What it is
Most Catholic high schools require an entrance exam for 8th graders applying to 9th grade. There are three main ones — the HSPT, TACHS, and COOP — and which you take depends on your region/diocese. They test similar academic skills, and schools use the results for admission, scholarships, and course placement.
Format & structure
- HSPT (High School Placement Test)From Scholastic Testing Service — the most widely used nationally. Five sections: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Skills, Reading, Mathematics, and Language (about 2.5 hours in one morning). Used by many dioceses and some competitive NYC Catholic schools.
- TACHS (Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools)From Riverside Insights — used in the New York City area (Archdiocese of New York, Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens, and Diocese of Rockville Centre). Covers reading, language, math, and general reasoning ability.
- COOP (Cooperative Admissions Examination Program)Used in parts of New Jersey (e.g., Archdiocese of Newark, Diocese of Paterson).
How it's scored
Each exam reports scaled scores and percentiles comparing the student to other test-takers (the HSPT gives national and local percentiles; the TACHS reports section scores plus an ability estimate). There's no universal passing score — each high school sets its own admission and scholarship cutoffs. Treat one morning's result as one data point, not a definitive measure.
Registration & cost
Registration is regional: HSPT is often registered through the diocese or the individual school; TACHS and COOP register through their official program sites and let you send scores to a set number of schools (e.g., TACHS allows up to three). Check the exact process with your diocese or target schools, and note fees and deadlines.
Test dates & timing
These exams are given in the fall — most commonly November — of 8th grade, with results returning in winter (often January–February) ahead of high-school decisions. Confirm the exact date for your region.
How to prepare
- Confirm which exam you needAsk each target school — HSPT, TACHS, or COOP
- Use official/quality prepPrep books cover all three (Kaplan, Barron's) with full-length practice for each
- Practice under timeThe HSPT especially is fast-paced — timing matters
- Review core skillsVerbal reasoning, reading, math, and language mechanics
Strategies & tips
- Know your test's pacingThe HSPT gives less time per question than the TACHS
- Answer strategicallyKnow each exam's guessing rules
- Send scores to the right schoolsYou're often limited to a few — choose carefully
- Aim for scholarship cutoffsStrong scores can earn merit aid, not just admission
How scores are used
Catholic high schools use these scores for admission decisions, merit scholarships, and placing students into the right courses/tracks in 9th grade — alongside grades, recommendations, and sometimes an interview. Each school weighs them differently, so contact the admissions office of the schools you're applying to.
Accommodations & support
Accommodations for documented disabilities may be available through the testing program or diocese — request them well ahead of the fall test date.
Frequently asked questions
- Which exam does my child take?It depends on the diocese/region — ask each Catholic high school (HSPT, TACHS, or COOP).
- Are these the same as SSAT/ISEE?No — SSAT/ISEE are for non-Catholic independent schools; Catholic schools generally use HSPT/TACHS/COOP.
- When is it given?Usually November of 8th grade.
- Is there a passing score?No — each high school sets its own cutoffs for admission and scholarships.
- Can it earn a scholarship?Yes — many schools use the score for merit aid.
Key facts
- TestsHSPT · TACHS · COOP
- Who8th graders applying to Catholic high schools
- CoversVerbal, Quant, Reading, Math, Language
- WhenFall (usually November)
- Which oneDepends on your diocese/region
- Used forAdmission, scholarships, placement
Where to learn more
Confirm which exam your schools use and current details: