COOP, HSPT and TACHS

Published March 14, 2008
Many Roman Catholic high schools don't use the SSAT or ISSE admissions tests as part of their admissions requirements. For instance, Roman Catholic high schools in the Archdioceses of New York and Brooklyn/Queens administer the Test for Admission Into Catholic High Schools or  TACHS.
 
Elsewhere in the country you will find the Cooperative Admissions Exam (COOP) or the High School Placement Test (HSPT). What the admissions staff are looking for is readiness for high school level academic work. The tests are generally given in the late fall of grade 8.
 
Diocesan and archdiocesan high schools generally admit most of their new students from elementary schools within their own dioceses. (A diocese is a legal territory and entity under the control and jurisdiction of a bishop.) Consequently, most of the students have been educated to certain standards which are well-known within that diocese. Standardized tests are not necessary in order to develop a student profile. That profile is already well-known. as well, the teachers and principals of the diocesan elementary schools themselves are known quantities. That being the case, it is simply a matter for the admissions office to identify any marginal performers and decide on those applicants. The testing per se has already ben done.
 
 
Test Preparation Resources
 

Read Related Admissions Articles:

We cover every aspect of the admissions process so that you and your child know what to expect.

  • Application Calendar
    Keep track of all aspects of choosing a school as well as the application deadlines.
  • Guidelines for International Students
    In addition to complying with all the admissions requirements, international students must also obtain a student visa.
  • How Do I Apply?
    You can apply online or submit a paper application via snail mail.
  • They Didn't Accept My Child!
    You thought everything was set. The test scores were excellent. She had glowing teacher recommendations. The visit and the interview went well. But the school didn't accept your child. What do you do now?
  • Waitlisted? What Next?
    Being waitlisted is not the end of the world. More here.
  • The Scramble For Places In Primary Schools
    It is almost as tough getting your child into a good Manhattan or Bay area primary school as it is getting them into an Ivy League university.
  • What If I Miss The Deadlines?
    Finding a school which will accept your child after the normal admissions deadline has passed is not easy. But it can be done.

School Visits

After exploring schools on the web, you need to explore the ones which you are considering applying to in person.

  • 5 Common Admissions Interview Mistakes
    When you meet with the admissions staff, create a favorable impression by avoiding these five common mistakes.
  • Your Admissions Profile
    The admissions process can seem confusing, even intimidating. In reality all the admissions staff want to do is to get to know you.
  • The Interview
    Part of the admissions requirements of almost every private school is the interview. While it sounds as though this is a one sided exercise, you should be interviewing the admissions personnel as well.
  • The Visit
    Visiting the schools on your short list is very important. You need to inspect the campus yourself.
  • What If You Cannot Visit The School?
    Distance and finances may preclude your actually visiting schools. But you have some other options.

Test Preparation

Standardized admissions tests require thorough preparation and practice. You will find test prep texts and other materials here.

  • Admissions Test Preparation: 2 Approaches
    Admissions tests are supposed to measure accomplishments. But what if your child has serious problems in math or English? What do you do then?
  • Do My SSAT or ISEE Scores Really Matter?
    SSAT and ISEE scores are one part of the total picture which most private school admissions staff review.
  • SSAT and ISSE
    Most private schools use standardized tests as part of their admissions process. The SSAT and ISEE are the common tests you will encounter at independent schools.
  • How To Read The Test Scores
    SSAT test scores can be mysterious to most parents. What do they mean? How does the admissions staff use them?
  • Preparing for Admissions Tests
    Don't leave admissions test preparation to the last minute. Adequate test preparation will give you the confidence to take the test and do as well as you can.
  • The Writing Sample
    At some point in the admissions' process, you are going to have to write an essay otherwise known as The Writing Sample.

Applications

The applications process consists of several parts.

All Categories:

Featured Partners:

Featured Partner