Once your child has completed elementary school and is considering independent high schools, either the HSPT or SSAT will be required. HSPT vs SSAT can be a tricky decision for parents because both tests indicate whether a student can keep up with the school’s curriculum. Both of these tests will offer significantly tough questions with multiple answers to assess the problem-solving and critical thinking of the student. However, do not mix up with these tests. If you want to make an informed decision then continue reading the following to learn about the HSPT and SSAT.
HSPT vs SSAT A Quick Information
Here is a quick look at both the HSPT (High School Placement Test) and the SSAT (Secondary School Admissions Test). This table has summarized the details:
What is the High School Placement Test (HSPT)
The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is the test taken by New York’s prestigious high schools to assess the student’s capabilities to handle further educational pressure. The
Schools that require (or recommend) the HSPT Exam:
- Xaverian High School (Scholarship Exam)
- St. Peter’s Prep in New Jersey
- Loyola School (Entrance or Scholarship exam)
- Fordham Preparatory School
- Regis High School
- Xavier High School (Entrance or Scholarship exam)
St. Joseph Hill Academy, Fontbonne Hall Academy, and St. Edmund’s School offer similar exams to the HSPT in NYC. Pandemic conditions in 2020-2021 forced changes such as an online format similar to in-person tests.
When to Take the HSPT
In the HSPT vs SSAT, Students can opt for the HSPT test in early November of the 8th-grade year. HSPT can only be takken for once without any retakes. Students need to consider it while preparing. The preparation will also be started as early as 7th grade or earlier. Students should go to the HSPT practice test to create a solid foundation for the test.
HSPT Format and Sections
The HSPT is a timed, 2-hour, and 10-minute test consisting of five sections:
- Verbal Skills
- Quantitative Skills
- Reading
- Mathematics
- Language Arts
Each HSPT section features multiple-choice questions with no essay component.
Challenges and Preparation For HSPT
One of the major problems with HSPT is time management. The students will only have 18-42 seconds per question depending on the sections. Early and consistent preparation, including daily practice, helps students master the material and pacing.
Key Takeaways
The HSPT Prep requires both accuracy and speed to be completed. This is why early HSPT Prep is crucial. Students can perform better with the right method. They will have the opportunity to get accepted by prestigious high schools and scholarship opportunities.
What is the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)?
SSATs are often taken by students trying to get into private schools. Just like the ISEE, the SSAT tests lower and upper grades. Like the ISEE, the SSAT covers similar material and asks similar questions. Essays are the biggest difference between the SSAT and ISEE. The SSAT starts with an essay question. On the SSAT, students can also choose two essay prompts. ISEE doesn’t have an essay option. The test will take 3 hours and 10 minutes. Students will be tested on their math, verbal, reading, and writing skills. The last section includes an experiential reading, verbal, and math test.
SSAT Grade Levels:
Elementary: Grades 3-4
Middle: Grades 5-7
Upper: Grades 8-11
The SSAT Score Range For Different Level
Quantitative: Upper Level: 500-800, Middle Level: 440-704, Elementary Level: 300-600
Reading Comprehension: Upper Level: 500-800, Middle Level: 440-710
The Challenges with SSAT
Apart from time management, there is a major challenge of penalties for wrong answers. Students will lose about 1/4 point per incorrect answer. SSATs are often taken more than once per admissions cycle.
What is the Format and Test Sections of Both HSPT and SSAT Exams
HSPT and SSAT are timed exams with short breaks between sections. In comparison to the HSPT Formats, the SSAT breaks are longer. This is a 3-hour and 10-minute test. 2 hours, and 30 minutes is the HSPT.
The HSPT is all about assessing Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills, Reading, Mathematics, and language. There are a total of 298 questions over approximately 2 hours and 21 minutes.
The SSAT includes sections on Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, and a Writing Sample, with specific timing and question counts per section. You can visit the official websites of the HSPT and SSAT or contact the testing organizations directly. Read also our guide on how long is the SSAT.
Final Thoughts
This was our guide for the HSPT Vs SSAT. Both tests are similar in various ways including the test material and difficulty level. There are similar vocabulary sections on both exams. Word stems are shown out of context (not in sentences) in the vocabulary questions, so students need to use their background knowledge to answer them. In terms of vocabulary, the only difference between the SSAT and the HSPT is that the HSPT has two segments.
Focus on the main idea where both tests get different. Make sure what is your goal for your child and then choose the test accordingly. Make an informed decision for the best results and best future for your child.
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