Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just got ours HSPT. It’s bad. Bad bad. Like below 40th percentile. Our child has an older sibling at the school we’re applying to, and has all A’s and B’s as well as extracurriculars. Scored very high on one or 2 sections but awfully low on others.
Are we screwed?
I am truly shocked. This child is not stupid but tested horribly.

That will likely knock them out of schools like Visi or Gonzaga, but not schools like Ireton or O’Connell.

+1. Although, being a legacy will help. If it’s not reflective of your DC’s typical test scores and you’re applying to one of the competitive schools (eg Visi or GZ), I would consider maybe having a teacher or the principal send a letter addressing this and maybe including additional standardized test scores. This could help, especially if you’re coming from a Catholic k-8. If it’s O’Connell or Ireton, you should be fine. Both are good schools but attempt to serve a variety of students not just those at the top of the class.

To the brave parent that mentioned their kid got below a 40. High five to you! There are so many reports of above 97 on here, that it feels like being an oddball to join in the conversation and say a score on the opposite end. I’m in the same boat as you. And I’m wondering if my kid will get in. We applied to SJC and Good Counsel. Non-athlete, but straight A student in advanced level courses, that just doesn’t do well on timed tests. Are we completely out of the running now? We aren’t Catholic and my kid has never attended a Catholic school. I don’t love how much weight is placed on this one test.

Anonymous wrote:Would a student with a score in the 99th percentile score ever be turned down for admission by Visi, SR, Gonzaga etc?

It’s unlikely but possible. HSPTs are just one factor. A student with poor grades or essays that are not well written or show a lack of interest might be rejected regardless of high HSPTs.

Anonymous wrote:Just got ours HSPT. It’s bad. Bad bad. Like below 40th percentile. Our child has an older sibling at the school we’re applying to, and has all A’s and B’s as well as extracurriculars. Scored very high on one or 2 sections but awfully low on others.
Are we screwed?
I am truly shocked. This child is not stupid but tested horribly.

That will likely knock them out of schools like Visi or Gonzaga, but not schools like Ireton or O’Connell.

Anonymous wrote:Weird question here. I have a kid applying to Benilde with really mediocre to crappy grades (independent school) and a 98% HSPT. Is his score going to cause him issue getting into the program? His learning difference are well documented and have definitely affected his grades.

No, not at all. Overall it will help with admission to the school. The program is for students with learning differences not necessarily those who test poorly or have low grades. We know a boy in the program with mostly As in MS and HSPTs in the 90s. He’s a bright kid but struggles with ADHD and needs extra support to do well.

Anonymous wrote:Just got ours HSPT. It’s bad. Bad bad. Like below 40th percentile. Our child has an older sibling at the school we’re applying to, and has all A’s and B’s as well as extracurriculars. Scored very high on one or 2 sections but awfully low on others.
Are we screwed?
I am truly shocked. This child is not stupid but tested horribly.

Where are you applying to?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:95%. Bummed. Had a 96% on the spring pre test and did a lot of prep this summer. Had hoped to get it up to get SJC Honors with scholarship, but that doesn’t seem likely now.

Don’t give up yet. Based on my son’s stats last year, and of course depending on this year’s applicants, your DC might have a shot. Do they have all A’s? Do they have good extracurriculars?

Straight As at an ADW k-8 and I think good extracurriculars. A sport played for 7 years, an instrument where selected for ADW honors band both middle school years, high level martial arts…I thought the essay for the honors college was really well done too, better than the personal statement.

He still has a shot - crossing my fingers for you guys!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Weird question here. I have a kid applying to Benilde with really mediocre to crappy grades (independent school) and a 98% HSPT. Is his score going to cause him issue getting into the program? His learning difference are well documented and have definitely affected his grades.

No- DD had a 95 HSPT and was admitted into Benilde.

Ditto. I had the very unmotherly reaction of cringing when I saw how high my DC's HSPT was, but DC got into Benilde anyway. They do read the documentation of learning differences...

Just got ours HSPT. It’s bad. Bad bad. Like below 40th percentile. Our child has an older sibling at the school we’re applying to, and has all A’s and B’s as well as extracurriculars. Scored very high on one or 2 sections but awfully low on others.
Are we screwed?
I am truly shocked. This child is not stupid but tested horribly.

Anonymous wrote:What are the odds for Gonzaga with 76 HSPT but all A's, coming from Catholic K-8, Great athlete but not recruited, put a lot of effort into his personal essay (7 pages handwritten). He will be devastated if he doesn't get in.

This was my son's profile. He got in, I really think they look strongly at the essays, and the HSPT is good enough that he can keep up with the work. Good luck to your son.

What are the odds for Gonzaga with 76 HSPT but all A's, coming from Catholic K-8, Great athlete but not recruited, put a lot of effort into his personal essay (7 pages handwritten). He will be devastated if he doesn't get in.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:95%. Bummed. Had a 96% on the spring pre test and did a lot of prep this summer. Had hoped to get it up to get SJC Honors with scholarship, but that doesn’t seem likely now.

Don’t give up yet. Based on my son’s stats last year, and of course depending on this year’s applicants, your DC might have a shot. Do they have all A’s? Do they have good extracurriculars?

Straight As at an ADW k-8 and I think good extracurriculars. A sport played for 7 years, an instrument where selected for ADW honors band both middle school years, high level martial arts…I thought the essay for the honors college was really well done too, better than the personal statement.

Anonymous wrote:Weird question here. I have a kid applying to Benilde with really mediocre to crappy grades (independent school) and a 98% HSPT. Is his score going to cause him issue getting into the program? His learning difference are well documented and have definitely affected his grades.

I’d think that makes you a perfect candidate- when my son applied I got the feeling all those programs are best suited for 2E kids. High intelligence and just need basic supports like extra time or some soft executive function organization.

Anonymous wrote:Weird question here. I have a kid applying to Benilde with really mediocre to crappy grades (independent school) and a 98% HSPT. Is his score going to cause him issue getting into the program? His learning difference are well documented and have definitely affected his grades.

No- DD had a 95 HSPT and was admitted into Benilde.

Weird question here. I have a kid applying to Benilde with really mediocre to crappy grades (independent school) and a 98% HSPT. Is his score going to cause him issue getting into the program? His learning difference are well documented and have definitely affected his grades.