VILLANOVA PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Villanova Preparatory School remains test optional for entrance exams for the 2023-24 school year.  Test results will not be considered in admission decisions. We do encourage you to take an entrance exam and to submit the results with your application, as Villanova is proud to offer high-scoring students Merit Scholarships. 

As entrance exams, either the High School Placement Test (HSPT) or the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT) are accepted by Villanova. If the student submits results from both the HSPT and SSAT, the highest test score will be considered. 

Please note, non-native English speakers are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL or TOEFL Jr.) or the Duolingo English Test. More information below. The other entrance exams are optional. 

High School Placement Test (HSPT): Grade 9 Applicants only

For students in 8th grade and applying for Villanova's 9th grade, the HSPT is a timed test that includes questions to measure achievement levels in verbal skills, math, and language. Merit Scholarships are rewarded to students who score in the 90th percentile or above nationwide on either of their first two attempts. Cost for the exam at Villanova is $35.

Villanova will host the HSPT on November 12 and January 28 for the 2023-24 school year.

Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT): Grade 9-11 Applicants

Villanova will host the SSAT on October 15, November 5, December 10, January 7 and February 4 for the 2023-24 school year.

The SSAT is a multiple-choice aptitude test for students currently in grades 8-11. The test consists of verbal, quantitative (math) and reading comprehension sections. This exam is hosted at Villanova and at other high schools across the country throughout the year. Merit Scholarships are rewarded to students who score in the top 90 percentile nationwide on either of their first two attempts. 

>  Sign up for the SSAT

(The SSAT will have you register and follow instructions to select the test date for the SSAT at Villanova Prep. We offer the paper test. When you select Villanova Prep you can confirm our SSAT school code is 7949)

International Applicants who are non-native English speakers

TOEFL

Non-native English speakers should take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). While we do offer an English Support with Immersion Program, we have the following minimum TOEFL requirements for admission. Students scoring below these minimums may be considered for enrollment in Villanova's ESL (English as a Second Language) program. Contact the Admission Team to learn more at admissions@villanovaprep.org.

Grade 09 - 40
Grade 10 - 50
Grade 11 - 65

> Sign up for the TOEFL 

(TOEFL school code: 8967)

Duolingo

Another option for non-native English speakers, the Duolingo English Test can be taken online at any time. It takes approximately 45 minutes and costs $49.

The exam uses computer-adaptive technology, meaning that the questions will automatically adapt to each test taker’s ability, generating a different set of questions for every session. It also integrates a video interview and writing sample.

The exam requires a supported browser and your computer's self-facing camera and microphone. The testing session is recorded and verified by a Duolingo proctor, and the results are available within 48 hours.

A comparison of Duolingo's results to TOEFL and IELTS can be found here.