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 applicants, including incoming freshmen and prospective transfer students, must take the HSPT when applying to La Salle. Students with learning differences who would benefit from the services of a case manager do not need to take the placement test. In lieu of the test, families are asked to submit any cognitive and/or neuro-psychological test results. Please contact the Office of Admissions for additional information.

La Salle will administer the HSPT on Saturday, December 7, at 9 a.m. and again on Monday, December 9, at 4 p.m. 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 if you’d like your test scores sent to other Portland-area Catholic high schools.
• The HSPT is a tool used in the admissions process in addition to the student’s transcripts, teacher recommendations, and the application for admission. Standardized test scores are one indication of the student’s academic abilities, but they are not the only criteria the admissions committee reviews to determine acceptance to La Salle.

Supplemental Assessments

All incoming students are required to take a supplemental math placement test (MAP test) in May which is adaptive to a student's individual skills. The math department will review the results of the MAP test, math teacher recommendation, and HSPT in order to determine math class placement.