Two Different Tests for Different Schools
The ISEE and HSPT are both used for private school admissions, but they serve different school types and have very different formats. Understanding the differences helps you prepare for the right test.
ISEE (Independent School Entrance Examination) is primarily used by independent and non-sectarian private schools. It's administered by the Educational Records Bureau (ERB).
HSPT (High School Placement Test) is primarily used by Catholic high schools. It's administered by the Scholastic Testing Service (STS).
Some schools accept both tests, but most have a strong preference for one.
Format Comparison
| Feature | ISEE Upper Level | HSPT |
|---|---|---|
| Sections | 5 (Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, Math, Essay) | 5 (Verbal, Quantitative, Reading, Math, Language) |
| Total Questions | 160 + essay | 298 |
| Duration | ~2 hours 50 min | ~2 hours 30 min |
| Question Types | Multiple choice + essay | Multiple choice only |
| Guessing Penalty | No | No |
| Calculator | Not allowed | Not allowed |
| Retake Policy | Once per testing season | Typically once per year |
Scoring Differences
The ISEE reports stanine scores (1–9) by comparing your child to other same-grade applicants. Learn more about what stanines mean.
The HSPT reports standard scores, percentile ranks, and grade equivalents. Standard scores have a mean of 500 and range from about 200 to 800.
Both tests compare your child to a norm group, but the norm groups are different — ISEE norms are based on independent school applicants, while HSPT norms are based on Catholic school applicants.
Difficulty
The ISEE is generally considered more difficult than the HSPT for several reasons:
- ISEE questions tend to test deeper reasoning, not just recall
- The ISEE Quantitative Reasoning section includes quantitative comparison questions that many students find challenging
- ISEE vocabulary expectations are higher
- The ISEE requires an essay; the HSPT does not
However, the HSPT has more questions in less time, which creates its own time pressure.
Which Test Should You Prepare For?
The answer depends entirely on which schools your child is applying to:
- Applying to independent/non-sectarian schools? → Prepare for the ISEE
- Applying to Catholic schools? → Prepare for the HSPT
- Applying to both types? → Check each school's requirements and prepare for both if needed
If your child needs to take the ISEE, start with a free diagnostic test to establish a baseline, then build a study plan around the results. See our complete preparation guide for a detailed timeline. For a full comparison of the ISEE and SSAT, check our ISEE vs SSAT guide.