High School Placement Testing (Entrance Exam)

Entrance Exam Information for 2024-2025 School Year

Loyola requires all students to take the High School Placement Exam (HSPT). The HSPT provides a baseline that is consistent for all students who are interested in attending Loyola College Prep. Whether you have attended a public or private middle school, or were in-person or virtual learning- the HSPT will provide us with an additional resource for our Academic Team to ensure your student is placed on the appropriate educational path for their success as a Loyola Flyer.

The exam is hosted at the following schools throughout the year. Each student that participates in their school testing date will not need to pay the registration fee. If your student does not attend one of the schools listed below, he/she may take the exam at Loyola, but must register and pay the $30.00 charge using the form below.

2024-25 Feeder School Testing Dates
- St. Mark's Cathedral School - Wednesday, September 25
  Cathedral of St. John Berchmans Catholic School - Monday, September 30
  First Baptist Church School -Wednesday, October 2
  St. Joseph Catholic School - Thursday, October 3
  Southfield - Tuesday, September 17
2023-24 Special Testing Dates for Non-Feeder School Students
- Saturday Testing Dates
  Saturday - October 26th - 8am - Main School Building
  Special Testing Dates
  Contact Andy Cline at [email protected] to schedule a special testing date at 318-226-6285 or [email protected]
  The exam runs for 2.5 hours and requires a $30 fee + online surcharge.
  Special testing dates can be found in the registration form listed below:
High School Placement Test - FAQ's
- What is the HSPT?
  The HSPT is a standardized, timed test required of every 8th-grade student applying to attend Loyola College Prep. It contains five sections. The first two sections measure verbal and quantitative ability. The next three sections include questions related to reading comprehension, mathematics, and the components of written language. The HSPT questions are designed to test students at their curriculum level.
  
  How is this test used in the admissions process?
  LCP uses the test scores as one of several factors in evaluating a student's application for admission. Other factors include school transcript, other standardized exam scores, and the interview.
  
  Are there accommodations available for students with a service plan, IEP, or a recent evaluation that specifically outlines the accommodations needed?
  We do not provide accommodations on the special test days seen in the registration form listed below without prior approval. Please contact Andy Cline at [email protected] for questions regarding extended time considerations for special testing.
  
  What is the registration process for the HSPT?
  Students registered at St. John Berchmans Cathedral School, St. Joseph Catholic School, First Baptist Church School, St. Marks Cathedral School and Southfield School will NOT need to register for the HSPT. All other students will register using the form below.
  
  What is needed on testing day?
  Students are not required to bring any items on testing day.
  
  Are calculators permitted?
  Students may not use a calculator.
  
  May I take the test more than once?
  No. The HSPT is taken only once and cannot be repeate
High School Placement Test - Scoring
- When will scores be sent?
  Completed exams will be sent for scoring. Results are usually sent to Loyola within 2 to 3 weeks.
  
  How do I read the scores?
  STS includes a key on each score report. The HSPT score report includes five sections - verbal, quantitative, reading comprehension, mathematics, and language. Each of these scores is used to calculate a composite score. The sub-scores provide information on a student's strength of knowledge in three different areas. It is important to review the full range of scores, not just the composite score. The HSPT compares each student's correct score to the national norm (a large group of students of similar age across the U.S.). The score represents not the percentage correct, but where that score falls COMPARED to the large group of students. For example, if you take the HSPT and earn a score of 75%, this means your correct answers are where 75% of the norm group scored; it does not mean that you answered 75% of the questions correctly. The score is a comparison of test performance, not a measure of actual performance. Any questions regarding the interpretation of the HSPT scores should be directed to the admissions office of Loyola.
High School Placement Test - Testing Recommendations
- Listen to and read the directions for each subtest carefully.
  
  Pace yourself - Time limits are set for each subtest. The test administrators should announce when time is halfway through so you can determine if you are working at a pace that will enable you to finish. Try not to spend too much time on one item.
  
  Read each question carefully.
  
  Work out the problem - Calculators are not permitted for the Mathematics subtest. You may use scratch paper or your test booklet to do any figuring.
  
  Answer every question - If you are unsure of an answer, take your best guess. Your score is determined by the number of items you answer correctly; there is no penalty for answering incorrectly.
  
  Check your work - If there is time left, go back and review your answers. Check to make sure each item has only one response. Throughout the test, continuously check that the answer you are marking on your answer sheet corresponds to the item number in the test booklet.
  
  STS believes that parents and teachers are best advised to avoid expensive preparation materials and to trust that a well-rounded education is the best form of test preparation.