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.

CPS Announces “PreACT 9 Secure” as New CPS High School Entrance Exam

Yesterday, CPS announced to school leaders that, beginning this fall, the CPS HSAT test will be replaced by a new exam, the PreACT 9 Secure. This test will be the new exam used for the GoCPS high school admissions process, and will be offered to all 8th-grade students.

Overall, students can expect the following changes when taking the new exam:

• The PreACT 9 Secure is a longer test than the CPS HSAT. The CPS HSAT lasted one hour, while the PreACT 9 Secure will last approximately two and a half hours.

• The PreACT 9 Secure includes 4 sections, while the CPS HSAT only included 2. The CPS HSAT had a 30-minute Math section and a 30-minute Reading section; the PreACT 9 Secure will have a 35-minute ELA section, a 40-minute Reading section, a 45-minute Math section, and a 35-minute Science section.

• The PreACT 9 Secure will only be available in English, though it will still have accommodations for ESL students. The CPS HSAT had been available in multiple languages, but the PreACT 9 Secure will not have this option available.

CPS has cited the following reasons for this adjustment:

• The PreACT 9 Secure provides more information to high school staff on students entering their 9th-grade course. As the PreACT 9 Secure has four sections (Math, Reading, ELA, and Science) and tests more skills than the CPS HSAT, it can be used for more than just admissions, providing high schools with meaningful information on student performance that can lead to course placement and programming decisions.

• The PreACT 9 Secure aligns with the ACT. This will help students gain experience with the structure of the ACT, which they will take later in high school. CPS now administers the ACT to all CPS high school students.

• The PreACT 9 Secure has more publicly available information and content. The CPS HSAT did not have information publicly available regarding length, sections included, and content. The PreACT 9 Secure is a test used across the country, meaning that students will now have more access to information about what to expect on the exam. Additionally, because the exam is widely used, there will be greater access to free or low-cost test prep resources.

• The PreACT 9 Secure is a tested, stable platform. In the past, students encountered multiple issues with the platform used for the CPS HSAT. The PreACT platform has stronger, more stable technology and security.

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.

A Parent's Guide to Applying to Parochial Schools in Chicago

If your student is considering a Catholic high school in Chicago, understanding the admissions process is essential. In addition to considering a student's extracurriculars, grades, and other accomplishments, most Catholic high schools require the HSPT, a national entrance exam used by many Catholic schools to determine admissions, scholarships, and financial aid eligibility. For families navigating this process, here's what to keep in mind.

Introduction to Parochial High Schools in Chicago & Their Application Processes

Catholic high schools in Chicago are known for their strong academic programs, faith-based education, and commitment to student development. Each school has its own unique character, traditions, and strengths, whether it's a focus on college prep, service learning, the arts, or athletics. What unites them is a shared mission rooted in Catholic values: fostering leadership, community engagement, and moral development in a diverse and inclusive environment. Some of the most popular Catholic schools in Chicago include DePaul College Prep, St. Ignatius, and Loyola Academy. 

The application process typically begins in the fall of 8th grade, with most schools participating in the Archdiocese of Chicago's standardized admissions process. Students take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) at their first-choice school in December, which helps determine placement and eligibility for scholarships. Applications may also include school transcripts, teacher recommendations, and sometimes interviews or essays, depending on the school. Families are encouraged to attend open houses and shadow days to find the right fit.

What Is the HSPT?

The HSPT is a standardized, paper-based exam administered once a year. For applicants looking to attend high school in the 2026-2027 school year, it will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025. The test includes five timed sections: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading, Math, and Language. It takes approximately two and a half hours to complete, with scores ranging from 200 to 800. Calculators are not allowed, and there is no penalty for guessing.

Students are allowed to take the HSPT only once per year, so choosing the right school to test at is important. Some schools may add an additional writing section. Testing accommodations are available for students with documented learning differences, including extended time for those with IEPs or 504 Plans. Documentation must typically be submitted at least one week before the test. It is important to ensure that all of your students' accommodations are met prior to testing on the 6th, and that any necessary fees or applications have been submitted. For specific questions regarding testing for the HSPT, it is best to contact your student's school of choice directly.

Why Testing Location Matters

Many Catholic high schools in Chicago require students to take the HSPT on-site in order to be considered for scholarships, or sometimes even admission. For example, schools like Loyola Academy, Fenwick, and St. Ignatius require students to test on-location for both admissions and scholarship eligibility. Others, such as DePaul College Prep and Nazareth Academy, give preference for admissions and scholarship to students who test at their school. Some schools, like Trinity High School, accept outside HSPT scores for admission, but still require on-site testing for scholarships.

A few schools, like Cathedral Catholic and De La Salle, will accept HSPT scores regardless of where the exam is taken. Others, like Leo High School, may require an in-person interview if the test is taken elsewhere. Policies vary widely, so it’s best to confirm testing and admissions requirements directly with each school.

It’s also important to note that HSPT scores can only be submitted to one school. While some schools offer the exam for free when taken on-site, others may charge a fee.

How Catholic High School Admissions Work

Unlike the public school system in Chicago, Catholic high schools in Chicago do not use a centralized or standardized application. Each school has its own process, but most include HSPT scores along with academic records from 7th and 8th grade, essays, recommendations, and extracurricular involvement. Competitive programs and scholarship decisions often prioritize students scoring in the 90th percentile or higher.

Getting Ready for Test Day

Preparing for the HSPT is key, especially since there are no retakes. At Test Prep Chicago, we offer workshops and private tutoring to help students strengthen their skills and build testing confidence for this exam. Starting in November, we will offer one-day workshops for students looking for extra practice with the HSPT (click here). Students can also sign up for individual tutoring on the HSPT anytime, which will give them access to thorough prep material targeting each section of the HSPT, practice tests, and step-by-step strategies aligned to the HSPT format (click here). We also support students preparing for other high school entrance exams like the ISEE and CPS HSAT!

GoCPS Applications Open from September 13th to November 9th

The GoCPS application will be available online from September 13th, 2023 to November 9, 2023. Students who will enter high school in the 2024-25 school year are now able to begin their applications for programs, including International Baccalaureate and selective enrollment high schools among others.

Students applying to selective enrollment high schools will complete the High School Admissions Test (HSAT) as part of this application, which will be offered in six languages this year instead of only in English. After receiving their HSAT scores, students will be able to re-rank their GoCPS choices from November 9th until November 22nd.

For a list of all available programs, students are directed to visit cps.edu/gocps. With any questions, families may contact CPS’ Office of Access and Enrollment at (773) 553-2060 or gocps@cps.edu.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

CPS High School Admissions Test Dates (2023-24 School Year)

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has announced the test dates for the High School Admissions Test (HSAT). This year, the HSAT will be taken by CPS students on October 11th. Non-CPS students will have the option to take the HSAT on October 14th, 15th, or 21st. All test dates have been listed below. 

HSAT Test Dates 

CPS Students: 

Wednesday, October 11

Non-CPS Students:

Saturday, October 14
Sunday, October 15
Saturday, October 12

The HSAT will be offered in-school for CPS students. Non-CPS students will take the HSAT at a designated CPS testing site. Applicants will apply using the GoCPS online application portal.

Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266

An Overview of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School

With a school motto of “Dare to dream, strive to achieve,” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. College Preparatory High School (also known as “King”) was founded in 1971. Located in the Kenwood neighborhood of the south side of Chicago, King is one of eleven selective enrollment high schools in Chicago and ranked as the 48th best public school in Illinois. The school has an enrollment of 638 with a student to teacher ratio of 17:1. Of their total enrollment, 99% of students are people of color and 80% of students receive free or reduced-price lunch. King has a graduation rate of 98%.

Courses offered at King encompass a rigorous course load with honors and AP classes offered in every subject. Unlike many other selective enrollment schools, King has a wealth of arts programming including advanced coursework in band, dance, drama, graphic design, photography, studio art, and choir. They also, uniquely, have courses in architecture, engineering, and computer science. Their engineering program, in particular, “utilizes a nationally recognized curriculum developed by Project Lead the Way.” Languages offered at King include French, Spanish, and American Sign Language.

Students interested in sports have many options from which to try-out: baseball, basketball, volleyball, football, cross country, soccer, swimming, wrestling, and softball to name a few. The school also houses a marching band, drama club, book club, chess club, and video-gaming club as well as many other extracurricular activities.

To learn more about King’s academics, athletics, or extracurricular activities, visit their website at https://newkcp.org.

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

An Overview of George Westinghouse College Preparatory High School

Located in East Garfield Park in the west side of Chicago, George Westinghouse College Preparatory High School was established in 1970. The school resided in what was originally a candy factory which opened in 1932. Though it was converted in the late ‘60s into a vocational high school, it remained to be one of the largest examples of the Chicago School architectural style. However, in 2009, the school opened in a new, $106.5 million building that houses both the original vocational school as well as the selective enrollment side of the high school. Westinghouse, named after American entrepreneur and engineer George Westinghouse, is ranked #28 in the state of Illinois and #574 in the nation. Its enrollment is 1,151 with a student to teacher ratio of 18:1. Of its total enrollment, 98% of students are people of color, and 81% of students receive free or reduced-price lunch. Westinghouse also boasts an impressive graduation rate of 99%.

Westinghouse offers an array of different courses to suit the needs of all students. Their science department, in particular, is vast, offering a challenging course load for students looking to pursue science in college. They have more standard science classes as well as engineering, civil engineering, environmental science, mechanics of physics, and courses in medical health professions. Their social science department is also of note, as they offer exciting specialty classes such as civics, ethnic studies, psychology, and European history in addition to more conventional courses. World languages offered at Westinghouse include Spanish, Chinese, and French.

Westinghouse uniquely offers full courses of study in all the fine arts (music, visual arts, and drama). The departments also include more specialized classes such as guitar, or studio mixed media. Additionally, the school has many classes in web design, video production, and broadcast journalism available. Students can also elect to take JROTC or several different kinds of PE classes for their physical education credit. Westinghouse also has several different sports teams for which students can try-out including but not limited to basketball, softball, wrestling, tennis, cheerleading, and chess. The school is also one of the only selective enrollment high schools which has a football team. Westinghouse’s basketball teams are also some of the most decorated in the city, winning a variety of championships.

For more information about courses, athletics, or extracurriculars offered at Westinghouse, visit their website at https://www.newwestinghouse.org/.

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

CPS Announces Selective Enrollment High School Entrance Exam (SEHS) Test Dates

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has announced the test dates for the Selective Enrollment High School Entrance Exam (SEHS). This year, the SEHS will be offered 5 times. The 5 dates are listed below.

SEHS Test Dates 
Saturday, October 20
Saturday, November 17
Saturday, December 1
Saturday, December 15
Saturday, January 19

The SEHS will be offered at five sites:  King College Preparatory High School, Lane Tech High School, Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Westinghouse College Preparatory High School, and Whitney Young Magnet High School.

Applicants who apply using the GoCPS online application will schedule their exam after they submit their application. Applicants who apply using a paper application will have their test scheduled by the Office of Access and Enrollment and will be notified of their test date, time, and location via U.S. mail.

The application process for the 2019-2020 school year opens October 1st and ends December 14th.

CPS Announces Application Process For 2019-2020 School Year

Last month, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) released information regarding the application process for the 2019-2020 school year. This refers to students who will be beginning high school during the 2019-2020 school year. The Northwest Evaluation Association Measures of Academic Progress exam (NWEA MAP) will once again be used for the eligibility and selection to Selective Enrollment Elementary Schools and to public high schools with academic requirements (Selective Enrollment High Schools).

For students who attended a CPS elementary school during the 2017-2018 school year, their 2018 spring NWEA MAP scores will be used for the admissions process.

Students who attended a non-CPS elementary school during the 2017-2018 school year will be required to take the NWEA MAP exam this fall. CPS will be administering the NWEA MAP exam free of charge throughout the city. The test will be offered at four sites: (1) Curie Metropolitan High School, (2) Lane Tech High School, (3) Lindblom Math and Science Academy, and (4) Westinghouse College Preparatory High School. Students will be scheduled for the test location closest to their residence.  

CPS will offer the NWEA MAP exam on six dates in September (dates listed below). Parents must submit the registration form to the Office of Access and Enrollment by no later than 5 PM on Friday, September 7, 2018.

Test Dates

• Saturday, September 15, 2018
• Sunday, September 16, 2018
• Saturday, September 22, 2018
• Sunday, September 23, 2018
• Saturday, September 29, 2018
• Sunday, September 30, 2018

For more information about the application process for the 2019-2020 school year, please visit https://go.cps.edu/. Also, feel free to contact Charlie Howard with any questions.

Charlie Howard, Owner Test Prep Chicago
charlie@testprepchicago.com
(872) 221-0175