total composite. Basic skills were higher at 65th percentile. How is my kids going to get in anywhere since he didn’t prep for it?

I don't understand why your child didn't prepare for the test? Will he prepare for the SATs, his drivers' test? I don't know where the narrative started that it is somehow not OK to prepare for an important test, but it is wrong. It has always been wrong. The only tests that are actually invalidated by preparation are IQ tests. These are not IQ tests. They are achievement tests and entrance exams and merit preparation. While tutoring is overkill, checking out the free on line stuff or getting the book from the library are not over the top and don't take much time.

We did the tutoring....didn't want to leave anything to chance. But $$ no object so...

[Anonymous]

Pp here who’s child scored a 36. Straight A’s in middle school, but coming from a school that has done away with standardized tests in favor of individual written evaluations. Teacher recommendations are likely very very positive (judging from parent teacher conferences). DC did not prep for this specific test just because they were doing a PSAT prep class, and had previously done a SSAT prep class. Just felt that adding one more test prep was going to send them over the edge. It’s very apparent, based on the results of the PSAT and HSPT that dc has major difficulties with test taking. PSAT was slightly above average despite weeks of test prep. Test scores just done mesh with the quality of dc’s school work.

The catholic school we are applying to isn’t one of the highly selective ones, so hopefully DC has a chance considering the excellent grades.