High School Placement Test
The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a standardized multiple-choice test (with a short essay) designed to evaluate applicants' basic cognitive and math skills. Students need not study for the exam; the best prep is a good night’s sleep.
Most incoming freshmen applicants must take the HSPT when applying to La Salle. Students with learning differences who would benefit from the services of a case manager may not need to take the placement test. In lieu of the test, families are asked to submit any cognitive and/or neuro-psychological reports. Please contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.
La Salle will administer the HSPT on Friday, December 3 at 3 p.m. and again on Saturday, December 4 at 9 a.m. Please register for the date which works best for your family. The test will take approximately 3.5 hours to complete. There is a $25 fee for the test.Test Day Schedule:
Students check in, go to their assigned classroom
Complete a brief essay (15 minutes)
Verbal Skills test (18 minutes)
Quantitative Skills test (30 minutes)
Short Break
Reading test (25 minutes)
Full Break
Mathematics test (45 minutes)
Short Break
Language Arts test (25 minutes)
Closing
- La Salle will provide pencils and a snack for all students.
- Calculators are not allowed during the test.
- HSPT scores will be mailed to students and families approximately three weeks after the test date. La Salle will keep a copy of test results in the Office of Admissions.
- Please indicate on your registration form if you’d like your test scores sent to other Portland-area Catholic high schools.
- The HSPT is a snapshot of a student's progress in the middle of 8th grade. The admissions process relies heavily on middle school transcripts, teacher recommendations, and the application for admission and does not make decisions based on HSPT results.
