High School Placement Test
The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a 2-1/2 hour standardized exam measuring verbal and quantitative skills, reading, mathematics, and language. For the 2023-24 school year, O’Dowd will consider the HSPT standardized test score and all incoming eighth grade applicants are required to take the HSPT when applying to O’Dowd. Please review the information for this year’s HSPT below, as well as the practice test opportunities we offer.
Testing Information
Applicants may take the HSPT at any of the nine Oakland Diocese Catholic secondary schools to which they have applied. If you have not applied to O'Dowd, you may not take the HSPT at O'Dowd.
Transfer students are not required to take the HSPT.
O’Dowd High School will host the HSPT Entrance Test on January 7, 2023 from 8:30 – 12:00pm (1:30 for extended time students).
If you plan to take the HSPT at another preferred location, please indicate that when you complete registration. This will not adversely impact any admissions decision.
Families will be emailed HSPT results on March 17, 2023.
Extended Time and Learning Differences
Students who qualify for EXTENDED time on the HSPT must upload all pertinent documentation by January 4, 2023. Students with EXTENDED time will be given time and a half to complete the HSPT exam.
8th Grade HSPT Prep Workshop
O’Dowd partners with Classroom Matters to offer an HSPT prep course. This workshop offers students an opportunity to learn more about the HSPT, and familiarize themselves with the format and focus of the test.
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Saturday, December 10, 2022 | 9:00am - noon
7th Grade Practice HSPT
The practice test will be offered on May 6, 2023.
This is a practice test to help your child become familiar with the types of questions and the format of the 8th grade HSPT. The O’Dowd admissions department does not review scores, these scores are solely for personal use. Student scores will be sent directly to you from Scholastic Testing Service after the exam. Please note that we do not provide any LD accommodations for this practice test.
Location & Date: Bishop O’Dowd High School on May 6, 2023.
Arrive by 8:30am and please follow parking directions from our security personnel.
Testing will begin at 9:00am.
Test time runs about 3 hours.
Pick up: 12:00 p.m.
Parent Info Session (optional): 9:00-10:00am.
