7 Test-Taking Strategies for Success on the PreACT 9

The PreACT 9 is a new factor for eighth-grade students applying to CPS Selective Enrollment High Schools. While a strong understanding of the academic content is essential, knowing how to approach the test can be just as important. The PreACT 9 is designed to measure what students have learned over time in classroom settings; that said, learning effective test-taking strategies that are specific to the PreACT 9, which are not always taught in schools, can help students demonstrate their knowledge and go into the exam with more confidence. By preparing not only what to study but also how to take this specific test, students can approach exam day with greater confidence.

1. Pace Yourself Throughout the Test

One of the biggest challenges students face is managing time. Every section of the PreACT 9 is timed, and it is easy to spend too long on a difficult question without even realizing it. Instead of trying to solve every problem perfectly on the first attempt, students should keep a steady pace. If a question seems especially challenging, it is often better to make the best possible choice and move forward (making a note to come back to it if there is time at the end) rather than risk running out of time.

This strategy is especially important for all four sections of the PreACT 9 because all four require students to balance accuracy with speed.

2. Read Every Question Carefully

Many students miss a question because they misread it, answering an invented question rather than the one that is actually being asked. Paying close attention to words such as "except," "not," "best," or "most likely" can prevent simple mistakes. Reading every answer choice before making a selection also helps students avoid choosing an option that seems correct before finding a better answer later in the list. It’s important to note that, particularly on the English and Reading sections, there may be two answers that are technically correct, but students should look for the best answer overall.

This strategy is particularly valuable in the English and Reading sections, where careful attention to wording is essential. That said, is also useful in the Math and Science sections when interpreting multi-step problems or analyzing data.

3. Use the Process of Elimination

When sunsure of the correct answer, eliminating choices that are clearly incorrect can greatly improve the odds of selecting the right one. Instead of viewing a difficult question as all or nothing and making a random guess, narrowing the possibilities allows students to make a more informed, educated guess. This strategy is especially effective because the PreACT 9 does not penalize students for incorrect answers, so every question should receive a response (even if it’s a guess).

The process of elimination can be applied to every section of the exam.

4. Answer Every Question

On that note, since there is no penalty for guessing, leaving questions unanswered only reduces the opportunity to earn points. If time is running short or a question seems especially difficult, students should eliminate any obviously incorrect answers and make their best educated guess. Even when confidence is low, a thoughtful guess always provides a better chance of earning points than no answer at all.

This strategy applies to every section of the PreACT 9.

5. Focus on Evidence Instead of Prior Knowledge

Some students assume they already know the answer based on what they have learned in class, but the PreACT 9 is designed to measure how well students can analyze the information provided in the question. Note that no outside information is required to succeed on the PreACT 9; while it may come in handy, relying on it too much can actually hinder rather than help a student. In the Reading section, answers should be supported by the passage rather than personal opinions or outside knowledge. Similarly, the Science section emphasizes interpreting graphs, charts, tables, and experimental results rather than recalling advanced scientific facts.

This strategy is most important in the Reading and Science sections, where the correct answer is usually found by carefully examining the information presented on the page.

6. Stay Calm When You Encounter Difficult Questions

Many students struggle with test anxiety, but even students who don’t will come across questions that seem unfamiliar or especially challenging. Strong test takers understand and can quickly internalize that one difficult question does not determine their overall score. Instead of becoming frustrated, they maintain their focus, continue working through the exam, and return their attention to questions they can answer confidently. Remaining calm helps students think more clearly and avoid mistakes caused by rushing or anxiety. This strategy takes practice, as nervousness around an important exam is nervous; that said, it is possible to help a student develop calming techniques to keep their head in the game.

This strategy benefits students throughout the entire exam and is especially helpful during the Math and Science sections, where difficult questions can sometimes interrupt a student's momentum.

7. Prepare Yourself Before Test Day

Successful testing begins before students ever enter the testing room. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy breakfast, and arriving prepared with any required materials (scratch paper, extra pencils, water, snacks, calculator) can improve concentration and reduce unnecessary stress. Students should also complete practice tests under timed conditions before the exam so they can become comfortable with the pacing and format. Familiarity with the testing experience helps reduce anxiety and allows students to focus on demonstrating what they know.

This preparation supports success across every section of the PreACT 9 and helps students perform at their highest level from the first question to the last.

Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9, helping them develop the knowledge, skills, and strategies needed to succeed. As a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program, we had been aware of the change from the CPS HSAT to the PreACT 9, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content and test-taking strategies they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses (sign up here) and one-day Palooza workshops (sign up here) will continue to run as planned, as will our individual tutoring sessions (sign up here), with the new PreACT 9 Secure content and test-taking strategies instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum. Sign up now to help your student prepare!