Honest Comparison
HSPT vs SHSAT: two very different tests
The HSPT and the SHSAT are both New York-area entrance tests, but they serve completely different schools and measure different skills. Here is the honest comparison.
Quick verdict
Prepare for the HSPT if your child is applying to Catholic high schools — that is the test they use.
Prepare for the SHSAT if your child is also trying for NYC specialized public high schools, which use the SHSAT.
Feature comparison
| Area | HSPT Prep | SHSAT |
|---|---|---|
| Who uses it | Catholic high schools nationwide | NYC specialized public high schools (Stuyvesant, Bronx Science, etc.) |
| Format | Five sections: verbal, quantitative, reading, math, language | Two sections: ELA and math |
| Scoring | Percentile-based vs same-year applicant pool | Cutoff scores by school |
| Timing | Single sitting, roughly 2.5 hours | Single sitting, roughly 3 hours |
| Prep implications | HSPT-format practice | SHSAT-specific practice (completely different format) |
These are different applications
The HSPT is the Catholic high school admissions test. The SHSAT is the test for NYC's specialized public high schools. A family applying to both types of schools must prep for both — the formats and skills tested barely overlap.
The honest bottom line
Treat them as two separate prep tracks. HSPT Prep covers the HSPT format. If your child is also sitting for the SHSAT, that requires its own dedicated practice. Do not assume one prep covers both.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the HSPT and the SHSAT?
The HSPT is the entrance exam for Catholic high schools — five sections covering verbal, quantitative, reading, math, and language, scored against the same-year applicant pool. The SHSAT is the test for NYC specialized public high schools, with two sections (ELA and math) and school-specific cutoff scores. They test different skills for different applications.
Which is harder, the HSPT or the SHSAT?
The SHSAT is generally considered the harder of the two — it is a competitive test for a small number of specialized school seats with cutoff scores, while the HSPT is scored against a broader applicant pool. But they are not really comparable: different tests, different skills, different admissions systems.
Can my child take both the HSPT and the SHSAT?
Yes — many students applying to both Catholic high schools and NYC specialized public high schools take both tests. They are separate applications with separate prep tracks. Plan the calendar carefully since both happen in the fall of 8th grade.
See where your child stands before you choose.
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