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 preparation is a good night’s sleep before test day.

Most applicants, including incoming freshmen and prospective transfer students, must take the HSPT when applying to La Salle. Students applying to La Salle's Signum Fidei Pathway, however, do not need to take it.

To schedule a time to take the HSPT, contact the Office of Admissions.

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. 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

In April and May, La Salle will test students for placement in world languages and computer science courses. Students are not required to take these tests but encouraged to do so.

All incoming students are required to take a supplemental math placement test (MAP test) to determine the best math class placement at La Salle. This test is not included in the admissions process.