PreACT 9 Topic Breakdown

*The PreACT 9 includes experimental questions in each section which do not count towards a student’s score.

English

The English test measures your understanding of effective writing. The test includes three passages in which certain phrases or sentences are underlined. You will need to choose the multiple-choice answer that best completes each passage based on your knowledge of grammar, punctuation, topic organization, word choice, style, and tone.

Math

The math test measures your ability to solve problems using logical reasoning rather than memorizing complex formulas. You will answer questions related to number and quantity, algebra, functions, geometry, and basic statistics.

Reading

The reading test measures your reading comprehension and logical thinking abilities. The test includes three longer passages and a pair of shorter passages drawn from literary narratives and informational texts, such as those in the humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences. You will answer questions related to main ideas and details, structure and purpose, and cross-text connections.

Science

The science test measures your ability to interpret and analyze scientific information. The test includes several passages about topics like biology and ecology, chemistry and physics, and Earth and space science. The information is presented using reading passages as well as graphs and figures. Questions will ask you to interpret the data in the passage, understand experimental tools, methods, and design, and draw conclusions and make predictions based on the text.

English Test

• Production of Writing Questions (27-33%)

  • Topic Development

  • Organization, Unity, and Cohesion

• Knowledge of Language Questions (12-18%)

  • Concision and Precision

  • Style and Tone

• Standard English Convention Questions (48-55%)

  • Punctuation

  • Other Grammar and Usage

  • Sentence Structure and Formation

Math Test

• Preparing for Higher Math (77%)

  • Number and Quantity (10-13%)

  • Algebra (17-23%)

  • Functions (17-23%)

  • Geometry (10-13%)

  • Statistics and Probability (10-13%)

• Integrating Essential Skills (23%)

  • Connect ideas from different areas of math,

  • Apply skills in real-world contexts,

  • Solve problems that require multiple steps,

  • Interpret and evaluate mathematical information.

Modeling: At least 20% of the Math Test consists of modeling questions, which require students to interpret, analyze, and apply mathematics to real-world situations, often using tables, graphs, diagrams, or word problems

Reading Test

• Key Ideas and Details (52-60%)

  • Key Ideas

  • Details

  • Inferences

• Craft and Structure (28-36%)

  • Text Structure and Purpose

  • Words in Context

• Integration of Knowledge and Ideas (12-16%)

  • Reasoning and Evidence

  • Cross-Text Connections

Science Test

• Interpretation of Data (23%-50%)

  • Manipulate and analyze data presented in tables, graphs, and diagrams

• Scientific Investigation (15%–35%)

  • Understand experimental design and procedures, identify variables and controls

  • Compare, extend, and modify experiments

• Evaluation of Models, Inferences, and Experimental Results (19%–38%)

  • Judge the validity of information and formulate conclusions

Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for the new PreACT 9. Note that Test Prep Chicago is a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program. Through our connection, we have been aware that such a change might occur, 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 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 instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum.

If you have more questions about the PreACT 9, its structure, or how it applies to the CPS Selective Enrollment High School Admissions process, visit this page on our website for more information.

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.

High School Entrance Exam Prep Course at Test Prep Chicago

Every fall, Test Prep Chicago offers classes which encompass all three high school entrance exams: the selective enrollment high school entrance exam (SEHS), the independent school entrance exam (ISEE), and the high school placement test (HSPT). Over the course of eight weeks, students dive into the content of the tests, test-taking strategies, as well as the formatting and timing of each test. Though eight weeks may seem like a short amount of time to prepare for three tests, its an exceedingly accessible time frame given the likeness of each exam.

First, the content is exceedingly alike. Each of the tests include math (up through geometry), reading comprehension, vocabulary, and language skills (multiple choice for SEHS and HSPT, essay for ISEE). Given these similarities, students studying for any or all exams are able to work toward reviewing or learning the same concepts. Where there are a few differences, such as the essay section on the ISEE, students studying specifically for the ISEE will be provided with supplementary, exam- specific material for homework. However, since the student is engaging in language and grammar in our class, they will still be getting their fair share of in-class language and grammar prep for the ISEE. Additionally, another commonality on the tests is that there is no calculator permitted, nor is there a guessing penalty.

Next, the time permitted to take each test ranges from two hours and thirty minutes to three hours.  Accordingly, the stamina needed to build up in order to successfully take each exam is almost indistinguishable. The only exception is that the HSPT has quite a few more questions than the other two exams. Similar to the essay section with the ISEE, supplementary materials will be provided for those students who wish to work on specifically on quickly getting through many questions that the HSPT will inevitably have.

Lastly, since the formatting of each exam is slightly different, we include questions formatted in the likeness of each exam so students feel fully prepared. If our comprehensive high school entrance exam prep course sounds like the right fit for your student, visit testprepchicago.com and sign up for a prep course today!

Lauren Lynch, Tutoring Coordinator
lauren@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266