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The college application process can be strenuous for students, and waiting for the decision can be nerve-wracking. For students eager to know their fate and make a decision, or for students very confident in their first-choice school, choosing to apply early can make a lot of sense. This blog breaks down the differences between 

Does Early Action or Decision Bind You to the College?

Early action does not bind you to the college, but early decision does.

Early action allows graduating high school students to apply to colleges of their choosing by an earlier deadline and receive an earlier decision from the school. Early action is 

, meaning students can apply to as many universities who offer early action as they want without committing to any of them. Students can accept or decline as soon as they receive their offer(s), but they can also wait until spring to decide, like their traditional deadline peers.

Benefits of Early Action College Application

Early action can remove some of the anxiety

 that comes with admissions decisions, simply because you will hear back earlier. Especially if you're sure of your top choice, you could know by January 1 if you're admitted and not have to worry about it for the rest of your senior year.

Some schools admit a higher percentage of early-action students

 than those who apply at the traditional deadline. This can be good for students applying to highly selective schools or those who want to see if their "reach" school is a viable option. One note of caution: if your reach school is genuinely a reach, you may be deferred under early action and still have to wait until the spring to receive a final decision from the school.

, or a mix of private and public schools, 

early action can give you an early picture of your scholarship/financial aid packages

At some private universities you'll need to apply early action to be eligible for their most competitive scholarships.

 These scholarships often have interviews in their final rounds that take place before the traditional application deadline.

Students have more time to decide and/or prepare

. If you're on the fence about your decision, early action can give you more time to decide and make additional college visits. Some schools even offer overnight stays to admitted students to help with their decision. If you're sure of your choice and get in, you have extra time to get to know the campus and find housing if needed.

Do You Have a Better Chance of Getting Into College with Early Action?

In some cases, yes, but not all. Applying early shows a college or university that you're highly interested in attending and highly motivated, which can work in your favor. That said, applying early action will not make up for not meeting a school's admissions criteria.

Depending on the school, you can expect to hear back between November and February. The decision timeline is primarily based on two factors: when the deadline is, and whether or not the school employs a rolling admissions process. Early action deadlines are typically between November 1 and December 15. If schools use a rolling admissions process, you can expect to hear back more quickly, especially if you submit your application before the due date. If the school does not use a rolling admissions process, you can expect to hear back 6-8 weeks after the deadline.

Should You Apply Early Action if You Don't Meet the Requirements for the College?

Applying early action will not compensate for not meeting a school's admissions criteria. Students concerned about 

 would be better off retaking the test in the fall and applying at the traditional deadline with higher scores. If GPA is the concern, having a solid fall semester of your senior year and showing that on your transcripts at the traditional deadline will help you more than applying early action.

Can You Apply to the Same College After Being Rejected Early Action?

No. If a school has rejected your application under early action, you can not reapply at the traditional deadline. In most cases, you would have to wait until the following fall to reapply.

Can You Apply to More Than One College Early Action?

Yes. Most colleges allow you to apply to as many universities as you choose, either through early action or the traditional deadline. There are a few exceptions, however; many Ivy League schools offer restrictive early action, which means you can only apply to one school early action but as many schools as you wish under the traditional deadline.

Restrictive Early Action (REA) is a non-binding early application process offered by some universities, notably selective ones like Stanford and Yale. Under REA, applicants submit their applications early—usually by November—and receive admissions decisions by mid-December. Although REA is non-binding—meaning accepted students are not required to commit to attending the university—it does restrict applicants from applying early (either Early Decision or Early Action) to other private universities. However, students may still apply to public universities, service academies, or foreign institutions under their respective early programs.

: Students receive admissions decisions earlier than regular decision applicants.

 Applying REA can signal strong interest in the university, and although at these schools, every bit helps.

Popular Colleges in NY that Offer Early Action

Currently, 35 schools offer early action in New York state. Among the most popular are Fordham University, Columbia University (School of General Studies only), and SUNY satellite campuses.

 application process that allows students to apply to a school early, and thus receive a decision early in exchange for agreeing to come there if accepted.

Benefits of Early Decision College Application

Early decision is excellent for students who are confident in their top-choice school. In this instance, the student benefits in several ways:

: once accepted, that's it. You don't have to worry about any additional applications or wait until the spring to hear a decision.

: applying early decision means you hear back earlier, which allows you to apply to other schools if you're not admitted.

: if you know you're admitted early, you have the rest of the school year to get to know the school better and secure housing if necessary.

Early decision can have a significant impact on admission. Because it is a binding decision, schools look favorably on students who apply through their early decision program, and many schools have significantly higher acceptance rates for those who apply early decision.

What Is the Difference Between Early Decision 1 and 2?

The most significant differences between early decision 1 and 2 are the deadline and acceptance rate. The deadline for ED1 is typically November 1, while ED2's is typically December 15. While Early Decision 2 offers some advantages in acceptance rates, it is less advantageous than applying Early Decision 1.

Applying early decision requires having your application materials ready sooner, often by mid-October, and signing the early decision agreement with the school. Otherwise, the process is the same for applying at the traditional deadline.

When are Early Decision Applications Due?

Early Decision 1 applications are typically due November 1, and Early Decision 2 applications are due December 15.

What Colleges in NY Have Early Decisions?

Over 40 colleges throughout New York State offer early decision, including many of its most prestigious universities. The list includes Columbia, NYU, Syracuse, and Vassar.

How Many Colleges Can You Apply Early Decision to?

One. By applying early decision, a student is committing to attend if admitted.

By applying early decision, you are making 

 to attend that school if you are admitted. While a school cannot take legal action against you for not attending their school, the agreement is still considered binding, and backing out could see other schools rescind their acceptances.

What Is the Penalty for Backing Out of Early Decision?

Applying early decision is a binding agreement between the student and the university. Backing out can have several consequences. One is the financial cost: you will most likely lose your deposit of several hundred dollars. The more significant impact is whether or not you will retain your acceptance to other schools. College admissions is a small community, and many admissions officers know their peers from other institutions. Backing out of early decision at one school could mean you lose your offers at other schools. That being said, there are situations in which a university will allow students to change their minds after committing to early decision. The most common is financial concerns. If the student receives less than expected in financial aid and merit scholarships, and the school cannot accommodate their financial needs, they will typically allow the student to release their spot.

Students who apply Early Decision 1 will typically have their results before the Early Decision 2 deadline of December 15. Students who have a second-choice early decision school should have all their application materials ready to go at the same time as their first-choice school, so that they can submit them to the Early Decision 2 deadline if they are rejected from their top-choice school.

What Happens If You Get Rejected Early Decision?

It depends on whether you are rejected or deferred. If your application is rejected during the early decision process, you will not be able to attend that school or apply under the traditional timeline. If your application is deferred, however, it means the school will make its decision based on the applicant pool for the traditional deadline, and it is possible you will still be accepted.

Start with a diagnostic SAT, ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, SSAT, TACHS, or AP test so you know where you stand and where you need improvement. Knowledge is power!

College Early Action vs Early Decision FAQ Explained

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Looking for all the answers to your AP Human Geography exam questions? Dive into our ultimate AP Human Geography guide for the upcoming 2024 exam. We’ll cover all the basics of the exam, and provide ten practical study tips that will set you up for success.

The AP Human Geography exam offers a comprehensive assessment of students' understanding of how humans have interacted with the Earth's surface. It requires the ability to think critically with spatial processes and utilize the tools of geographers to analyze patterns of human population, migration, and land use.

When is the AP Human Geography exam in 2024?

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 7th, 2024—the date of the AP Human Geography exam. This crucial assessment spans a total duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, testing your knowledge and analytical skills in human geography.

For students within the mainland United States and its territories, Canada, or a U.S. Department of Defense Dependents School, the exam fee is $96. However, outside these areas, the fee is $126. Don't forget about the financial aid program, offering a $36 fee reduction for eligible candidates. Be sure to apply by April 30th to take advantage of this opportunity. For more information, check out the details 

The AP Human Geography exam is one of the few AP exams that do not have prerequisite course requirements. This means that the exam does not build upon prior foundational skills as much as other AP courses. As such, many students choose to take the AP Human Geography exam during 9th or 10th grade. Not only is it a great introduction to the world of AP exams, but it also helps students develop skills in time management and structured testing methods required to successfully pass other AP courses.

Absolutely! Beyond honing test-taking skills, mastering AP Human Geography content provides valuable insights applicable across various disciplines, including economics, history, anthropology, and politics. Moreover, many colleges accept AP Human Geography credits, offering students a head start in their academic journey. Students armed with the knowledge taught in this course have a stronger ability to provide high level analysis on contemporary problems.

Additionally, several colleges accept AP Human Geography towards college credit, saving students time and money as they continue their education. Find out if a college you are interested in provides AP Human Geography credit 

The exam is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, and consists of two parts: a multiple-choice section and a free-response section.

How many questions are on the AP Human Geography exam?

The multiple-choice section comprises 60 questions to be answered within 60 minutes, while the free-response section features three questions to be completed in 1 hour and 15 minutes. Within the free response section, there are three types of questions. One no stimuli question, one singular stimuli question, and one two stimulus question.

The topics are split into 7 units, which are generally evenly distributed across the questions in the exam. Here is a brief description of each unit:

This unit introduces the fundamental tools and methods geographers use, with a particular focus on spatial analysis at different scales.

Population and Migration Patterns and Processes: 

Various aspects of population and migration are covered in this unit, including population density, population growth and decline, and the causes and effects of migration.

Language, religion, and other cultural practices are studied in this unit.

This unit focuses on understanding the political organization of the world, including types of political entities and forms of government.

Agricultural and Rural Land-Use Patterns and Processes: 

This unit ranges from the origin of agriculture to the challenges facing farmers today.

Cities and Urban Land-Use Patterns and Processes:

 Similarly, this unit ranges from the origin of urbanization to the factors shaping urban design today.

Industrial and Economic Development Patterns and Processes: 

Finally, this unit covers the origin of industrialization and the role it plays in shaping economic development.

Read the full breakdown of each topic on the College Board’s website 

What should I bring to the AP Human Geography exam?

All you need to bring is a pencil with an eraser, and perhaps a spare pencil, just in case. A watch that does not have access to the internet is also handy. While not absolutely necessary, we always recommend that students bring a drink and snack. You can’t bring food and drinks into the exam room, but you can fuel up in the 10 minute break between sections.

The AP Human Geography exam has straightforward scoring with no point deductions for incorrect answers. It is scored on a scale of 1 to 5 (like all AP tests), with 5 being the highest score you can get. On the free response, each question is worth 7 points total.

With approximately 47% of students scoring a 2 or lower in 2022, the AP Human Geography exam is considered relatively challenging compared to other AP exams.

The AP Human Geography exam has a pass rate of 59%, which means scoring a 3 or higher. As compared to other AP exams, the average AP exam has a pass rate of 71%. This makes the AP Human Geography exam appear to be more difficult than average, and in order to make sure you pass, be sure to follow the tips below. 

What is the average score on the AP Human Geography exam?

The average score for the 2023 AP Human Geography exam was a 2.75, with a total of 247,043 students taking the exam.

What percentage is a 5 on the AP Human Geography exam?

Typically, a 70 to 75 percent out of 100 translates to a 5. Around 15% of students scored a 5 in 2022.

What happens if you fail the AP Human Geography exam?

If you fail the exam, don’t fret! You can always retake the exam the following year. Failing the exam does not have significant consequences beyond the inability to acquire college credit. The AP Exam does not impact your high school GPA, and unless you choose to send the score to colleges, it will not impact your college admissions.

10 Tips on How to Study for AP Human Geography

: Engage in discussions with classmates, study groups, or a tutor to deepen your understanding of how different concepts in AP Human Geography relate to each other. Sharing perspectives and insights can help solidify your knowledge.

: Familiarize yourself with the format of FRQs and ensure your responses are straightforward and directly address the prompts. Reviewing scoring guidelines can help you understand what examiners are looking for.

: Understand the economic, political, and cultural climates of different regions worldwide over time. Being able to identify regions on a map and their key countries is essential for contextualizing geographic concepts.

: Use flashcards to memorize key terms and concepts of the course. Understanding and being able to recall these terms will be crucial during the exam.

Connect concepts to contemporary scenarios

: Practice connecting geographic concepts to real-world situations and contemporary events. This can help you apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios effectively.

: Stay informed about basic current events facts, as many questions may relate to contemporary scenarios. Ivy Tutors can provide valuable resources to help you stay up-to-date.

: Familiarize yourself with different geographic models and their applications. Questions may ask about various models or comment on data sets, so understanding these concepts is essential.

: Practice reading and interpreting maps, tables, charts, graphs, infographics, images, and landscapes. Visual stimuli questions are increasingly common, so honing these skills is vital.

 available on the AP Central website from the College Board. These resources provide valuable insight into the exam format, types of questions, and areas to focus on during your study sessions. Additionally, you can find free response examples up to 2023 and purchase practice tests to further enhance your preparation.

Utilize resources like Ivy Tutors Network

: Preparing for one of the most challenging AP Exams while managing other commitments can be daunting. A robust study plan, consistent use of practice materials, and simulation through mock exams are crucial. Leverage the specialized support offered by Ivy Tutors, which equips AP Human Geography students with extensive study materials, practice tests, and personalized expert guidance. Instead of spending time finding materials and tracking you're progress, a tutor can streamline your study process with custom feedback and curated resources. This tailored approach with a tutor will simplify your test preparation process so that you can focus on building the knowledge required to succeed.

AP Human Geography Exam: Your Ultimate Guide 2024

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The High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a standardized exam utilized by private parochial high schools as a component of the admission process for eighth-grade students. Alongside factors such as GPA, transcripts, applications, essays, and interviews where applicable, the HSPT forms part of the application package. The results of the HSPT play a crucial role in schools' decisions regarding admissions, curriculum placement, and – what sets it apart from other high school entrance exams – 


The HSPT’s primary purpose is to assess students' current knowledge and skill sets, ensuring they are appropriately placed within the high school course curriculum. For a more comprehensive understanding of high school admissions, one can refer to additional resources such as this article: 

Everything You Need to Know About Private School Admissions

How is HSPT different from ISEE and SSAT?

 are all standardized tests utilized for admission to various independent, parochial, and boarding schools. While many schools may accept either the 

, it is crucial to examine the specific requirements of each institution before determining which exam to take. Notably, private schools typically rely on the ISEE and SSAT for admitting freshmen and class placement, whereas Catholic high schools generally do not utilize these tests, although some may require them.

The HSPT is specifically designed for ninth-grade entry, differing from the ISEE, which accommodates students from second to twelfth grade, and the SSAT, which caters to students from fifth to twelfth grade.

What is the difference between HSPT, COOP and TACHS?

The HSPT, COOP, and TACHS are all standardized tests utilized for admission to various Catholic high schools. While the TACHS and HSPT cover similar material, the 

 is generally perceived as more straightforward and offers more time per question compared to the HSPT. The HSPT

Specifically known as the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools, the TACHS is exclusively required for eighth-graders seeking admission to 

 within the Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens and the Archdiocese of New York.

Meanwhile, the COOP, formally known as the Cooperative Admissions Examination Program, is administered to eighth-graders aspiring to attend Catholic high schools within New Jersey's Archdiocese of Newark or Diocese of Paterson.

The HSPT is accepted by several of New York City's most competitive Catholic high schools, encompassing institutions such as Regis, Xavier, Loyola, and Fordham. Numerous private schools across New York City utilize the HSPT as a scholarship test such as Xavier High School, Xaverian High School, St. Peter’s Prep, Loyola, Fordham Prep, Marymont, Fontbonne Hall Academy, and St. Joseph Hill.

It's important to note that while many schools accept the HSPT, it's always advisable to check with the administration of the schools your child is interested in to ascertain which test they prefer or accept for admission.

The HSPT test is typically held on a Saturday in the winter, usually in late November or early December. The test can only be taken once.

For accurate and up-to-date information on the specific 2024 test date for admittance in the 2025-2026 school year, it's recommended to refer to the 

 or contact the administration of the relevant schools.

It's important to note that the test for the 2024-2025 school year has already been administered in November of 2023.

To register for the HSPT, it's essential to understand that the school where you plan to take the exam may have specific criteria and procedures for registration. Therefore, the first step is to contact the high school where you intend to take the test and inquire about their registration process.

Typically, the cost of the HSPT registration ranges from $20 to $25, depending on the school administering the test.

For detailed information about registration and any other requirements, it's recommended to contact each school individually. This ensures you have the most up-to-date and relevant information tailored to the specific school's policies and procedures.

The HSPT comprises five required sections, which are Verbal Skills, Reading, Mathematics, Quantitative Skills, and Language. Additionally, there are three optional sections—Science, Mechanical Aptitude, and Catholic Religion— which may be required depending on the policies of the school you are applying to. It's important to note that while scores on the optional sections are not factored into the composite score, they may influence curriculum placement.

The Verbal Skills section of the HSPT is timed for 16 minutes and contains 60 questions, allowing approximately 16 seconds per question. Within this section, you can expect questions covering various specific topics. Analogy questions, for instance, require you to identify pairs of words with similar relationships, such as "kitten is to cat as puppy is to dog." Logic questions are also included, featuring basic reasoning scenarios where you need to deduce the validity of statements based on given premises, such as comparing heights among individuals. Additionally, verbal classification questions ask you to categorize words, typically nouns, such as determining that a car is a vehicle. Furthermore, you'll encounter synonyms, where you must select the word closest in meaning to the provided one, as well as antonyms, where you need to identify the word most opposite in meaning.

The Reading section of the HSPT is allotted 25 minutes and comprises 62 questions, providing approximately 24 seconds per question. This segment is divided into two parts: comprehension and vocabulary. The vocabulary component typically includes words derived from 8th-grade reading materials. Meanwhile, the comprehension part consists of passages followed by questions that assess your ability to understand various aspects of the text.

Within the comprehension part, you can expect questions covering specific topics such as informational text, craft and structure, integration of ideas, literary text, literary techniques, and vocabulary. These questions are designed to evaluate your comprehension skills, including your ability to analyze and interpret different types of texts effectively.

The Mathematics section of the HSPT is scheduled for 45 minutes and consists of 64 questions, allowing approximately 42 seconds per question.

The questions within this section cover various specific topics, which are also mirrored in the Quantitative Skills section. These topics include sequence, reasoning, geometric comparison, and non-geometric comparison. You'll encounter questions that require you to apply mathematical principles to analyze sequences, make logical deductions, compare geometric shapes, and make comparisons between non-geometric quantities.

The Quantitative Skills section of the HSPT is allotted 30 minutes and consists of 52 questions, providing approximately 34 seconds per question.

While there is considerable overlap in concepts between the Quantitative Skills and Mathematics sections of the HSPT, the Quantitative Skills section tends to present these concepts more as word problems rather than equations. This means you'll be required to apply mathematical reasoning to interpret and solve problems presented in a contextual format.

The Language section of the HSPT lasts for 25 minutes and comprises 60 questions, allowing approximately 25 seconds per question.

The questions within this section cover topics such as punctuation, capitalization, spelling, usage of parts of speech, and composition. You'll encounter questions that require you to demonstrate your understanding and application of proper punctuation and capitalization rules, as well as your ability to spell correctly. Additionally, you'll be tested on your knowledge of the usage of different parts of speech, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs.

Furthermore, the composition aspect of this section may involve questions related to sentence structure, grammar, and overall coherence and clarity of written expression.

The HSPT has a total duration of 2 hours and 21 minutes for completing all the required sections. However, it's important to plan for a total test time of about 3 hours, including breaks.

The HSPT consists of a total of 298 questions across all its sections.

The scale the test is scored on provides a possibility of 200 to 800 points for the test. Each school sets the score they require a student to receive.

The test derives a raw score by adding up the number of correct answers in each section.

This raw score is then converted into a composite standard score (200-800). Each student’s standard score is compared to test results from a national sample of students or a local sample of students to produce a national percentile (NP) or local percentile (LP) ranking respectively.

The percentile ranking indicates what percentage of students in the sample scored less than you.

Standard score and either the NP and LP rank are 3 of the normative scores that a school may decide to use, the other two are Grade Equivalent (GE) and Cognitive Skills Quotient (CSQ).

This GE score compares your performance with the average performance of students at other grade levels. The CSQ score serves to predict your future academic performance, replacing the traditional IQ score. It can be interpreted using the same IQ score guide.

The HSPT is widely recognized as a very challenging exam, requiring dedicated study and preparation for success. Unlike other standardized tests where students may rely on being strong in one subject area, such as math or language, the HSPT demands a well-rounded understanding across all sections. It's essential for students to commit to comprehensive study to excel on the exam.

Compared to other high school admission tests like the TACHS, ISEE, and SSAT, the HSPT typically provides less time per question. This means that students must not only master the content but also develop strong time-management skills to ensure they can complete each section within the allotted time frame.

Additionally, it's important to recognize that the material covered on the HSPT is at a level comparable to medium-level material on the SAT. This underscores the importance of mastering the material on the HSPT, as it will serve as a foundation for future academic success. Students should approach the HSPT with diligence and dedication, understanding that their performance on this exam can significantly impact their high school admissions process and future academic endeavors.

Determining what constitutes a good HSPT score depends on various factors such as your individual goals and the specific schools you're applying to. To be considered for admission to most schools, a score above 500 is generally advisable. For more competitive institutions, aiming for a score closer to 700 or higher may be necessary.

In addition to considering the raw scores, it's also helpful to evaluate your percentile ranking, particularly the Local Percentile (LP) rank. A good HSPT score often correlates with achieving around 75% on the LP rank. This percentile ranking compares your performance to other students at the same grade level locally, providing valuable context for your score.

An average HSPT score typically falls within the 24th to 75th percentile range. It's important to note that local percentile scores are often more relevant since the test is administered nationwide, and performance can vary regionally.

In terms of standard scores, 500 is considered the mean nationwide. This means that a standard score of 500 represents the average performance on the HSPT across the country. However, it's essential to interpret scores within the context of percentile rankings and local norms to understand how they compare to other students in your area or those applying to similar schools.

Overall, while a standard score of 500 may represent the national average, local percentile rankings provide a more accurate measure of where an individual's score falls relative to their peers in their specific region or school community.

How many questions do you need to get correct on HSPT test?

Ultimately, the definition of a good HSPT score will vary based on your personal aspirations and the admission requirements of the schools you're targeting. It's essential to research the expectations of your desired institutions and aim to achieve a score that aligns with their standards and expectations.

What happens if you score low on the HSPT? Can you fail the HSPT?

Unfortunately you are only able to take the HSPT once. However, it is important to keep in mind that the HSPT is only one part of your application package, so otherwise having a strong application package may influence the admissions team more than your HSPT score. If you do not get accepted to your school of choice based on your HSPT score, then you can also look into the other high school placement tests, namely the TACHS, COOP, SSAT, SHSAT, or ISEE.

Parents/Guardians of a student who took the test will receive a HSPT Score Report in their email. Results will be emailed from 

. If no email is received parents should contact the school and request a new copy of their child's scores.

Some Catholic high schools and programs will use the HSPT score to decide whether to award a scholarship. So a high HSPT score could save you money, sometimes even thousands of dollars! Families cannot apply for Presidential Scholarships. They are awarded by the Admissions Committee at the time of admission to incoming freshmen only.

The best plan for studying involves starting as soon as you learn your test date, ideally at least 3 months before the scheduled test date. However, many students start prepping for all their high school entrance exams 6 months to 1 year before the exam dates. If you plan to use the summer months for intensive study, you can start prepping in spring or summer. Otherwise, we recommend taking a diagnostic exam anytime starting with November of 7th grade. A diagnostic exam can tell you where your learning gaps are and how far away you are from your goal score, which helps you make the best study plan going forward.

There are many reputable HSPT prep books that range in price and the number of practice problems/tests they provide. The best prep book depends on your budget and the amount of time you are able to spend preparing and studying for the test. There are also free tests and sections that you can access online from reputable sources such as 

. Remember that test preparation involves 3 elements: making sure you have learned the materials the exam is testing, learning test taking strategies, and practicing using test-like conditions and with the same question types that the test uses. It’s important to master the content and strategies before you start to take many practice tests, so you’re not practicing making the same mistakes over and over.

Points are not deducted for leaving an answer blank. However, it's important to note that points are also not deducted for incorrect answers either. Therefore, you should guess rather than leave a question unanswered. By guessing, you have a chance of earning points, even if it's only a 25% chance, compared to 0% if you skip the question entirely. Guessing strategically can potentially increase your chances of earning points, especially if you can eliminate one or more answer choices as clearly incorrect.

Are you allowed to use a calculator during HSPT?

How to study for HSPT? 7 tips from HSPT Tutors

An effective study approach involves breaking down the test into its individual components. For instance, starting with the Math section ensures thorough review of those concepts before transitioning to Verbal preparation.

Practice! Practice! And then practice some more!


Although it may seem tedious to undergo multiple practice tests, engaging in this process is an excellent method of HSPT preparation. Practicing exams offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to refine your timing skills. Since each section of the test has a specific time limit, practicing completing the HSPT within these constraints enhances your speed and efficiency.

Pay attention to which questions are hard.


When reviewing free HSPT practice tests, focus on three key groups of questions: those you answered incorrectly, those you guessed on (even if you guessed correctly), and those you found challenging or time-consuming. This process helps identify your weaknesses and areas requiring more study time. Reflect on why these questions posed difficulties. Was it due to lack of understanding, unfamiliarity with vocabulary, or needing more practice for speed and confidence? Delve into these questions to strengthen your weaker areas as you review the material.

Strive to establish an environment conducive to productive study habits. This might entail relocating your desk to a quieter area or finding a library with operating hours that align with your schedule. The objective is to discover a space that facilitates effective learning and enables you to optimize your preparation time.

An additional effective strategy is to engage in reading. Simply dedicating time to reading can acquaint you with vocabulary, improve comprehension abilities, and deepen your grasp of grammar and syntax.

To maximize your performance on the HSPT, prioritize getting ample sleep the night before and consuming a nutritious breakfast. These steps can contribute to your success on the exam. Additionally, remind yourself that you've diligently prepared for this moment – you're more prepared than you think. Approach the HSPT with confidence and demonstrate your knowledge. Success is within reach, just a few hours away!

If you want to be fully prepared, take advantage of the expertise of an Ivy Network Tutor. Ivy Network tutors is dedicated to help any learner get everything they need to prepare for the HSPT!

design Take a Diagnostic Exam in NYC Start with a diagnostic SAT, ACT, SHSAT, ISEE, SSAT, TACHS, or AP test so you know where you stand and where you need improvement. Knowledge is power!

Prepare for the High School Placement Test (HSPT) with our comprehensive guide. Explore test format, content, study strategies, and HSPT expert tips for success.

HSPT: Everything You Should Know

Everything You Should Know About the HSPT

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Great communication, amazing experienced tutors, best value for money. We wanted to thank all of you (and mainly Mark) for helping my son improve his SAT score from 1380 to 1500! This is amazing!  Great job all of you! I will keep referring my clients and friends to you. Sooo happy!

We loved Raphael. His technique for our daughter was great. His skill with timing and strategy definitely worked for her. He was also a very calm, supportive and kind person. He helped our daughter increase her ACT score by 8 points and get her math performance on track. Thank you for finding the absolute right fit tutor.


We received some great news! My son was accepted to Xavier and offered an Ignatian Scholarship, to Stepinac High School and offered a full scholarship AND also accepted to Fordham Prep and received the Hughes Scholarship. Kairn was extremely instrumental in achieving this goal. My son loved working with him and we are so proud of his achievements.

Thank you so much for recommending Andrew as a tutor for my son. They have worked really well together. My son was very happy with his Math score in the May SATs. It has been a pleasure working with you. I will definitely recommend Ivy Tutors to friends!

It went so well- truly! I can't thank you enough- Dylan learned more yesterday than he has all year- real humanity and real education wins. Believe me we will continue the tutoring until June without a question because he is improving and getting ‘smarter’ each and every session- thank you again!


My daughter set out to close a 150-point gap for her SAT in less than 6 weeks. Mark was very poised and professional in his approach. Given my daughter's individual strengths and weaknesses, he curated a lesson plan that had the necessary vigor, interest and milestones to achieve the goal.

Teresa has been tutoring both of our daughters and she is amazing in every way! The girls truly enjoy their sessions with her and both have shown great improvement in a short period of time. It’s been super easy to set up sessions and Ivy Tutors is always available to answer questions along the way.

Thanks to you and to our tutor who had committed 200% of yours and his efforts to help our daughter to get to the score of 1520 in such a short time!  Great, great jobs for both of you! She is now truly ready for the upcoming college application processes.

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