Entrance Exams

2024-2025 Entrance Exam Dates

November 2, 2024 - Ninth Grade Entrance Exam
November 17, 2024 - Ninth Grade Entrance Exam
December 7, 2024 - Middle School Entrance Exam 
January 12, 2025 - Middle School Entrance Exam
April 26, 2025 - 7th Grade Practice Entrance Exam (HSPT)

Please review the following information carefully and contact us with questions or for clarification. We are happy to assist you in navigating standardized testing options and other aspects of your son's application process.

After submitting an Application for Admission, you will have the ability to register for an on-campus Entrance Exam via our Admissions Portal. 

Register for an Entrance Exam

Test Flexible Policy 

Malvern Prep follows a Test Flexible Policy for standardized testing. This allows applicants to select which test scores they wish to submit as part of their application. However, please ensure that we receive the results from at least one entrance exam by the relevant application deadline for your file to be considered complete.

Applicants may choose from the following testing options:

  • High School Placement Test* (HSPT) (9th-grade applicants only)
  • Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE)
  • Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT)
  • Educational Development Series* (EDSeries) (Middle School applicants only)

*Currently, Malvern Prep offers the HSPT and EDSeries tests on campus for prospective 9th Grade and Middle School applicants, respectively. We are planning to become a host site for the ISEE in Spring '25. 

Which test should our student take?

For students applying to local independent schools, the ISEE and SSAT are the most commonly required admission tests. Those applying to other Catholic secondary schools usually take the HSPT as the standard entrance exam.

Top Tip: In some cases, schools mandate that students take entrance exams or other tests at their institution to qualify for admission and/or scholarships. We suggest reaching out to the admissions teams at each school you're applying to, as their specific requirements and guidelines may vary.

How important is "the test?"

While entrance exam scores are an important aspect of an application file, we do not have a set minimum or threshold for admission. We consider standardized test performance as one element of a student's overall academic profile. As with any endeavor, we encourage students to prepare thoughtfully and give their best effort.

Do you offer scholarships based on entrance exam scores?

At Malvern Prep, our merit-based scholarships are known as Augustinian Fellowship Awards. These awards are given to the top applicants to the Upper School (9th Grade) who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in academics, extracurricular activities, commitment to our mission, and leadership potential within our community.

Augustinian Fellowship Awards are granted to a select few applicants at the time of admission, making them highly competitive. These grants are based on a comprehensive evaluation of the applicant's profile, including entrance exam results, though they are not determined solely by test scores. No separate application is required for consideration.