Entrance Exam

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

Students applying for Freshman admission for the 2027-2028 school year. The exam consists of multiple choice sections in language arts and mathematics.

The Entrance Exam is an important part of the admission process at Mater Dei High School. The High School Placement Test (HSPT) measures students’ grade-level skills in reading, language, and math. Results are used to help determine admission decisions and placement in English, Math, and Science courses for the fall.

Entrance Exam scores may also determine whether a student is eligible for honors or upper-level courses as an incoming freshman. Students who would like additional opportunities to qualify for a specific course placement may take departmental qualifying exams offered in the spring by the English, Math, and World Language departments. These exams help determine final course placement for the fall semester.

*Transfer students DO NOT need to take the Entrance Exam.

2027 Test Dates

Saturday, January 16, 2027 at 7:45am
Thursday, January 21, 2027 at 3pm
Saturday, January 30, 2027 at 7:45am

Register today using the button, below!

Mater Dei offers two opportunities for your student to prepare for the Entrance Exam (HSPT).

1. HSPT Prep Class: this preparatory program is designed for rising eighth-grade students to enhance their understanding of the High School Placement Test (HSPT) and to help identify areas for growth as they prepare to enter eighth grade. Please click on the link below for more information.

2. Test prep book: If your student prefers a book, they are available at the Mater Dei Campus Store. We recommend Peterson's Master the Catholic High School Entrance Exam. This book is available for purchase in Mater Dei's bookstore (in person only).

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 Mrs. Katrina Fineberg ([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). *If you are seeking extra test time for your student, please register for either the January 30 or February 20 exam. We cannot guarantee accommodating extra test time at other exams. We thank you for your understanding!

What to Bring on Exam Day

The $80 application fee covers the Entrance Exam, and must be paid in advance. Those who have paid the $80 application fee through the online portal do not need to pay an additional fee for the exam. 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.

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 $80 application fee (check payable to Mater Dei High School) if you did not pay via credit card when you started the application.

Please request for scores to be forwarded to Mater Dei from the school where your student tests by mail or e-mail [email protected].