HSPT Results

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Why does an 8th grader take the PSAT and a PSAT prep course? The PSAT is in 11th grade?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Why does an 8th grader take the PSAT and a PSAT prep course? The PSAT is in 11th grade?

The PSAT was required for the magnet school DC is applying to. They to the PSAT 8/9

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Why does an 8th grader take the PSAT and a PSAT prep course? The PSAT is in 11th grade?

The PSAT was required for the magnet school DC is applying to. They to the PSAT 8/9

This is odd that your child prepped for both PSAT and SSAT and still did so poorly. Did your DC skip questions they were unsure of? Because on HSPT you are not penalized for wrong answers like on SSAT. You are better off guessing than leaving questions blank.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Why does an 8th grader take the PSAT and a PSAT prep course? The PSAT is in 11th grade?

The PSAT was required for the magnet school DC is applying to. They to the PSAT 8/9

Got it. I would imagine a lower score on the HSPT won’t hurt much if your DC has such great evaluations. When your current head of school speaks to the high school admissions people they explain that the scores don’t reflect the high achieving student they see at school. I assume you are in private school if there are no grades in middle school? Good luck.

[Anonymous]

My student also did the PSAT 8/9 and HSPT. They are pretty different tests. The HSPT seemed to focus more on stickler grammar / editing, rote math, etc. I can see how those coming from a Catholic k-8 are able to do better on such a test. The schools focus much more on these things and have prep for the test built into school. Those from outside that school system either prep on their own (or with help) or not. And if not, prepping for the PSAT isn’t that transferable, in our experience. The PSAT 8/9 is a good reference for performance on the PSAT/SAT and college readiness. The HSPT seemed more geared toward a specific high school system. One’s not better than the other, necessarily. But I see why my student’s score varied widely from one test to the other.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Why does an 8th grader take the PSAT and a PSAT prep course? The PSAT is in 11th grade?

The PSAT was required for the magnet school DC is applying to. They to the PSAT 8/9

This is odd that your child prepped for both PSAT and SSAT and still did so poorly. Did your DC skip questions they were unsure of? Because on HSPT you are not penalized for wrong answers like on SSAT. You are better off guessing than leaving questions blank.

My DC prepped for both SSAT and HSPT; took the tests a week apart and did much better on the SSAT than HSPT particularly in math (like 94 vs 67) .. a much higher overall score on the SSAT, can't explain it. DC is coming from a Catholic school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

Why does an 8th grader take the PSAT and a PSAT prep course? The PSAT is in 11th grade?

The PSAT was required for the magnet school DC is applying to. They to the PSAT 8/9

This is odd that your child prepped for both PSAT and SSAT and still did so poorly. Did your DC skip questions they were unsure of? Because on HSPT you are not penalized for wrong answers like on SSAT. You are better off guessing than leaving questions blank.

My DC prepped for both SSAT and HSPT; took the tests a week apart and did much better on the SSAT than HSPT particularly in math (like 94 vs 67) .. a much higher overall score on the SSAT, can't explain it. DC is coming from a Catholic school.

My kids so far

1: SSAT + HSPT. Did better on HSPT 88 vs 97 iirc percentiles
2: PSAT8/9 + HSPT. Did slightly better on HSPT but both high 90s
3: PSAT8/9 + HSPT. Did a little better on the PSAT, 94 vs 88 iirc

I think the SSAT is the harder of the 3.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Just received my kid's scores today. Straight A student from a non-Catholic school but a disappointing 64th percentile. We are applying to O'Connell but haven't ruled out Arlington Public Schools either. Even if my child is accepted to O'Connell, would the mediocre HSPT score rule out honors/intensified classes at DJO freshman year? If so, I am wondering if it would just be more advantageous to go to public school instead.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Just received my kid's scores today. Straight A student from a non-Catholic school but a disappointing 64th percentile. We are applying to O'Connell but haven't ruled out Arlington Public Schools either. Even if my child is accepted to O'Connell, would the mediocre HSPT score rule out honors/intensified classes at DJO freshman year? If so, I am wondering if it would just be more advantageous to go to public school instead.

Is 64% that low? What is considered acceptable for the top schools? 80s%?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Just received my kid's scores today. Straight A student from a non-Catholic school but a disappointing 64th percentile. We are applying to O'Connell but haven't ruled out Arlington Public Schools either. Even if my child is accepted to O'Connell, would the mediocre HSPT score rule out honors/intensified classes at DJO freshman year? If so, I am wondering if it would just be more advantageous to go to public school instead.

Very likely in our experience, but maybe we could've/should've pushed harder and gotten a different result. We requested honors world history only coming from a parochial k-8. DS qualified for honors classes based on middle school grades but didn't have the necessary qualifying HSPT scores (which seem really high in my non-expert opinion). We requested only world history honors because history/ss has always been DS' favorite subject, and we thought just the one class in a subject area where he is motivated would be a good intro into higher level classes. They didn't grant the request so he isn't taking any honors classes freshman year. That seems to preclude AP until junior year, assuming they start taking honors classes sophomore year, according to the course book based on grade/course prerequisites, but maybe "department approval" for AP classes is given somewhat regularly? DJO seems to focus on placing kids where they can be successful with a B or higher--that doesn't mean they'll get a B (no hesitation to give Cs, Ds, Fs on assignments/tests from what I've seen in Canvas) but they don't want kids taking a class unless there's confidence the kid could earn at least a B in that class.

There's also math and English placement tests in the spring/summer. We assumed DS would take the English placement test as part of requesting honors world history, to help show that the request should be granted, but that wasn't an option because he didn't request honors English.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Just received my kid's scores today. Straight A student from a non-Catholic school but a disappointing 64th percentile. We are applying to O'Connell but haven't ruled out Arlington Public Schools either. Even if my child is accepted to O'Connell, would the mediocre HSPT score rule out honors/intensified classes at DJO freshman year? If so, I am wondering if it would just be more advantageous to go to public school instead.

Very likely in our experience, but maybe we could've/should've pushed harder and gotten a different result. We requested honors world history only coming from a parochial k-8. DS qualified for honors classes based on middle school grades but didn't have the necessary qualifying HSPT scores (which seem really high in my non-expert opinion). We requested only world history honors because history/ss has always been DS' favorite subject, and we thought just the one class in a subject area where he is motivated would be a good intro into higher level classes. They didn't grant the request so he isn't taking any honors classes freshman year. That seems to preclude AP until junior year, assuming they start taking honors classes sophomore year, according to the course book based on grade/course prerequisites, but maybe "department approval" for AP classes is given somewhat regularly? DJO seems to focus on placing kids where they can be successful with a B or higher--that doesn't mean they'll get a B (no hesitation to give Cs, Ds, Fs on assignments/tests from what I've seen in Canvas) but they don't want kids taking a class unless there's confidence the kid could earn at least a B in that class.

There's also math and English placement tests in the spring/summer. We assumed DS would take the English placement test as part of requesting honors world history, to help show that the request should be granted, but that wasn't an option because he didn't request honors English.

Thank you for sharing your experience! It is disappointing, but this is very helpful as we determine next steps.

[Anonymous]

Not O’Connell but DC was able to get into Honors classes in a independent-Catholic and they are the only low grades. This might not be a bad policy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Just received my kid's scores today. Straight A student from a non-Catholic school but a disappointing 64th percentile. We are applying to O'Connell but haven't ruled out Arlington Public Schools either. Even if my child is accepted to O'Connell, would the mediocre HSPT score rule out honors/intensified classes at DJO freshman year? If so, I am wondering if it would just be more advantageous to go to public school instead.

Very likely in our experience, but maybe we could've/should've pushed harder and gotten a different result. We requested honors world history only coming from a parochial k-8. DS qualified for honors classes based on middle school grades but didn't have the necessary qualifying HSPT scores (which seem really high in my non-expert opinion). We requested only world history honors because history/ss has always been DS' favorite subject, and we thought just the one class in a subject area where he is motivated would be a good intro into higher level classes. They didn't grant the request so he isn't taking any honors classes freshman year. That seems to preclude AP until junior year, assuming they start taking honors classes sophomore year, according to the course book based on grade/course prerequisites, but maybe "department approval" for AP classes is given somewhat regularly? DJO seems to focus on placing kids where they can be successful with a B or higher--that doesn't mean they'll get a B (no hesitation to give Cs, Ds, Fs on assignments/tests from what I've seen in Canvas) but they don't want kids taking a class unless there's confidence the kid could earn at least a B in that class.

There's also math and English placement tests in the spring/summer. We assumed DS would take the English placement test as part of requesting honors world history, to help show that the request should be granted, but that wasn't an option because he didn't request honors English.

Thank you for sharing your experience! It is disappointing, but this is very helpful as we determine next steps.

Sure. For what it's worth, he is loving the school after going in knowing absolutely nobody. You know your kid best. I thought mine could probably handle a single honors class, and his reading/language scores on the HSPT were abnormally low for him, but he isn't super academically motivated so I didn't want him to end up doing poorly in a honors class that they told us he shouldn't have taken anyway. If your kid is very intelligent and academically motivated, then maybe it's not worth an entire year of lost advanced classes to go to DJO. DJO also placed my kid in an advanced foreign language class based on his testing in middle school, and I thought they were completely nuts and contemplated insisting they put him in the first year class. I left it alone, and he's doing great, getting As in the advanced class. So, so far, they seem to know what they're doing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My student also did the PSAT 8/9 and HSPT. They are pretty different tests. The HSPT seemed to focus more on stickler grammar / editing, rote math, etc. I can see how those coming from a Catholic k-8 are able to do better on such a test. The schools focus much more on these things and have prep for the test built into school. Those from outside that school system either prep on their own (or with help) or not. And if not, prepping for the PSAT isn’t that transferable, in our experience. The PSAT 8/9 is a good reference for performance on the PSAT/SAT and college readiness. The HSPT seemed more geared toward a specific high school system. One’s not better than the other, necessarily. But I see why my student’s score varied widely from one test to the other.

What’s new in 2025? Any idea when the test results are available?

[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.

Is O’Connell the Radford of local Catholic Schools?