Purpose of the Test
Why does your child have to take a standardized admissions test for a Catholic high school when she has been in Catholic primary and middle schools since 1st grade? Since curricula, teaching and assessment standards can vary from school to school, a standardized test is one tool admissions personnel use to determine if an applicant can do the work at their school. It can help point out strengths and weaknesses in the core subjects like language arts and mathematics. The results of the test together with your child's transcripts give a complete picture of her academic achievements and preparation for high school level work. This information also helps the admissions staff recommend scholarship awards and make curriculum placement.
What Does the HSPT Assess?
The COOP measures achievement in language and reading as well as mathematics. The test also assesses reasoning and memory skills. The test is administered once a year in the late fall. You have approximately 2 1/2 hours to answer 180 questions. Correct answers are scored. Incorrect answers are not. There is no pass or failing grade.
Scoring
The raw scores are scaled and converted into a score. Your score compared to other students determines the percentile.
High school admissions offices have their own standards regarding what score is acceptable to them. Remember: testing results are just one part of the overall admissions profile.
Find more terms in the Private School Glossary.
