Entrance Test Information (HSPT)
All 8th graders applying to a Catholic high school in Cincinnati for must take the High School Placement Test (HSPT).
Are you a current 8th grader who has not yet taken the HSPT? No worries! Please reach out and we can schedule a time for you to take it, as well as talk about next steps for exploring and applying to Ursuline's Class of 2027.
Are you a current 7th grader looking ahead for next year? Great! This information is for you:
HSPT registration for the Class of 2028 will be available over the summer. See the bottom of this page for info about the HSPT Prep Classes offered at Ursuline.
8th graders may take the HSPT at any of the Catholic high schools that they would be eligible to attend (i.e. boys may not take it at an all-girls school). The cost of the test is $30.
When registering, you will be asked to select up to three schools to which you would like your test scores sent.
The test will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at approximately 12:00 p.m. If testing at Ursuline, please plan to arrive between 8:00 - 8:30 a.m. Snacks, water, pencils, and scratch paper will be provided. Students are welcome to bring their own snacks, water, and pencils if they prefer.
If your daughter receives testing accommodations, please indicate that when registering for the HSPT. Ursuline is able to provide some testing accommodations such as extended time and small group settings. To test with accommodations, Ursuline will need to receive a copy of your daughter's official 504/IEP/Accommodation Plan by November 2.
A make-up test date will be available in early December for true conflicts or in the event of illness on the test date.
Only students who take the HSPT on the official date or official make up date and complete all other components of the application by the December deadline are eligible for academic merit scholarships to Ursuline. Transfer students and late 8th grade applicants are not eligible.
Please contact admissions@ursulineacademy.org or (513) 791-5791 ext. 1116 with any questions.
How does Ursuline use the HSPT scores?
Applicants' HSPT scores, along with their grades, other standardized test scores, and admission essays, will be considered to determine admission to Ursuline and will also inform course placement recommendations for students who enroll at Ursuline.
High School Placement Test (HSPT) Prep Class
All 8th graders applying to a Catholic high school in Cincinnati for the 2024-2025 school year must take the High School Placement Test (HSPT).
Prepare for the HSPT at Ursuline!
Course Options:
- July 24-28, 8:30am - 10:00am
- July 24-28, 10:00am - 11:30am
- Fall after school class - Mondays: 9/25, 10/2, 10/9, 10/16, 10/23 - 3:30 - 5:00pm
- Fall after school class - Wednesdays: 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25 - 3:30 - 5:00pm
Led by an experienced Ursuline teacher, the HSPT test prep course will help you feel more confident on testing day so you can do your best. The course will cover standardized test taking strategies as well as familiarize you with the format and types of questions on the HSPT, including practice questions for each section.
An HSPT Prep Book will be provided for each registered student.
Ursuline will offer two full practice test options for students enrolled in any of the test prep courses on Saturday, July 29 and Saturday, October 28. You are welcome to participate in one or both, regardless of which prep class you are taking. The full practice test offers students the opportunity to take the practice test in an authentic, timed, school environment, very similar to what you would experience on the actual testing day. Students who are not able to attend either of the full practice tests can complete a full practice test at home from the provided workbook.
The cost of the course is $130, which includes the test prep book and a small snack each day.
Questions? Contact Lauren Grafton, Assistant Director of Admissions, at lgrafton@ursulineacademy.org