What Is A Good HSPT Score?
The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a standard exam most private high schools use as a comparative standard for admissions. But, what is a good HSPT Score to get into the private high schools?
How Are HSPT Scores Calculated?
The HSPT is broken down into five sections: Verbal, Quantitative Skills, Reading, Mathematics, and Language Skills. Each test is scored individually as the total number of correct answers. The section scores are then combined and converted to a standard score based on comparison to national sample results.
The standard score ranges from 1 to 99, with 1 being the lowest possible score. The student’s standard score reflects how the she performed as well as or better than other students in the national sample. For instance, an HSPT score of 37 means the student did as well as or outperformed 37% of the national sample. A student who earned a 94 did as well as or better than 94% of the national sample.
What HSPT Scores Do Test-Takers Receive?
Students receive scores for each section. The individual section scores are also added together in various ways to give the test-taker three composite scores:
· Total Basic Skills score: the conversion of a student’s mathematics, language, and reading scores
· Total Cognitive Skills score: this score is based on the student’s verbal and quantitative scores
· Battery Composite score: This score is the most comprehensive, reflecting how the student performed on all sections.
There are optional HSPT test sections, such as science or religion, that some schools may require for admissions. In these cases, the optional test score results are provided separately and are not included in the Battery Composite score.
What Is A Good HSPT Test Score?
HSPT scores are percentage-based in comparison to the national standard. Therefore, any score above 50% is above average. The higher a person’s score, the more they outperformed other possible applicants. How good is good enough depends on the individual schools to which the student is applying.
The most elite schools with the most competitive applicant pools could be looking for scores in the 90th percentile, whereas other schools may be satisfied with above average scores. More so, some schools weigh the importance of the HSPT in the overall admissions decision differently. The HSPT may be a strong deciding factor at some schools while others place more value on other factors, such as GPA or application essays. It is important to research the admissions process and school standards on an individual school basis.
How Can I Earn A Good HSPT Test Score?
In one word: Preparation. Doing well on the exam depends on more than a student’s academic abilities. To earn high HSPT Test scores, a student needs to be prepared and well-practiced in the following areas:
· Understanding the format of the HSPT
· Establishing a clear goal based on the prospective schools
· Comprehensive understanding of test material for each of the five sections
· Time Management
· Stress Management
· Test-Taking Strategies
· And more!
Conclusion
Achieving a good HSPT score is not the all-in-one solution to getting accepted to your student’s school of choice. But, a great HSPT score might tip the scale in your favor.
Gallagher Prep can help your student score a high HSPT score as well as walk them through every step of the admissions process. Our study materials and teaching methods will prepare your student and give them the best chance of getting into the school of your choice. Contact Us for more information.
