Standardized Testing
Overview
HPA uses a comprehensive testing program to assist with the assessment of our students' academic progress and to satisfy college entrance requirements. The typical sequence for testing in the high school is as follows:
All freshmen take ACT's EXPLORE test.
All sophomores take ACT's PLAN test.
All juniors take the ACT, the PSAT, and the SAT.
Seniors take additional ACT and SAT tests if appropriate.
Students may also take SAT II Subject tests if appropriate or required.
There are no additional fees for taking these tests as they are covered by HPA's cost of attendance. In addition to these tests, many HPA students also take AP exams and our international students take the TOEFL. All tests are administered on our upper school campus.
2011 - 2012 HPA Testing Calendar |
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| Test Name | Test Date | Registration Deadline | Late Registration Deadline | Notes |
| ACT | Sept. 10 | Aug. 12 | Aug. 26 | NOT AT HPA |
| SAT I & II | Oct. 1 | Sept. 9 | Sept. 21 | |
| PSAT | Oct. 12 | All Juniors & interested Sophomores | ||
| EXPLORE | Oct. 12 | New to HPA Freshmen | ||
| ACT | Oct. 22 | Sept. 12 | Sept. 30 | |
| SAT I & II | Nov. 5 | Oct. 7 | Oct. 21 | SAT II Language Listening |
| SAT I & II | Dec. 3 | Nov. 8 | Nov. 20 | |
| ACT | Dec. 10 | Nov. 4 | Nov. 18 | NOT AT HPA |
| SAT I & II | Jan. 28 | Dec. 30 | Jan. 13 | All Juniors |
| ACT | Feb. 11 | Jan. 13 | Jan. 20 | All Juniors |
| SAT I & II | Mar. 10 | Feb. 10 | Feb. 24 | NOT AT HPA |
| EXPLORE | Apr. date TBA | All Freshmen | ||
| PLAN | Apr. date TBA | All Sophomores | ||
| ACT | Apr. 14 | Mar. 9 | Mar. 23 | |
| SAT I & II | May. 5 | Apr. 6 | Apr. 20 | |
| AP TESTING | May 7 - 18 | |||
| SAT I & II | Jun. 2 | May. 8 | May. 22 | NOT AT HPA |
| ACT | Jun. 9 | May. 4 | May. 18 | NOT AT HPA |
What is an adequate score on the SAT or ACT?
This answer really depends on the student and his or her college goals. A good benchmark to consider is that the national average on the SAT is a 1500 (500 Critical Reading / 500 Math / 500 Writing) or an ACT Composite Score of 21. It is also important to note that the University of Hawai`i - Manoa requires an SAT score of 1530 (510 Critical Reading / 510 Math / 510 Writing) or an ACT Composite Score of 22.
Since all HPA juniors take both tests and all colleges accept both tests, our students can choose to use either test score when it comes time for college admissions. Students should use the Official ACT SAT Concordance Table to compare their test scores.
If you have more questions about standardized testing, please review our "Common Questions" or contact the College Counseling Center.
Important Websites
ACT - the official site of the ACT. It includes college searches, online applications, advice and timelines, financial aid information and estimator, and lots of information on the ACT tests.
SAT - College Board - The official site for SAT, PSAT and AP programs. It includes college searches, online applications, advice and timelines, financial aid information and estimator, and lots of information on the SAT tests.
Number 2.com - a great site that offers free SAT and ACT test preparation practice.
