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The CPS HSAT: What You Need to Know
The CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT) is Chicago Public Schools’ official test for 8th graders applying to Selective Enrollment High Schools, as well as other public schools that feature International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) and Double Honors programs. With the school year coming to a close, many parents of 7th-graders want to know as much as they can about the exam, so they can determine how to best help their student prepare. Below, find key information about the CPS HSAT!
The exam takes a total of 60 minutes and includes two sections: Reading and Math. The Reading section includes approximately 25 reading questions, which are to be completed in 30 minutes. The Math section includes approximately 39 math questions, which are also to be completed in 30 minutes. While there is no guessing penalty on the exam, it is single take only. Students are not allowed to use a calculator, and the test is administered online (though they are allowed to use scratch paper).
Though this is typically how the test is structured, students with learning disabilities, including ADHD, dyslexia, or processing disorders, can receive testing accommodations such as extended time (i.e. time-and-a-half, or 50% extended time), extra breaks, or small group testing. To get these accommodations, you must indicate on your GoCPS application that your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, which triggers a review by CPS. This will not negatively impact your student’s application process.
In regards to content, CPS does not publicly release official test materials, sample questions, or detailed outlines of what is covered on the exam. At Test Prep Chicago, we stay up-to-date on the material in these exams by conducting exit interviews each year with students right after they take the CPS HSAT. This allows us to adjust our materials and instruction based on the most recent trends, material, subjects, and question types that students encounter.
If your student is looking to begin preparing for the CPS HSAT, Test Prep Chicago can help! Parents can view our 8th Grade HSEE Prep course offerings for the summer here and our one-day workshops for HSEE Prep here. Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for the CPS HSAT here.
When Should Students Begin Preparing for Chicago’s 8th Grade High School Entrance Exams?
With springtime of 2026 moving along quickly, many 7th-grade parents want to know: when should students begin to prepare for the CPS HSAT for Selective Enrollment Schools, HSPT for Catholic High Schools, and ISEE for Independent Schools? All three of these exams are important parts of the high school application process, and many parents begin to get anxious about admissions requirements and testing as the summer approaches. Below, Test Prep Chicago is happy to provide recommendations for when to begin test prep for each of these exams.
For students in Chicago who plan to apply to Selective Enrollment High Schools, the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT) is an important part of the process. It is scheduled each fall; for example, CPS students took the CPS HSAT in early October in 2025 for the 2025-2026 season, with non‑CPS students following on later weekend dates in October. This year, we expect the exam to be taken on Wednesday, October 7th by CPS students, and subsequent weekends in October by non-CPS students. Because the CPS HSAT is offered only once per year and there are no retakes, preparation timing matters. At Test Prep Chicago, we recommend starting during the summer before 8th grade, about three months before the test begins. Beginning prep in July or August gives students a gentle ramp‑up period to build familiarity with the test format and strengthen core math and reading skills before 8th grade gets busy.
For students in Chicago who plan to apply to Catholic High Schools, they will take the High School Placement Test (HSPT). The exam is scheduled the same way each year for all schools, and will take place on the first Saturday of December. For the 2026-2027 application season, this will fall on Saturday, December 5th. As such, we recommend that all students planning to take the HSPT begin prep around 3 months in advance of the exam, around early September to mid-October. For students planning to take both the CPS HSAT and HSPT, we recommend that students begin with foundational Math and Reading prep that will be applicable to both exams over the summer before their 7th grade year, and round out with preparing for the remaining sections once the CPS HSAT has been taken.
Finally, for students across the country planning to apply to Independent or Private High Schools, exam dates for the Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE) vary. Students can find out about potential 2026-2027 application season testing dates here, and may take the exam once per season (fall, winter, or spring/summer). Most 8th grade students end up taking the exam in early January, and we recommend beginning prep for this around October of a student’s 8th grade year. If a student is also taking the CPS HSAT and/or the HSPT, TPC recommends that students, again, begin with preparation for the Math and Reading sections that appear on all three exams, before branching out into material that is applicable to the additional sections on the HSPT and ISEE.
If you have any questions about our recommendations for 8th Grade High School Entrance Exam (HSEE) prep, please contact our team at info@testprepchicago.com! Come June and July of 2026, parents will be able to see our 8th Grade HSEE Prep course offerings for the summer here, our one-day workshops for HSEE Prep here. Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for any, or all, of the HSEEs here.
Test Prep Chicago Students Improve HSEE Scores by 37.89%!
This past year alone, the students who participated in our courses and individual tutoring programs in preparation for the CPS HSAT for Selective Enrollment High Schools, the HSPT for Catholic High Schools, and the ISEE for Independent High Schools, completed a diagnostic and final exam at the start and end of their time tutoring. Across the board, our students demonstrated remarkable growth in both math and reading, the two sections that are on the CPS HSAT, after working through TPC's course material.
In Math, our students saw 60.82% improvement from their diagnostic exam to their final exam.
On average, students scored 15/45 (33.33%) on the diagnostic exam's Math section. On the final exam's Math section, taken after students had been through all of our material, the average score improved to 24.12/45 (53.6%). This means that on average, students' scores improved by 9.12 points from the diagnostic to the final exam! This improvement comes directly from the deeper conceptual understanding, strategic problem-solving, and the confidence that comes from learning and working through TPC's challenging math material.
In Reading, our students saw 24.61% improvement from their diagnostic exam to their final exam.
On average, students scored 25.88/40 (64.7%) on the diagnostic exam's Reading section. On the final exam's Reading section, taken after students had been through all of our material, the average score improved to 32.25/40 (80.62%). This means that on average, students' scores improved by 6.37 points from the diagnostic to the final exam! This improvement comes directly from the stronger comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills that come from working through and learning TPC's difficult reading material.
Overall, our students saw a 37.89% total score increase from their diagnostic exam to their final exam.
On average, students scored 40.88/85 (48.09%) on the diagnostic exam. On the final exam, taken after students had reviewed all of our material, the average score improved to 56.37/85 (66.31%), reflecting a total score improvement of 15.49 points, or 37/89%, showing how Test Prep Chicago’s methods deliver measurable success.
Overall, TPC's practice exams are intentionally more difficult than the actual CPS HSAT and other entrance exams. By preparing students under tougher conditions, we ensure they enter the real test with confidence. Time and again, our students report that the official exams feel easier after our rigorous preparation.
If you are looking to help improve your students' standardized test scores for High School Entrance Exams, the Academic Center Entrance Exam/Regional Gifted Center Test, or a College Entrance Exam like the ACT, SAT, or even PSAT, Test Prep Chicago can help. TPC still has one day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring offerings (click here) available for students preparing for the HSPT for Catholic High Schools and the ISEE for Independent High Schools. We also have courses, one-day workshops, and individual tutoring offerings available for other exams, with more information available on our website.
Test Prep Chicago Partnership with Pinpoint Learning on August 30: A New Version of TPC's Test Prep Palooza One-Day Workshop for the CPS HSAT with Advanced Post-Exam Report
Test Prep Chicago is excited to announce a new CPS HSAT Palooza Workshop, created in partnership with the learning scientists at Pinpoint Learning. The 1-day workshop will take place this Saturday, August 30, at 10am at Horner Park.
Students will experience the authentic testing environment, exam material, and expert post-exam review that Test Prep Chicago is known for, plus gain exclusive access to Pinpoint, a PhD-designed testing tool that gives each student personalized insights into how they can improve.
Why We're Excited About Pinpoint
Pinpoint helps students understand the why behind every mistake. While traditional tests might stop at showing what answer they got wrong and which answer would be correct, Pinpoint goes further, prompting students to reflect on each error and uncover its root cause, so they can get the most out of every practice test.
Each student attending the workshop on Saturday will receive a Pinpoint Report analyzing their performance in four key areas:
- Reasons for Errors
- Problem Types
- Time Management
- Mindset Barriers
This gives every student a clear, research-backed path to improvement, so their prep time is focused and effective.
Students who have used Pinpoint report feeling less anxious, more motivated, and more confident, thanks to having a personalized plan they can follow with clarity and purpose.
Together, Test Prep Chicago and Pinpoint Learning will give students the tools they need to reach their full potential. With over a decade of experience helping students succeed on the CPS HSAT, and a science-backed system for personal growth, this workshop is designed to deliver real results.
If your student is preparing to take the CPS HSAT, we would love to see them at the workshop! Sign up for the workshop (Click Here) before it fills up!
The Importance of Test Preparation and How It Translates Beyond the Classroom
Standardized tests are a consistent part of life, from school assessments to professional certifications. Unlike intelligence or aptitude tests, these exams measure acquired skills, which can be improved through deliberate practice. As a result, test preparation is a powerful tool that not only raises test scores but also builds broader academic and personal skills. Effective test prep delivers targeted strategies, repeated exposure to test formats, and enhanced familiarity with content, which significantly boost a student’s confidence and performance.
One of the key benefits of test preparation is the development of executive function skills, such as time management, organization, and planning. These skills are not only crucial for academic performance but also highly transferable to other aspects of life, including college coursework and professional responsibilities. Test prep teaches students to build study plans, prioritize their weaknesses, and manage the stress and logistics of test day, all of which contribute to long-term success beyond the exam itself.
Test preparation also acts as a diagnostic tool, helping students identify their specific academic weaknesses and tailor their study efforts accordingly. By working through practice tests and receiving feedback, students can better understand their learning styles and adapt more effective study habits. This process of self-assessment not only improves performance on the specific standardized test but fosters deeper academic awareness and adaptability.
Perhaps most importantly, test preparation instills a growth mindset. As students face challenges, make mistakes, and improve through hard work, they develop resilience, discipline, and a sense of agency. The journey from feeling like a “bad tester” to seeing tangible results reinforces the belief that effort leads to achievement. This emotional growth, combined with academic skill-building, ensures that the impact of test prep extends well beyond test day and becomes a foundational part of a student’s personal development.
Chicago Magazine Ranks Best Public High Schools
Chicago Magazine has released its latest rankings of public high schools in the Chicago metropolitan area for the 2024-25 school year, calculated based on four metrics: SAT scores, graduation rates, attendance, and the state's 5Essentials survey, which tracks five indicators such as “effective leadership” and “ambitious instruction.” The list included both city and suburban schools and provides one of the most detailed rankings so far, covering 110 schools across six counties.
In the Chicago city rankings, Northside College Preparatory High School topped the list with high SAT reading and math scores, followed by Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, another selective enrollment school, and Lane Technical High School. Among non-selective or non-charter schools, Back of the Yards College Preparatory ranked highest at No. 10. The top suburban school in Cook County was New Trier Township High School, followed by Glenbrook North High School and John Hersey High School.
Listed below are the top five schools within the city of Chicago:
Northside College Preparatory High School, North Park
Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Near West Side
Albert G. Lane Technical High School, Roscoe Village
William Jones College Preparatory High School, Printers Row
Walter Payton College Preparatory High School, Near North Side
For more information about scoring and to see the full ranking, click here.
Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
CPS High School Admissions Test Dates Announced
CPS recently announced test dates for the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT). 8th graders are required to take this exam to test into Selective Enrollment High Schools. This year, CPS students will take the exam at their school on October 9th while alternative language students will take the exam on October 15th.
Non-CPS students will have the option to take the exam in the following weeks at a CPS testing center. They will choose to test on October 19th, 20th, 26th, or 27th. You can find a list of all testing dates below.
CPS HSAT Test Dates
Wednesday, October 9 (For CPS Students)
Tuesday, October 15 (For Alternative Language Testing)
Saturday, October 19 (For non-CPS Students)
Sunday, October 20 (For non-CPS Students)
Saturday, October 26 (For non-CPS Students)
Sunday, October 27 (For non-CPS Students)
Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
312-848-1266
CPS High School Admissions Test Paused Due to Technical Difficulties
Due to technical difficulties, CPS has delayed High School Admissions Testing for many public schools across the city. In an email today to principals and network leadership, CPS assessment officials stated that many schools were experiencing technical issues with the testing platform.
Some schools were able to access the test with no issues. In email communications, it was indicated that students who finish the test today will be able to use their scores in their GoCPS applications. Any school that experienced difficulties was instructed to stop testing and wait for a rescheduled date, which will be shared “as soon as possible”.
Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
DataManager Platform to be Used for CPS High School Admissions Exam
Beginning with the admissions test for the 2022-2023 school year, taken in the fall of 2021, the CPS High School Admissions Test will no longer be administered on paper. Instead, students will take the test on computers, using the secure DataManager platform. To prepare for the test, students will have access to a “Student Practice Experience,” which will give them the opportunity to learn how to use the features of the DataManager platform.
The DataManager platform allows students to use many of the same features they would have access to on a physical test. For example, students can skip questions and come back to them, or mark questions for later review. An explanation of each of the features available can be accessed within the platform by clicking on the “Help” button, and students should make sure they understand these features during the Student Practice Experience.
Francis Burke, Test Prep Chicago Intern
CPS Changes to Selective Enrollment High School Admissions for Incoming 8th Graders
For students applying to selective enrollment high schools for the 2022-23 school year, CPS has modified the admission process by removing the NWEA Map Exam as an eligibility factor. Accordingly, the 900 point score system used in previous years (300 points for NWEA MAP exam, 300 points for Selective Enrollment High School exam, and 300 points for 7th grade grades in math, reading, science and social studies) has been adjusted to have the Selective Enrollment High School Entrance Exam (renamed as the CPS High School Admissions test - "HSAT" ) and 7th-grade grades now each count for 450 points. The elimination of the NWEA MAP exam also means that students need not have obtained a minimum score on the test in order to qualify to take the entrance exam thereby allowing more students to sit for the HSAT.
The Selective Enrollment High School Entrance Exam was renamed as the CPS High School Admissions Test to more accurately reflect that the test is used not only for admission to selective enrollment high schools but also for admission to certain honors programs and IB schools.
The HSAT covers the identical material that the Selective Enrollment High School Entrance Exam covered. Students attending CPS schools will take the exam at their school during a weekday. Non-CPS students will sit for the exam on certain weekends and locations designated by CPS.
CPS has not yet announced the dates of the exam but expects to do so sometime later this summer. CPS has also stated parents should expect to be provided more information about the admissions process from the primary school their child attends sometime this upcoming September.
Nate Hall, Tutoring Coordinator
nate@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266