COOP Test Practice: Free Sample Questions & Expert Advice

The Cooperative Admissions Examination Program (COOP Test) is a crucial standardized exam for students seeking admission to Catholic high schools. If you’re an 8th grader gearing up for Catholic school admissions, this guide is for you. Our team of former test developers has crafted a professional, fun, and approachable breakdown of the COOP Test – focusing solely on the COOP (not the HSPT or TACHS) – with expert preparation tips for each section. Get ready to learn what’s on the COOP Test and how to prepare effectively so you can practice with confidence and perform your best on test day.

What is the COOP Test?

The COOP Test (Cooperative Admissions Examination) is a high school entrance exam used by many Catholic high schools (for example, in Northern New Jersey and the Hudson Valley) to evaluate 8th grade applicants. It’s typically administered once a year in early November to students in 8th grade who are applying to Catholic high schools. The test is entirely multiple-choice and covers a range of subjects and reasoning skills. Schools use COOP scores to compare applicants and even award scholarships to top scorers – so preparation is key!

The COOP exam consists of several timed sections (seven in total) that together take about 2.5 hours to complete. Each section targets a different skill area, from math and language abilities to reasoning and critical thinking. In total, students answer roughly 170 multiple-choice questions across all sections. Calculators are not allowed on the COOP, so all math calculations must be done by hand. Don’t worry – with the right practice and tips, you can master each section without a calculator.

The COOP Test is broken down into five main skill areas: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading, Language, and Mathematics. Each section is designed to measure different abilities, blending both what you’ve learned in school and your problem-solving skills for new challenges. Below, we’ll dive into each section of the COOP Test, explain what to expect, and give you expert tips on how to prepare and practice effectively.

How is the COOP Test structured?

How many sections are on the COOP Test? The COOP is comprised of multiple sub-tests covering a range of subjects. In total, there are seven sub-tests that can be grouped into five broader sections for understanding: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Language Arts, and Mathematics. Each sub-test has its own time limit (ranging from about 15 minutes for shorter sections to around 30 minutes or more for longer ones). This structure is designed to assess both cognitive skills (like reasoning and pattern recognition) and achievement skills (like knowledge of math concepts or grammar rules). Here’s an overview of what each section includes:

• Verbal Reasoning: Measures your ability to work with words and language logic (e.g. understanding vocabulary, relationships between words, and contextual meaning).
• Quantitative Reasoning: Measures your logical reasoning with numbers and patterns (e.g. number sequences, analogies involving shapes or quantities, and other non-verbal problem-solving).
• Reading Comprehension: Tests how well you understand and analyze written passages.
• Language Arts: Tests your grasp of English writing conventions, including grammar, spelling, and proper usage.
• Mathematics: Assesses your knowledge of math concepts and problem-solving skills, typically up to an 8th grade level.

Each of the above areas corresponds to specific sub-tests on the COOP. For example, Verbal Reasoning on the COOP may be split into sub-tests focusing on analogies or vocabulary in context, while Quantitative Reasoning may include sub-tests like sequences and other puzzles. All together, these sections give a comprehensive picture of a student’s abilities.

Now, let’s break down each section in detail and go over how to prepare for success in each one.

What does the COOP Verbal Reasoning section test?

The Verbal Reasoning section of the COOP Test evaluates your vocabulary, understanding of word relationships, and ability to deduce meaning in context. You can expect questions like synonyms (choosing a word closest in meaning to another), possibly antonyms (opposites), and classic analogies where you must identify the relationship between two words and find a pair of words with a similar relationship. Some verbal reasoning questions may also present short scenarios or sentences and ask you to draw logical conclusions or infer the meaning of a word from context. Essentially, this section tests how well you work with the English language and logic.

Verbal Reasoning Example: You might see an analogy question like DOG : BARK :: CAT : ____. To answer, you need to recognize the relationship “animal to the sound it makes,” so the correct word would be “MEOW.” Other questions might give a sentence with an underlined word and ask for its meaning, or present a few sentences and ask what can be concluded.

Tips to Prepare for Verbal Reasoning:

• Build your vocabulary daily: Read widely (books, articles, etc.) and jot down new words. Practice with vocabulary lists common for 8th graders and learn synonyms/antonyms. A strong vocabulary will help in both synonyms and analogies questions.
• Practice analogies and relationships: When you study analogies, think about the relationship between the word pair. Is it part-to-whole (like page : book)? Cause and effect? Function (like pen : write)? Recognizing common analogy patterns will help you solve them faster.
• Use context clues: For any unfamiliar words, use context clues in the sentence or surrounding sentences to infer meaning. Our insider tip: test developers often include subtle hints in the wording around a tough vocabulary word.
• Solve verbal puzzles for fun: Try doing crossword puzzles or word games. They can make building verbal reasoning skills more fun and engaging, keeping your mind sharp in recognizing word meanings and relationships.
• Time yourself: The verbal questions can be numerous, so practice doing a batch of synonym/analogy questions under a time limit. This will train you to find the answer efficiently. If a word stumps you on test day, eliminate choices you know are wrong and make an educated guess.

What is tested in the COOP Quantitative Reasoning section?

The Quantitative Reasoning section of the COOP focuses on your ability to think logically with numbers, patterns, and non-standard math problems. This isn’t just normal math like you do in class – it’s more about problem-solving and recognizing patterns or relationships between numbers or figures. Common question types in this section include number sequences (where you must find the next number in a pattern), pattern analysis (such as identifying what comes next in a series of shapes), and other quantitative puzzles. For instance, you might get questions involving balancing quantities or figuring out analogies with numbers or symbols (e.g. “2 is to 8 as 3 is to ?”). These questions measure your cognitive quantitative skills rather than direct math knowledge.

Quantitative Reasoning Example: You might see a sequence like 5, 9, 13, 17, ? and need to determine the rule (in this case, adding 4 each time) to figure out the next number (21). Or you might get a question with a set of figures that rotate or change in a pattern, and you have to pick the figure that comes next in the sequence.

Tips to Prepare for Quantitative Reasoning:

• Practice pattern recognition: Work on plenty of sequence puzzles. Make it a game to spot the rule – is it arithmetic (adding/subtracting a constant, multiplying, etc.), alternating patterns, or something else? The more sequence types you see, the quicker you’ll recognize them.
• Brush up on mental math: Since calculators aren’t allowed, practice doing calculations in your head or on scratch paper quickly. For example, quickly find multiples, squares, or simple arithmetic results – this will speed you up on questions where you have to test a pattern.
• Solve logic puzzles: Engage with brain teasers or logic games. Even things like Sudoku or simple reasoning riddles can sharpen your ability to think systematically, which can help in quantitative puzzles that aren’t straightforward.
• Look for elimination clues: If you’re stuck, use process of elimination. Often a quantitative question will have multiple-choice answers that you can test against the pattern. Plug the options into the sequence or rule and see which one fits logically.
• Don’t overcomplicate: These questions can look tricky, but there’s always a logical rule. Start by looking at simple differences or ratios between numbers. If one approach doesn’t reveal a pattern, try another (differences, then differences of differences, etc.). Stay calm and systematic.

What does the COOP Reading section include?

The Reading Comprehension section of the COOP Test measures how well you understand and analyze written passages. You will read one or more passages (which could be excerpts from stories, articles, essays, etc.) and answer questions about them. The questions may ask for the main idea of the passage, specific details (like “According to the passage, why did X do Y?”), inferences (reading between the lines to understand something implied), the meaning of a word in context, or the author’s tone or purpose. Essentially, this section tests your ability to extract information and meaning from what you read – a critical skill for high school success.

Reading Section Sample Question: You might read a paragraph about a science experiment and then answer: “What conclusion can be drawn about the experiment’s results?” or “What does the word ‘insightful’ in line 5 most closely mean in the passage?” To answer these, you have to comprehend the passage and sometimes interpret vocabulary in context.

Tips to Prepare for Reading Comprehension:

• Read actively: Don’t just skim. Practice active reading by summarizing each paragraph in your mind (or jotting a quick note) as you read passages. This habit helps you stay engaged and remember details and the flow of ideas.
• Practice with a variety of texts: The COOP can include passages on different topics (historical, scientific, literary, etc.). Challenge yourself to read different genres – one day a news article, another day a short story. This builds versatility.
• Find the main idea: After reading a passage, ask yourself, “What’s the main point the author is making?” Being able to identify the main idea quickly will help answer many questions. Supporting details are easier to recall once you grasp the big picture.
• Use the passage for clues: The answers are always supported by the passage. You don’t need outside knowledge. If a question stumps you, scan the relevant part of the text again for clues or keywords. Look for line references or keywords in the question that you can find in the passage.
• Improve reading speed and retention: Time can be tight. Use a timer when practicing – for example, give yourself a set time to read a passage and answer a set of questions. This will train you to find a balance between speed and comprehension. Over time, you’ll get faster at understanding a passage without losing accuracy on the questions.

What is covered in the COOP Language section?

The Language section (sometimes called Language Arts) of the COOP Test evaluates your knowledge of English grammar, usage, and writing skills. This section typically includes questions on grammar rules (like proper subject-verb agreement, pronoun usage, correct tense), punctuation (commas, periods, semicolons, etc.), capitalization, spelling, and possibly questions on improving sentences or paragraphs. You might be asked to find the error in a sentence, choose the correct way to phrase a sentence, or identify which part of a sentence has incorrect grammar. This part of the test is all about the mechanics of writing and the conventions of Standard English.

Language Question Example: A question might present a sentence: “Neither of the girls are going to the party.” and ask which word or phrase is incorrect. The correct answer would point out that “are” should be “is” (because “Neither of the girls” is singular). Another question might ask something like which of four sentences is written correctly, testing your ability to spot errors in the others (like a missing comma or a misspelled word).

Tips to Prepare for the Language section:

• Review fundamental grammar rules: Go over the basics such as parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, pronoun antecedents, and comparison forms (e.g., good, better, best). Make sure you know why a sentence is correct or incorrect.
• Practice editing: Take sample sentences or paragraphs and try to find errors. Many prep books or online resources have practice questions where you identify grammar or punctuation mistakes. This mimics what you’ll do on the test.
• Learn from mistakes: When you do practice questions, pay attention to explanations for any you get wrong. If you discover you often mix up “its” vs. “it’s” or comma usage, for example, make a note and focus on that rule.
• Brush up on spelling and vocabulary in context: You might see questions asking which word is spelled correctly or which word best fits in a sentence. Commonly misspelled words (like their/there/they’re or separate) are worth reviewing. Also practice choosing the best word to complete a sentence based on meaning.
• Write and proofread: A fun way to prepare is to do a quick free-write (any topic you like) and then proofread your own writing critically. Can you spot any errors or awkward phrases? This helps you become more aware of common writing pitfalls.
• Know the punctuation rules: Ensure you know how to use commas, apostrophes, quotation marks, etc. For instance, know where commas are needed in a compound sentence or how to use a semicolon. Questions might ask you to pick the sentence with the correct punctuation.

What does the COOP Mathematics section test?

The Mathematics section of the COOP Test assesses your math skills based on material you’ve typically learned by the end of 8th grade. It includes a range of math topics such as arithmetic, basic algebra, and geometry. You’ll encounter operations with numbers (fractions, decimals, percentages), word problems that require setting up and solving equations, questions on geometry (like area, perimeter, volume of basic shapes, possibly the Pythagorean theorem or angles), and maybe some basic concepts of probability or statistics (like interpreting charts or simple probability). The math section is more knowledge-based (an achievement section), meaning it directly draws on what you’ve been taught in school math classes – but you’ll need to apply that knowledge to problem-solving situations, often without a calculator.

Mathematics Example: You might see a problem like: “If 3x + 5 = 20, what is the value of x?” (testing basic algebra solving). Or a geometry question: “What is the area of a triangle with base 6 and height 4?” (testing knowledge of the area formula ½ * base * height). A word problem could be: “John bought 3 pens for $1.50 each and a notebook for $4.20. If he paid with a $10 bill, how much change should he get back?” which involves arithmetic and careful reading.

Tips to Prepare for the Math section:

• Solidify your fundamentals: Make sure you’re comfortable with core arithmetic (adding, subtracting, multiplying, dividing) including with fractions and decimals. These are key to solving more complex problems and you must do them by hand quickly and accurately (no calculator on test day!).
• Review 8th-grade math topics: Go over your notes or a review book on topics like fractions, ratios, percentages, basic algebra (solving equations, inequalities), and geometry (area, perimeter, volume, basic coordinate geometry). Also familiarize yourself with any probability or data interpretation you’ve learned (mean, median, mode, reading graphs).
• Practice solving word problems: Word problems can be tricky because they require translating English into math. Practice by taking problems step-by-step: underline key information, write out what is being asked, and set up an equation or process to solve. With practice, you’ll get faster at decoding word problems.
• Do timed math drills: Speed and accuracy both matter. Try doing a set of mixed math questions under a time limit to simulate the pressure. This helps improve your time management – you learn which problems to maybe skip and come back if they’re taking too long.
• Show your work (in practice): On the actual COOP, you’ll have scratch paper or the test booklet to work things out. Get in the habit of writing down the steps when problems are complex (like multi-step algebra or geometry). This prevents careless mistakes and is a strategy we encourage as former test-makers – many errors on math tests are simple ones that come from trying to do too much in your head.
• Memorize key formulas: Ensure you know common formulas by heart (e.g., area formulas, the formula for the volume of a rectangular prism, simple interest, etc.) so you don’t waste time deriving them during the test. If the test expects knowledge of something like the quadratic formula (unlikely for COOP level), know it; but generally COOP math stays in the pre-algebra/intro-algebra range with geometry basics.

Comparing the COOP, SSAT, and ISEE Tests

Understanding COOP Test Scores

Achieving a high score on the COOP test is crucial, as Catholic high schools rely on these scores to evaluate and compare prospective students and award scholarships. Although each school sets its own minimum score requirements, obtaining a high score ensures you outperform other applicants and comfortably exceed the passing threshold.

Additionally, schools consider academic performance from grades 6 through 8. Therefore, while the COOP test is significant in the admissions process, it isn’t the sole determining factor.

The COOP test generates several different scores:

• Scale Scores: These scores result from comparing the average number of correct answers achieved by one group of students against groups scoring higher or lower. Your child’s performance is compared against these averages from similar student groups who completed the same COOP test. Note that scale scores are section-specific, meaning identical scores in different sections may represent different performance levels.
• Percentiles: Percentile scores indicate how your child’s performance compares to other students within a similar cohort, reflecting the percentage of students who scored higher or lower than your child.
  • National Percentile: Reflects how your child’s scores rank compared to eighth graders nationwide.
  • Local Percentile: Reflects your child’s scores compared specifically to other eighth-grade applicants to Catholic high schools within the Diocese of Paterson and the Archdiocese of Newark.
• Total Battery Score: This score is calculated as a weighted average combining two components:
  • Ability Scale Score: Weighted average of the aptitude test sections.
  • Achievement Scale Score: Weighted average of scaled scores in reading, language, and math sections.