Personalized HSPT Preparation for Chicago Students
Every year, eighth-grade students throughout Chicago work hard to earn places at St. Ignatius College Prep, Loyola Academy, Marist High School, Brother Rice High School, Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, and other Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago. The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is one of the most important steps in that process — and strong preparation can make a meaningful difference.
At Chitown Tutoring, we specialize in HSPT tutoring in Chicago and Catholic high school entrance exam preparation for students throughout the city. Since 2019, we have helped more than 1,000 students and delivered over 20,000 hours of instruction. Our experienced tutors work one-on-one with students to strengthen academic skills, improve test-taking strategies, and build the confidence needed to perform at their highest level on exam day.
Whether your child is applying to a Catholic college-preparatory high school, an all-boys school, an all-girls school, or another private high school, our personalized HSPT tutoring programs are designed to help students achieve their admissions goals.
Table of Contents
- What Is the HSPT?
- HSPT Quick Facts
- Why the HSPT Matters
- Who Takes the HSPT?
- Catholic High Schools That Use the HSPT in Chicago
- HSPT Format, Sections, and Testing Logistics
- How the HSPT Is Scored
- How to Register for the HSPT
- When Should My Child Start Preparing?
- How to Prepare for the HSPT
- Common HSPT Mistakes Students Make
- Why Chicago Families Choose ChitownTutoring
- Proudly Serving Students Across Chicago
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Schedule Your Free Consultation
What Is the HSPT?
The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a standardized entrance exam commonly used by Catholic high schools as part of their admissions process.
The exam is administered to students during eighth grade and helps schools evaluate academic readiness for high school coursework. Many Catholic high schools use HSPT scores when making admissions decisions, determining course placement, and awarding academic scholarships.
The HSPT measures both academic achievement and reasoning ability across several subject areas. Unlike many school-based assessments, the HSPT is known for its fast pace — students must answer nearly 300 questions in approximately two and a half hours,
making time management a critical component of success.
Strong performance on the HSPT can help students strengthen their applications to competitive Catholic high schools and may increase eligibility for merit-based scholarships and advanced academic programs.
HSPT Quick Facts
| Grade Level | Current 8th Grade Students |
| Purpose | Catholic High School Admissions |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice |
| Total Questions | 298 Questions |
| Testing Time | Approximately 2 Hours 30 Minutes |
| Calculator Allowed? | No |
| Main Sections | Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, Mathematics, Language |
| Optional Sections | Science, Religion, Mechanical Aptitude (varies by school) |
| Scoring Metrics | Standard Scores, Percentiles, Composite Scores |
Why the HSPT Matters
The HSPT plays an important role in the admissions process for many Catholic high schools. Schools use HSPT scores to evaluate a student’s academic readiness, compare applicants from different educational backgrounds, and determine placement in honors, advanced, or accelerated coursework. Some schools also use HSPT results when awarding academic scholarships.
A strong HSPT performance can help students strengthen their admissions application, improve eligibility for competitive Catholic high schools, qualify for academic scholarships, gain access to honors and accelerated courses, and demonstrate readiness for rigorous high school coursework.
Because many schools consider both grades and HSPT scores during the admissions process, students should approach the exam as an important academic milestone.
Who Takes the HSPT?
The HSPT is typically taken by students during the fall or winter of their eighth-grade year as they apply to Catholic high schools. Students who commonly take the HSPT include those applying to Catholic high schools, students seeking merit-based scholarships, students applying to college-preparatory private schools that accept HSPT scores, and students seeking placement into honors or advanced academic programs.
In the Chicago area, many students begin preparing for the HSPT during the summer before eighth grade or early in the fall semester.
Catholic High Schools That Use the HSPT in Chicago
Many Catholic high schools throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs use the HSPT as part of their admissions process. In many cases, HSPT scores are used not only for admissions decisions, but also for scholarship consideration, honors placement, and academic program placement.
Chicago-area Catholic high schools that commonly require or accept HSPT scores include:
- Ignatius College Prep
- Loyola Academy
- DePaul College Prep
- Marist High School
- Mount Carmel High School
- Brother Rice High School
- Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School
- Saint Patrick High School
- Saint Rita of Cascia High School
- Holy Trinity High School
- De La Salle Institute
- Fenwick High School
- Marian Catholic High School
- Nazareth Academy
- Notre Dame College Prep
- Regina Dominican High School
- Resurrection College Prep
- Josephinum Academy
- Christ the King Jesuit College Prep
- Cristo Rey Jesuit High School
- Laurence High School
- Leo High School
- Our Lady of Tepeyac High School
Students generally take the HSPT at their first-choice Catholic high school. The exam is administered throughout the Archdiocese of Chicago on a common testing date – typically the first Saturday in December.
HSPT Format, Sections, and Testing Logistics
One of the defining characteristics of the HSPT is its pace. Although the exam is shorter than some other admissions tests, it contains nearly 300 questions and moves quickly from section to section. Students must learn how to work efficiently without sacrificing accuracy.
HSPT Testing Overview
| Section | Questions | Time |
| Verbal Skills | 60 | 16 Minutes |
| Quantitative Skills | 52 | 30 Minutes |
| Reading | 62 | 25 Minutes |
| Mathematics | 64 | 45 Minutes |
| Language | 60 | 25 Minutes |
| Total | 298 | 141 Minutes |
The exam takes approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes of testing time, plus directions, breaks, and administrative procedures. Most students spend approximately 2.5 to 3 hours at the testing site.
Verbal Skills Section
The Verbal Skills section measures vocabulary knowledge and verbal reasoning ability. Common question types include synonyms, antonyms, verbal analogies, and logic-based word relationships. Many students find analogies particularly challenging because they require identifying relationships between words rather than simply knowing definitions.
Quantitative Skills Section
The Quantitative Skills section focuses on mathematical reasoning rather than direct computation. Common question types include number series, quantitative comparisons, logical reasoning, mathematical relationships, and pattern recognition.
Reading Section
The Reading section evaluates a student’s ability to understand and analyze written passages. Common skills tested include main idea, supporting details, inference, vocabulary in context, author’s purpose, and drawing conclusions.
Mathematics Section
The Mathematics section focuses on traditional middle school mathematics concepts. Common topics include arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, geometry, algebra, measurement, and word problems. No calculator is permitted.
Language Section
The Language section evaluates grammar and written communication skills. Common topics include grammar, usage, capitalization, punctuation, sentence structure, and writing mechanics.
Optional Sections
Some schools may administer additional sections, including Science, Religion, and Mechanical Aptitude. These sections vary by school and are not part of the standard HSPT administration.
How the HSPT Is Scored
Unlike the HSAT or Academic Center admissions process, the HSPT does not use a fixed admissions-point system. Instead, students receive several different score reports that help schools compare applicants from different educational backgrounds.
Students typically receive raw scores, standard scores, national percentile rankings, and composite scores. Many Catholic high schools focus heavily on percentile rankings because they show how a student performed compared to other students who took the exam nationwide.
Understanding Percentile Rankings
| Percentile | Interpretation |
| 99th Percentile | Performed better than 99% of students |
| 95th Percentile | Performed better than 95% of students |
| 90th Percentile | Performed better than 90% of students |
| 75th Percentile | Performed better than 75% of students |
| 50th Percentile | Average Performance |
What Is a Good HSPT Score?
| Percentile Range | Competitiveness |
| 95th‒99th Percentile | Extremely Competitive |
| 90th‒94th Percentile | Highly Competitive |
| 80th‒89th Percentile | Competitive for Many Schools |
| 70th‒79th Percentile | Competitive |
| Below 70th Percentile | Varies by School |
Highly selective Catholic high schools often admit students with percentile rankings well above the national average. Admissions requirements vary significantly by school.
Scholarships and Honors Placement
Many Catholic high schools use HSPT scores when determining academic scholarships, merit awards, honors placement, and accelerated coursework eligibility.
How to Register for the HSPT
Students interested in taking the HSPT should begin by researching the Catholic high schools to which they plan to apply. Most schools publish admissions timelines, testing dates, and registration procedures on their admissions websites.
Step 1: Research Catholic high schools that best fit the student’s academic goals, extracurricular interests, and long-term plans.
Step 2: Attend open houses and admissions events during the fall.
Step 3: Register for the HSPT through the first-choice Catholic high school.
Step 4: Take the HSPT — typically the first Saturday in December.
Step 5: Complete additional admissions requirements, which may include report cards, teacher recommendations, essays, and interviews.
Step 6: Review admissions decisions and scholarship notifications.
When Should My Child Start Preparing?
One of the most common questions parents ask is: “When should my child begin preparing forthe HSPT?”
For most students, we recommend beginning preparation during July or August before eighth grade. Starting over the summer gives students the most time to strengthen academic skills, become familiar with the exam format, and build confidence before the December test date.
That said, students who begin preparation in September or October can still make meaningful progress with a focused plan. If your child is starting later, we encourage you to reach out — we can build a preparation plan that makes the most of the available time.
Why starting early matters:
- More time to strengthen vocabulary, reading, grammar, mathematics, andverbal reasoning
- Greaterpotential for score improvement
- Reduced testanxiety through familiarity with the format
- Improvedtime management under the HSPT’s fast pace
- Better scholarship opportunities, as many Catholic high schools use HSPT scores in scholarship decisions
How to Prepare for the HSPT
Successful HSPT preparation involves much more than simply completing practice questions.
Begin with a Diagnostic Assessment
to identify academic strengths and weaknesses, timing issues, testing habits, and areas requiring additional support.
Create a Personalized Study Plan
that accounts for current skill level, target schools, admissions timeline, and academic strengths and weaknesses.
Strengthen Core Academic Skills
across reading, mathematics, language, and verbal reasoning.
Learn Effective Test-Taking Strategies
for eliminating incorrect answer choices, managing time effectively, identifying question patterns, avoiding careless mistakes, and approaching difficult questions strategically.
Practice Under Timed Conditions
because the HSPT moves quickly, timed practice is essential.
Review Mistakes Thoroughly
improvement comes from understanding mistakes, not just completing questions.
Take Full-Length Practice Exams
to build stamina, improve pacing, measure progress, and increase confidence.
Common HSPT Mistakes Students Make
Starting Too Late.
Meaningful improvement often requires months of consistent effort.
Beginning in July or August gives students the best opportunity for score growth.
Focusing Only on Mathematics.
Many students spend most of their study time on math while neglecting reading, language, and verbal skills. The HSPT assesses multiple subject areas, so balanced preparation is important.
Ignoring Time Management.
Students often know the material but struggle with the pace of the exam. Timed practice is critical.
Not Taking Practice Exams.
Students who take multiple practice exams before test day often feel more confident and prepared.
Avoiding Weak Areas.
Significant score gains often come from improving weaker areas.
Rushing Through Questions.
Many students lose points by misreading directions, skipping important details, or making careless errors.
Failing to Review Mistakes.
Students who carefully analyze mistakes often improve more quickly than students who focus only on question volume.
Why Chicago Families Choose Chitown Tutoring
Choosing the right HSPT tutoring program can have a significant impact on a student’s confidence, academic growth, and admissions outcomes.
Since 2019, Chitown Tutoring has helped more than 1,000 students and delivered over 20,000 hours of instruction to students throughout Chicago.
Personalized Tutoring Plans.
Every student receives a personalized tutoring plan designed around diagnostic results, academic goals, learning needs, admissions timeline, and target schools.
Experienced Tutors.
Our tutors are carefully selected based on subject matter expertise, teaching ability, professionalism, and ability to connect with students.
Comprehensive Academic Support.
Our tutoring programs help students develop reading comprehension skills, mathematical reasoning skills, verbal reasoning abilities, grammar and language skills, problem-solving strategies, time-management skills, and testing confidence.
Diagnostic Assessments and Progress Monitoring.
We begin with a diagnostic assessment and monitor student performance throughout the tutoring process.
Practice Exams and Test-Taking Strategies.
Students learn strategies for managing time, approaching difficult questions, eliminating incorrect answer choices, maintaining focus, and reducing test anxiety.
Flexible Scheduling Options.
We offer online tutoring, in-person tutoring, weekday appointments, evening appointments, and weekend appointments.
Proudly Serving Students Across Chicago
Chitown Tutoring proudly serves students and families throughout Chicago. Our tutors work with students from neighborhoods across the city, including Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, North Center, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, West Loop, South Loop, Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Kenwood, Beverly, Mount Greenwood, Edison Park, Jefferson Park, Sauganash, and Norwood Park.
Whether your family prefers online tutoring or in-person instruction, our team is committed to helping students throughout Chicago achieve their academic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HSPT?
The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a standardized entrance exam commonly used by Catholic high schools as part of their admissions process.
When do students take the HSPT?
Most students take the HSPT during the fall or winter of their eighth-grade year. In the Archdiocese of Chicago, the exam is typically administered on the first Saturday in December.
What subjects are tested on the HSPT?
The HSPT includes five primary sections: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills, Reading, Mathematics, and Language. Some schools may also administer optional sections such as Science, Religion, or Mechanical Aptitude.
How many questions are on the HSPT?
The standard HSPT contains 298 multiple-choice questions.
How long is the HSPT?
The exam contains approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes of testing time. Students should expect to spend approximately 2.5 to 3 hours at the testing site.
Is a calculator allowed on the HSPT?
No. Students are expected to complete all mathematics and quantitative reasoning questions without a calculator.
What is considered a good HSPT score?
Generally speaking, students scoring in the 90th percentile or above are considered highly competitive applicants.
Do HSPT scores affect scholarships?
Yes. Many Catholic high schools use HSPT scores as part of scholarship and merit award decisions.
When should my child begin preparing?
We recommend beginning preparation in July or August before eighth grade. Students who start later can still make meaningful progress — we encourage families to reach out regardless of when they are starting.
Does Chitown Tutoring provide HSPT practice exams?
Yes. Many of our HSPT tutoring programs include diagnostic assessments, timed practice exercises, and full-length practice exams.
Do you offer online HSPT tutoring?
Yes. We offer both online and in-person tutoring options for students throughout Chicago.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Preparing for the HSPT can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate the process alone.
At Chitown Tutoring, we have helped more than 1,000 students and delivered over 20,000 hours of instruction to students throughout Chicago. Our personalized approach helps students strengthen academic skills, improve confidence, and prepare strategically for Catholic high school admissions.
Whether your child is just beginning the preparation process or looking to gain a competitive advantage before test day, our experienced tutors are ready to help.