Private HSPT Tutoring

Information about the HSPT

The HSPT (High School Placement Test) is administered by Scholastic Testing Service and primarily used by Catholic high schools to determine admission, course placement, and merit scholarships for applicants. The HSPT measures aptitude and preparation for entrance to a four-year high school program. Students in 8th grade register to take the test at the private school to which they are applying (often the test is just called an admission or placement test and not explicitly called the HSPT).

HSPT SCORING

The scores are graded on a curve (so that a hard test does not unfairly decrease students’ scores and an easy one does not increase scores). Each section of the test is then converted to a score from 200 to 800. These scores determine a student’s percentile — it is this percentile that high school’s care about. The most competitive private schools typically expect successful applicants to score in the 90th percentile or above.

All the questions are in a multiple-choice format. There is no guessing penalty, so make sure not to leave any answers blank.

HSPT FORMAT

The high school placement test consists of 298 questions and takes 2 hours and 26 minutes.

SectionQuestionsLengthContent
Verbal
60
16 min
Vocabulary, Logic, and Analogies
Quantitative
52
30 min
Pre-Algebra and basic Geometry
Reading
62
25 min
Reading comprehension, vocabulary in context, definitions of words
Mathematics
64
45 min
Pre-Algebra and basic Geometry
Language
60
25 min
Grammar, rhetorical skills, and spelling

After Acceptance to High School

Once you start high school (or before), we are here to support you if you need help in any academic subjects and/or if you are struggling to stay motivated and succeed. And, when you need it, we specialize in SAT and ACT prep and provide one-on-one, customized tutoring to over 1,000 students every year for these college entrance exams.

Timeline for SAT/ACT Testing and College Admissions

Fall of sophomore year:

Students take the PSAT in October and get results back in early December. These results do not count toward National Merit status, and we recommend that students do not prep for it (here’s more info one why we make that recommendation). But, the results do give us an early indication of where a student’s standardized test score is at, which can inform if we need to start SAT/ACT prep earlier than anticipated.

Summer after sophomore year:

In June, take our free diagnostic SAT and ACT exams to determine which test suits your child best and then start SAT prep or ACT prep (recruited athletes or those needing very large score increases sometimes need to start the process earlier).

Throughout junior year:

Take the SAT/ACT tests until you hit your score goal (ACT scores, in particular, can be deleted at any time, so there’s no downside to re-taking the test).

October of junior year:

Most students take the PSAT (this score does not matter for the vast majority of students) — the results for this test come back in early December of that year.

Summer after junior year and early fall of senior year:

November 1st and 15th of senior year: 

Early application deadlines for most colleges.

We are experts at both in-person and online tutoring.

From the Summit Prep Blog

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Molly and Neve talk about their experience at Summit Prep:

Margie B.
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I can’t thank david for all his hard work and getting my son the score he was aiming for!! Summit prep is an unbelievable place to get your kids ready for their college prep Act and SAT courses!!! Thanks again for making this year end with a bang!!
Thomas S.
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The entire experience from start to finish was excellent. The process was clearly outlined and understood. Scheduling was a breeze and our teacher come not have been more flexible.
Georgia B.
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Eva was wonderful. With her help I was able to get into my top school and receive and scholarship. I loved her help and spending time studying.
Jeanine L.
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We were lucky enough to be referred to David at Summit Prep! My son enjoyed working with David as he felt that he really helped him prepare for the ACT. He explained concepts covered on the test as well as the test itself. My son felt confident taking the test and did so well that he only had to take it once!
Ben H.
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David helped me improve my SAT from a 1480 to a 1570 over the course of about 2 months. Each session made me feel more and more confident.
Jill B.
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Eva took on an almost impossible task and seriously worked a miracle! We found out we were moving, and our son had to take the ISEE exam asap. From his practice test to the exam, his scores went up exponentially. We give her 5 enthusiastic stars!
Rachel F.
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My twins have had a wonderful experience with Summit Prep preparing for the ACT. David is extremely knowledgeable and connects individually in a very relatable and helpful manner for each student. I highly recommend Summit Prep!
Janice B.
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All three of my children have used Summit Prep for their test prep and, I believe, reached their full potential as a result of the outstanding guidance of David and Ryan. His ongoing support went above and beyond. Many thanks!
Kwesi A.
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My son just got accepted into MIddlebury!! He could not have gotten a better tutor than Eva!!! She is the best!
Arlene S.
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Summit Prep are professional, enthusiastic, encouraging and most importantly successful in helping our son achieve his goals. We would strongly recommend using David and his team and want to convey our thanks for all of their help!
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