Study for HSPT or do essays?

[Anonymous]

I believe there is an HSPT on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at Bishop Ireton for students who attend public schools or other private schools and were unable to attend the December 7 testing date. Get a prep book on Amazon, develop a study plan, and get to work.

[Anonymous]

There’s always at least one January testing date for the HSPT.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, do the January test. Is your child actually registered for the one this weekend? Sometimes those fill up and we’ve done the one in January without issue. As others stated, HSPT is mostly for course placement (and scholarships).

[Anonymous]

They know it or don't. Don't sweat it - it is more of a placement kind of test. My son got into Gonzoga (waitlist) with a mid score and is doing fine.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They know it or don't. Don't sweat it - it is more of a placement kind of test. My son got into Gonzoga (waitlist) with a mid score and is doing fine.

I have put three kids through the process and my impression is the HSPT is way more than a placement test, including because some of the schools will later do placement testing for admitted students. The HSPT score is part of the application review process, so having a better score is clearly preferable. A little prep goes a long way and is an excellent investment if you are looking at one of the more competitive schools. If you are looking at one of the less competitive schools don't worry about it.

[Anonymous]

Agree, don't go crazy at this point trying to over-prepare but don't go in cold, either. Just understanding the flow and timing will be a huge help.

It's an important part of the application process, particularly when the applicant isn't coming from an ADW school, particularly among the more competitive ones.

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you everyone.

My DS is taking it tomorrow as well and just wanted to wish you luck!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They know it or don't. Don't sweat it - it is more of a placement kind of test. My son got into Gonzoga (waitlist) with a mid score and is doing fine.

Just out of curiosity what was his score (if you don’t mind sharing)

[Anonymous]

I would find out whether the school would accept a score from 1/7. I would assume most do. But DS took his last year in December so I never looked into it. If so, I would focus on essays now and try to finish them in the next week or so and then focus on the HSPT. If not, I would do the opposite. I think it also depends on the school. For some schools, a high HSPT score is important for admissions and honors placement. For others, a high score isn’t necessary for admissions and there are other options for honors placement, if HSPTs aren’t high enough.

[Anonymous]

And don't forget one thing -- the schools that you designate to receive the scores will get them before you do, which we found a bit unnerving but that's how it works.