Entrance Exam

Who needs to take the MDHS Entrance Exam (HSPT) and WHY?

Students applying for FRESHMAN admission for the 2024-2025 school year. The exam consists of multiple choice sections in language arts and mathematics.

Results of the Entrance Exam are a major factor in determining a student's acceptance or non-acceptance to Mater Dei High School. The exam (HSPT) tests students' grade level abilities in reading, language, and math skills and helps determine placement in the appropriate English, Math and Science courses as they enter Mater Dei High School.

Specific scores from the Entrance Exam and qualifying exams can determine if a student is qualified to be enrolled in an honors or upper level course as an incoming freshman. Our English, Math and Foreign Language Departments offer qualifying exams in the spring to determine a student’s exact course placement for the fall.

Transfer students DO NOT need to take the Entrance Exam.

2025 Test Dates

Preparing for the Entrance Exam

Test prep books are available and Mater Dei recommends Peterson's Master the Catholic High School Entrance Exam. This book is available for purchase in Mater Dei's bookstore (in person only). Amazon and Barnes and Noble also sell the current edition.

Some students do find the book helpful in becoming familiar with the format of the exam. However, the daily academic activity in their current school is adequate preparation for the exam.

Taking the test at a different school?

Extra Testing Time

For students requesting extra test time due to learning/attention differences, a current (within three years), comprehensive testing report with a substantiated diagnosis must be submitted for review to Dr. Kathleen Montemagni ([email protected]) in The Center for Learning at least two weeks prior to the entrance exam. Please submit testing reports only (504 Plans, IEP’s, doctor's notes, and learning plans without testing reports are not used in qualification for extra time). *Please be advised that we cannot accommodate students needing extra test time at the Thursday, February 6 exam. If you are seeking extra test time for your student, please register for either January 18 or February 22. We thank you for your understanding!

What to Bring on Exam Day

The $75 application fee covers the Entrance Exam, and must be paid in advance. No payments will be accepted at the door on the day of the exam.
A light snack and drink is also recommended as there will be breaks throughout the testing period.

Students do not need to bring pencils, erasers or paper. Mater Dei provides all testing materials. Please note that calculators are not permitted.

Applying to More than One Catholic High School?

If your child is applying to more than one high school that requires the HSPT, he/she only needs to sit for the exam ONE time; however we do recommend they test at their first choice school. We administer the HSPT test. If your child is testing elsewhere, be certain he/she is taking the HSPT exam at that school.

If the student is testing at another school, please enclose the $75 application fee (check payable to Mater Dei High School) if you did not pay via credit card when you completed the application.

Please request for scores to be forwarded to Mater Dei from the school where your student tests by mail, fax (714-754-1880) or e-mail [email protected].