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.
2024 Test Dates
Preparing for the Entrance Exam
Taking the test at a different school?
Extra Testing Time
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].