Retakes
Can you retake the HSPT?
In most cases, no. Families should plan as if the HSPT is a one-sitting test. Some schools or dioceses offer make-up testing for missed dates, but that is different from retaking the exam to replace a completed score.
The short answer
- Default assumption: one sitting that counts.
- Make-up date: possible in some places for illness or absence.
- True retake: usually not allowed.
Why schools treat the HSPT as one sitting
The HSPT is typically part of an admissions cycle with fixed deadlines, shared reporting rules, and school-specific testing windows. That is why Catholic high schools tend to view it differently from tests like the ISEE or SSAT, where multiple dates are more common.
Retake vs. make-up date
| Situation | What it usually means | What parents should do |
|---|---|---|
| Retake | Trying to replace a completed HSPT score with a second score. | Do not plan on this being allowed unless the school explicitly says so. |
| Make-up date | Testing after missing the original sitting because of illness, weather, or another approved reason. | Contact the admissions office quickly and ask what documentation or deadline applies. |
What parents should do with that reality
- Start prep earlier than feels necessary.
- Do at least some timed practice before the real test.
- Know your school’s date and absence policy in advance.
Frequently asked questions
Can students usually retake the HSPT?
Usually no. Most Catholic high schools treat the HSPT as a one-sitting exam, which is why preparation before the first attempt matters so much.
Is a make-up date the same as a retake?
No. A make-up date is usually for a student who missed the original sitting because of illness, weather, or another approved reason. It is not meant to improve a score from a completed test.
What should parents do if they were hoping for a second chance?
Plan as if the first sitting is the only sitting. If something exceptional happens, contact the school immediately and ask about the local policy rather than assuming a retake will be allowed.
If the concern is a missed date rather than a disappointing score, read what happens if you miss the HSPT date. If the bigger question is how schools use the result once they have it, read how Catholic high schools use HSPT scores.
More score pages
How to get HSPT scholarships
How merit aid usually works, what parents should ask, and why the school list matters as much as the percentile.
HSPT scholarships by city
The metro-by-metro read on where school-list width, selectivity, and tuition make scholarship research matter most.
What is a good HSPT score?
A cleaner admissions-focused read on what different percentile bands actually mean to a family.
How HSPT percentiles work
What percentile rank means, how it differs from raw score, and how parents should interpret the report.
How Catholic high schools use HSPT scores
Admissions, placement, scholarships, and why the same percentile can carry different weight at different schools.
Related special situations
The safest retake strategy is to prepare like there is no retake.
Use the free diagnostic early so the first real sitting is the one your child is ready for.