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Introductory Letter to StudentsDear Student,
It is terrific that you have decided to prepare for your upcoming test with REA’sThe Best
Test Preparation for the Catholic High School Entrance Examsbook. Starting high school is a big moment in your life! Success always requires focus, hard work, and preparation. This book has
been carefully developed to assist you in reaching your goal of obtaining a high score on the
Cooperative Admissions Exam (COOP), High School Placement Test (HSPT), and the Test
for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS). With the support of this book, studying
for your exam will help you to develop good habits that will serve you well throughout your
high school years.
One important feature that the three tests represented in this book have in common is that
they require you to apply your skills and knowledge. The questions are aimed at determining
your ability to solve problems; make comparisons and inferences; comprehend text; and compute,
recognize, and estimate. That’s a challenge for anyone! Since you will not know exactly what’s on
the test, you will need to be prepared to face a variety of questions and formats. Taking the practice
tests provided in REA’s COOP/HSPT/TACHS preparation guide will give you the much
needed experience of test taking. The practice tests mirror the actual exams, and the detailed answer
explanations will clarify your understanding of concepts. You will find the foundation you
need to enrich or complete your knowledge base in the thorough review sections. These chapters
are designed to address concepts and skills required by the three exams. Sometimes topics
overlap between two exams, some are found in only one exam, while others are included in all
three. This provides you with a more comprehensive study experience. No matter which test(s)
you take, in this book you will find the support you need to achieve great success.
There is enjoyment found in every challenge. Take this opportunity to learn, take pleasure
in your work—and reap the rewards! Best of luck,
Shannon Grey, Ed.D.
A Look at the Three Exams
As mentioned in the opening, there are similarities and differences among the three tests addressed
by this book. For instance, the HSPT, COOP, and TACHS all assess literacy skills, mathematical skills, and logical-analytical skills. You will be required to demonstrate your ability to comprehend passages and recognize vocabulary for the exams. However, some of the specific areas such as spelling, punctuation, and word categorization are represented only in the HSPT and TACHS.
For the HSPT, COOP, and TACHS you will also need to problem-solve, compute, and
make comparisons in their Mathematics sections. Additionally, the COOP includes a subtest of
Quantitative Reasoning, while the TACHS has a subtest titled Ability, which addresses spatial
and visual understandings. Both of these sections are quite different than the more traditional
computation-based aspects of the three mathematics subtests.
About This BookThis book will provide you with an accurate and complete representation of the Scholastic Testing
Service’s (STS) High School Placement Test (HSPT), CTB/McGraw-Hill’s Cooperative Admissions
Examination (COOP), and the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS). Inside you
will find reviews which are designed to provide you with the information and strategies needed to do
well on these tests. Two practice tests each, based on the official HSPT, COOP, and TACHS exams, are provided in the book and on TestWare®. The practice tests contain every type of question that you can expect to encounter on test day. Following each of our practice tests, you will find an answer key with detailed explanations designed to help you master the test material.
How to Use This Book and TestWare®
To thoroughly prepare for the actual tests, it’s best to first read over the subject reviews and suggestions for test-taking. On our CD we provide review and drills for the HSPT optional subtests.
Studying the reviews will reinforce the basic skills you need to do well on the test. Be sure to
take the practice tests on CD to become familiar with the format and procedures involved with
taking the actual HSPT, COOP, or TACHS examinations. Our TestWare will provide instant
scoring so you can work on your areas of weakness. To best utilize your study time, follow our Independent Study Schedule located in the front of this book. Brushing up on areas you did well on wouldn’t hurt either.
When Should I Start Studying?It is never too early to start studying for these exams. The earlier you begin, the more time you will
have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study since
it does not allow you the time needed to learn the test material. The sooner you learn the format
of the exam you are taking, the more time you will have to familiarize yourself with its content.
The Review Sections
The reviews in this book are designed to help you sharpen the basic skills needed to approach the
HSPT, COOP, and the TACHS as well as to provide strategies for attacking each type of question.
You will also find drills to reinforce what you have learned. By using the reviews in conjunction
with the practice tests, you will better prepare yourself for the actual exams themselves.
Tips for Taking the HSPT, COOP, and TACHS
Don’t be intimidated
Fear will ruin your chances of doing the best that you can on the test. Studying this book will
help you to approach the HSPT, COOP, or TACHS with confidence and poise.
Get to know the test format
Our practice tests have been specially designed to reflect the way the actual HSPT, COOP, and
TACHS will look. Take some time to get familiar with the different tests that you will be taking.
There shouldn’t be any surprises for you on test day.
Use the process of elimination
This is possibly the easiest and quickest way to increase your score. Eliminating answer choices
will lead you to the right answer almost every time. Neither CTB McGraw-Hill nor STS will
deduct points for incorrect answers. This means that even if you can’t seem to get an answer,
just pick one letter. If you blindly guess, you’ll get 1 answer in 5 right. If you can eliminate just
1 answer choice, you’ll get 1 answer in 4 right. Either way, you’ll raise your score because you
don’t lose points for leaving an answer blank.
Pay attention
Be sure that the answer oval that you are marking corresponds to the question number in the
test booklet. Otherwise, you run the risk of filling in all of the wrong ovals.About the High School Placement Test (HSPT)
Who takes the test and what is it used for?
The HSPT examination is taken by junior high students who plan on applying for admittance
to private or Catholic high schools. This examination is used to evaluate a student’s knowledge
and determine if the student has adequate knowledge and understanding in specified subject
areas.
Who administers the test?
The HSPT is developed and administered by STS and is updated each year to ensure test
security. The test development process is designed and implemented to also ensure that the
content and difficulty level of the test are appropriate.
When is the HSPT taken?
Students are required to take the HSPT in the fall of eighth grade so that they will have
another opportunity to take it if they do not pass. Taking our practice tests will familiarize you
with the types of questions on and the format of the HSPT exam to eliminate the anxiety of
only being able to become familiar with the test as you take it.
When and where is the test given?
The HSPT is administered in the fall and once more in the spring, but you should check with
the school you are applying to for the exact date. Also, since the test is used in different ways
(again, specific to the school), you will need to take the exam at the school to which you are
applying (contact the admissions office of the school for more details). To receive information on the exam or upcoming administrations of the HSPT, contact STS:
Scholastic Testing Service, Inc.
480 Meyer Road
Bensenville, IL 60106-1617
Phone: (800) 642-6STS (6787)
Website:www.ststesting.com
email:sts@email.ststesting.com
Is there a registration fee?
Not exactly. Schools do not actually purchase the HSPT exams; rather, they “rent” them. To
ensure test security, all materials provided to a school are returned to STS when the exams are
completed. Therefore, your registration costs will most likely be added to the school’s admission
fees. Since each school is different, you should contact the school(s) in which you are interested
to find the exact cost.Here is a quick breakdown of the test sections on the HSPT and their subjects.
Verbal Skills—This section tests synonyms, logic, verbal classification, antonyms, and analogies.
Quantitative Skills—This section tests geometric comparisons, non-geometric comparisons,
number series, and number manipulations.
Reading Skills—This section tests the ability to recall information from reading material,
vocabulary, intuitive thinking (what would happen next), and locating main ideas.
Mathematic Skills—This section tests mathematical concepts and problem-solving ability
dealing with arithmetic, basic geometry, and elementary algebra.
Language Skills—This section tests an examinee’s ability in capitalization, punctuation,
word usage, spelling, and composition.
About the Cooperative Admissions Examination (COOP)
Who takes the test and what is it used for?
The COOP examination is taken by junior high students who plan on applying for admittance to
Catholic high schools. This examination is used to evaluate a student’s knowledge and determine if
he/she has adequate knowledge and understanding in specified subject areas. The test is also used
as a means of course placement. Very often, your performance on the COOP will dictate the level
of courses that you are assigned upon entrance to the Catholic school (if you are accepted). A very
important point about the COOP is that it may only be taken once. It is imperative that you take the
time to prepare for this exam and study.
Who administers the test?
The COOP is developed by CTB/McGraw-Hill Publishers of Monterey, California, and administered
by Master Computer Systems. For further questions concerning the COOP exam, contact:
Cooperative Admissions Examination Office
CTB/McGraw-Hill
20 Ryan Ranch Road
Monterey, CA 93940
Phone: (800) 538-9547
Website:www.ctb.com
When is the COOP taken?
The COOP examination is usually administered in the fall of each year (in September, October, or
November), although the exact date is different each year. Taking our practice tests will familiarize
you with the types of questions and format of the COOP exam. This eliminates the anxiety of having
to become familiar with the test as you take it.
Where is the test given?
The COOP is offered at most Catholic schools. To find out which schools offer the COOP in your
area, check the back of the Student Handbook/Registration bulletin for a prospective school’s diocese (to receive a Student Handbook, contact the school to which you are interested in applying).
Students may take the test at most Catholic schools. To receive specific information about upcoming administrations of the COOP or general information about the exam, contact your local diocese or Catholic school.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. The COOP requires a $40.00 nonrefundable registration fee which includes reporting scores to
three high schools of your choice. Check your COOP Student Handbook for more information on
payment.
Here is a brief breakdown of the test sections on the COOP exam and their subjects.
Sequences—This section tests the ability to distinguish various patterns in a series of numbers,
figures, or similar arrangements. The examinee is responsible to select the part that will continue the pattern.
Analogies—This section tests the ability to associate a concrete or abstract relationship between
two pictures, then select an image to maintain that relationship with another set of words, objects, or phrases.
Quantitative Reasoning—This section tests the examinee’s ability to use reason to solve
mathematical problems. The examinee is tested on number relationships, visual problems, and symbol relationships.
Verbal Reasoning: Words—This section tests the examinee’s ability to reason with word relations, classifications, and patterns. The examinee is tested on the ability to infer relationships,
recognize categories, and determine essential elements.
Verbal Reasoning: Context—This section tests the examinee’s ability to analyze short passages and draw reasonable conclusions regarding presented concepts.
Reading and Language Arts—This section tests the examinee’s ability to comprehend text, vocabulary, and language expression. The examinee is tested on language usage and conventions; word, sentence, and paragraph construction and meaning; as well as aspects of the writing process.
Mathematics—This section tests the examinee’s ability in basic geometry, arithmetic, elementary algebra, and word problem solving.About the Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS)
Who takes the test and what is it used for?
The TACHS is taken by eighth grade students who plan on applying for admittance to a Catholic
high school. This examination is used to evaluate a student’s abilities in the specified areas.
Who administers the test?
The TACHS is developed by Riverside Publishing, a subsidiary of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt,
in collaboration with the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens.
TACHS Examination Office
PO Box 64675
Eagan, MN 55164-9522
Phone: (866)618-2247
Website: tachsinfo.com
When is the TACHS taken?
The TACHS examination is usually administered in the fall of each year; however, the exact
date changes yearly.
Where is the test given?
The TACHS is offered at Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of New York and the Diocese of Brooklyn/Queens. Please refer to your TACHS Student Handbook for specific information regarding the location that best suits your needs.
Is there a registration fee?
Yes. The TACHS requires a $49.00 nonrefundable registration/examination fee. Online registration
is recommended. A cashier’s check or money order made payable to TACHS is required for paper registration. Check your TACHS Student Handbook for further information on payment.Here is a quick breakdown of the test sections on the TACHS and their subjects.
Reading—This section consists of two subtests: Vocabulary and Reading Comprehension. The Vocabulary section tests the ability to recognize words with similar meanings. The Reading Comprehension section tests the ability to comprehend passages and construct inferential meaning.
Language—This section consists of five subtests: Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation, Usage, and Expression. The Spelling section tests the ability to recognize misspelled words. The Capitalization section tests the ability to recognize errors in the use of capital and lower case letters. The Punctuation section tests the ability to identify errors in the use of commas, quotation marks, apostrophes, question marks, and other forms of punctuation. The Usage section tests the ability to recognize errors in the use of verbs, personal pronouns, modifiers, or word choice. The Expression section tests the ability to determine the clearness, appropriateness, organization, and succinctness of sentences and paragraphs.
Math—This section tests a variety of skills and conceptions in the areas of computation, problem solving, and data interpretation. A subsection of problems which require Estimation is included in this portion of the test.
Ability—This section tests the ability to reason and think logically using abstract problems.
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