Tips on a selective high school test?

High School Placement Test Tips

• Answer:

  The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a standardized test that many Catholic and other private schools use to evaluate new students. It consists of 280 multiple choice questions divided into five sections: verbal skills, language, mathematics, reading comprehension and quantitative skills. The highest score achievable on the HSPT is an 800, and different high schools consider different scores to be passing. General Study Tips Figure out what study style works for you. Do you prefer to study in a group or alone? In complete silence or with loud music on to block out the world? Whatever your style, do not leave your studying to the night before the test. Study a little bit every day to allow the material to sink in. Take as many practice tests as possible. The Day of the Test Because the test is timed, make sure to budget your time effectively. Do not spend an undue amount of time dithering over one answer. The HSPT does not level penalties for incorrect answers -- it simply gives points for correct ones. Thoroughly read the instructions for each section, no matter how many practice tests you have completed. There's always the chance the test makers changed their tunes. Arrive at the examination room early, and get comfortable in your chair before the test begins. Reading Comprehension The reading comprehension section of the HSPT consists of several passages, each with several questions about its contents, intent and voice. Familiarize yourself with the major types of reading comprehension questions (main idea, details, attitude of the author and so on) by working on practice questions. When a question asks you to choose a title for the passage, make sure to choose the answer that most relates to the main idea of the passage. However, the most valuable way to prepare for the reading comprehension questions on the HSPT is to get into the habit of reading and paying attention to what you read. Mathematics For mathematics and quantitative problems, break complicated equations down into smaller parts for quick solving. Try to solve the problem before looking at the list of answers so any trick answers that may be included on the list will not work. If you cannot get the exact answer quickly, narrow it down to two and make an educated guess.