Which test goes with which kind of school?
Each kind of school tends to use one test, but the school’s own admissions page is the final word.
| Kind of school | Test it usually asks for | Who sets it up |
|---|---|---|
| Catholic high schools in many dioceses | HSPT | The high school or the diocese |
| Independent and private schools | ISEE or SSAT, often either | Your family registers with the test owner |
| New York City’s eight testing Specialized High Schools | SHSAT | New York City Public Schools, through MySchools |
| Catholic high schools in New York City and on Long Island | TACHS | The TACHS program, through the dioceses |
Which Catholic dioceses use the HSPT?
Many dioceses test all of their 8th graders together. The Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Diocese of Arlington require the HSPT of every 8th grader applying to their Catholic high schools, the Archdiocese of Washington lists the schools that require it, and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia uses one HSPT sitting for scholarship consideration at up to three of its high schools. Your diocese’s Catholic schools office will say whether yours does the same.
Should my child take the ISEE or the SSAT?
Check each school on your list first. E3n, which now runs both tests, says many schools accept either one, but some schools, especially local day schools, take only one, and a school’s preference can differ by grade. If every school on your list accepts both, pick the one whose format and dates suit your child. Two differences that matter in practice: the ISEE has no penalty for wrong answers, and the SSAT takes away a quarter point for each one.
| ISEE | SSAT | |
|---|---|---|
| Level for an 8th grader | Upper Level | Upper Level |
| Level is based on | The grade your child is applying to | The grade your child is in now |
| Wrong answers | No penalty | Lose a quarter point |
| Essay or writing sample | Not scored, sent to schools | Not scored, sent to schools |
Where does the SHSAT fit in New York City?
Only the eight testing Specialized High Schools use it, and the score is their only admissions factor. LaGuardia High School, the ninth Specialized High School, admits by audition. A New York City family might meet three tests in one fall: the SHSAT for the Specialized High Schools, the TACHS for Catholic high schools, and the ISEE or SSAT for independent schools.
What is the TACHS?
The entrance test for Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New York, the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, and the Diocese of Rockville Centre. It’s for current 8th graders only and can be taken once. Entrance Lane doesn’t cover the TACHS yet.
Sources
- Scholastic Testing Service, Inc., HSPT Parent’s Page. High schools use the HSPT for admissions, scholarships and course placement.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Scholastic Testing Service, Inc., HSPT FAQ: How are my scores distributed?. Groups of high schools often test together under a Catholic diocesan education department.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Archdiocese of Baltimore, High School Placement Test. Every 8th grader applying to a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Baltimore must take the HSPT.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Catholic Diocese of Arlington, High School Placement Test. The HSPT is required of every 8th grader applying to a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Arlington, and may be taken only once there.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools, Placement Tests. The Archdiocese of Washington lists the Catholic high schools that require the HSPT.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Archdiocese of Philadelphia Office of Catholic Education, Collaborative Scholarship Testing Process. Philadelphia 8th graders take one HSPT and send scores to up to three archdiocesan high schools for scholarship consideration.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- E3n, ISEE for Families. The ISEE is accepted by more than 1,200 independent schools, and the Upper Level is used as a high school entrance exam.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- E3n, SSAT for Families. The SSAT is a private school admission test for students in grades 3 to 11.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- E3n, ISEE or SSAT: Which Assessment Should My Student Take?. Families should check each school’s requirements, many schools accept both tests, and some schools take only one.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- New York City Public Schools, Specialized High Schools. The SHSAT is the only factor for the eight testing Specialized High Schools, and LaGuardia admits by audition.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- TACHS program (Riverside Assessments), TACHS. The TACHS serves Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York, the Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens and the Diocese of Rockville Centre.. Checked October 19, 2026.
- TACHS program (Riverside Insights), TACHS Student Handbook. The TACHS is for current 8th graders interested in Catholic high school and may be taken only once.. Checked October 19, 2026.