HSPT vs. ISEE: Which One Is Right for You?

The First Big Test Choice

If your child is applying to private or Catholic schools, chances are you’ve heard of two major entrance exams: the HSPT (High School Placement Test) and the ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam). Both assess academic readiness, critical thinking, and problem-solving—but they serve different purposes, formats, and school systems.

Choosing between them can feel confusing, especially for LA families navigating competitive admissions. Let’s break down the differences so you can confidently decide which test is right for your student.

What Is the HSPT?

The HSPT is typically required by Catholic high schools and some private institutions. It’s taken once per admission cycle—usually in 8th grade—and focuses on placing students at the right academic level within the school.

Test Structure:

• Verbal Skills: Synonyms, analogies, logic

• Quantitative Skills: Sequences, comparisons, patterns

• Reading: Comprehension and vocabulary

• Math: Arithmetic, algebra, geometry

• Language: Grammar, punctuation, and spelling

The HSPT moves fast: 298 questions in about 2.5 hours. It’s multiple-choice only, and there’s no penalty for guessing—speed and accuracy both matter.

Best for: Students applying to Catholic or parochial schools who are comfortable with traditional, timed testing and strong in grammar and vocabulary.

What Is the ISEE?

The ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam) is used by independent and private schools across the U.S. It’s available for students entering grades 2–12, though the middle and upper levels are most common for 6th–11th graders.

Test Structure:

• Verbal Reasoning: Synonyms and sentence completions

• Quantitative Reasoning: Word problems, comparison logic

• Reading Comprehension: Passages from literature, science, history

• Math Achievement: More direct computation and problem-solving

• Essay: A written response that’s sent directly to schools

The ISEE can be taken multiple times per year, offering flexibility for retesting. It’s designed to measure long-term academic ability, not just classroom memorization.

Best for:Students applying to independent or elite private schools who are strong analytical thinkers and test well under broader question formats.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	HSPT	ISEE
Purpose	Catholic high school placement	Independent/private school admissions
Grades Tested	8th grade primarily	2–12 (multiple levels)
Sections	5 sections, no essay	5 sections, includes essay
Retakes	Once per admission cycle	Up to 3 times per year
Timing	2.5 hours	~3 hours
Focus	Speed, accuracy, placement	Reasoning, comprehension, growth potential

Which One Is Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions:

• What kind of school is your child applying to—Catholic or independent?

• Does your child do better with speed-based tests (HSPT) or analytical reasoning (ISEE)?

• Would retesting be valuable for your admissions timeline?

If your child thrives in structured environments and excels in language-based subjects, the HSPT may be a better fit. If they’re stronger in logic, problem-solving, and critical analysis, the ISEE might highlight their strengths more effectively.