How Does the New PreACT 9 Compare to the HSPT and ISEE?

The announcement that Chicago Public Schools has replaced the CPS HSAT with the PreACT 9 for Selective Enrollment High School admissions marks a big change to the city's high school application process. Although all three exams are designed to assess a student's academic readiness for high school, they were created for different school systems and each has its own structure, format, and testing philosophy. Understanding where the exams overlap, and where they differ, can help families prepare more efficiently.

Overall, like the HSPT and ISEE, the PreACT 9 is designed to measure a student's overall academic readiness through multiple sections rather than focusing primarily on math and reading as the old CPS HSAT did. Students will now complete Math, Reading, English, and Science sections over approximately two and a half hours, making the exam much more comparable in length and scope to the HSPT and ISEE.

While the tests have more in common with each other than with the old CPS HSAT, there are still differences in format, structure, and content. The PreACT 9 consists of four sections: Math, Reading, English, and Science. Students complete the exam digitally in approximately two and a half hours, are permitted calculators on the Math section, and receive no guessing penalty. The HSPT is organized somewhat differently, as it includes five multiple-choice sections: Verbal Skills, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading, Math, and Language. The HSPT is administered using paper and pencil, calculators are not allowed, and students receive very little time per question, making pacing one of the biggest challenges on the exam. The ISEE similarrly contains five sections, including Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Math, and an optional essay. Unlike the HSPT, students may take the ISEE once per testing season, giving families more flexibility when scheduling the exam. Schools may administer the ISEE digitally or on paper, but calculators are not permitted.

Despite these structural differences, the exams test many of the same core academic skills. All three include substantial reading comprehension and math components designed to measure middle school academic readiness. Students are expected to analyze passages, solve multi-step math problems, think logically, and work efficiently under timed conditions. Regardless of which exam a student is taking, strong reading, careful reasoning, and solid math knowledge foundations remain essential.

The English and language components illustrate both the similarities and differences among the exams. The HSPT's Language section focuses on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and composition through standalone multiple-choice questions. The PreACT 9 also evaluates grammar and writing skills, but it does so through ACT-style editing passages in which students choose the best revisions for sentences and paragraphs. Instead of simply identifying grammar rules, students must consider clarity, organization, style, and rhetorical effectiveness within the context of a longer passage. The ISEE, on the other hand, approaches language somewhat differently. Rather than including a dedicated grammar section, it places greater emphasis on vocabulary through Verbal Reasoning questions involving synonyms and sentence completion. Students with strong vocabularies often have an advantage on the ISEE, while students taking the PreACT 9 may spend more time applying grammar and writing conventions in context.

The reasoning sections also distinguish the exams from one another. Both the HSPT and ISEE include separate quantitative reasoning sections that combine math with logic and pattern recognition. Students encounter number series, comparisons, and reasoning-based problems that extend beyond straightforward math problems and calculations. The PreACT 9 does not include a standalone reasoning section; instead, reasoning is integrated directly into the Math portion of the exam alongside algebra, geometry, functions, statistics, probability, and other grade-level math concepts.

Perhaps the most significant difference is the Science section, which appears only on the PreACT 9. For many families, this initially sounds like the biggest obstacle, but the section is somewhat different from a traditional science test. Students are presented with graphs, tables, experimental results, and scientific scenarios, then asked to interpret data, evaluate investigations, and draw logical conclusions. The emphasis is on scientific reasoning and data analysis rather than memorizing scientific facts, formulas, or vocabulary.

Timing is another important consideration. Although all three exams require students to work efficiently, they do so in different ways. The HSPT is known for its exceptionally fast pacing, with students often having well under a minute, and sometimes only seconds, to answer each question. The ISEE generally provides more time per question for students, while the PreACT 9 falls somewhere in between depending on the section. The English section of the PreACT 9 is particularly fast-paced, while the Math, Reading, and Science sections allow students slightly more time to analyze each problem.

Families should also keep in mind that preparing for one exam does not automatically prepare a student for another. A student applying to CPS selective enrollment high schools and Catholic high schools will likely need to prepare for both the PreACT 9 and the HSPT. Likewise, students applying to independent schools will still need to take the ISEE, even if they are also applying to selective enrollment high schools. However, preparation is far from independent. Improving reading comprehension, strengthening math skills, developing vocabulary, mastering grammar, and learning effective pacing strategies all benefit students across multiple exams.

Overall each exam is designed for a different school system. Students applying to multiple types of schools will need to take more than one exam, which is why it is important for families to understand which test each school requires and what differentiates them before beginning the admissions process. Though there is some overlap in terms of content, preparing for these exams presents different challenges. Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for any combination of exams that they plan to take. With the end of the school year just around the corner, now is the right time to get started! 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 any combination of HSEEs here.

Comparing the CPS HSAT, HSPT, and ISEE: A Look at the Most Common High School Entrance Exams

Families applying to high schools in Chicago often hear about the CPS HSAT, HSPT, and ISEE, but these exams are used for different types of schools, and vary in content, length, and administration. Understanding the differences can make the admissions process much less confusing and simplify preparation. 

The CPS HSAT, or CPS High School Admissions Test, is the entrance exam for Chicago Selective Enrollment High Schools in Chicago Public Schools (CPS). Students applying to schools like Walter Payton, Northside, Whitney Young, or Jones take this exam during 8th grade, typically in October. The test is relatively short compared to other admissions exams, lasting only 60 minutes, and features only two sections: Math and Reading. It is designed to measure how well students have mastered middle school academics rather than advanced reasoning or vocabulary, and students take it online. As such, often, the biggest challenge students face is time management. Since students only get 30 minutes for 25 reading questions and multiple passages, and 30 minutes for approximately 39 math questions, moving quickly, but accurately, through the exam is an important skill for students taking the test to develop. Learn more about the CPS HSAT here.

The HSPT, or High School Placement Test, is the entrance exam commonly used by Catholic high schools. In the Chicago area, schools such as Loyola Academy, St. Ignatius, Fenwick, and DePaul Prep use HSPT scores as part of admissions decisions; many of these schools also use the HSPT to determine decisions around scholarships and financial aid. Note that most Chicago parochial high schools require students to sit for the exam, which is taken in December of a student's 8th-grade year, at the school to be considered for admission or scholarships (learn more about individual school requirements here). The HSPT is longer and much more fast-paced than the CPS HSAT. In addition to Math and Reading sections, similar to those on the CPS HSAT, it includes Verbal Skills, Quantitative Reasoning, and Language sections that test vocabulary, grammar, and mathematical reasoning/logic. Many students find the pacing challenging because so many questions are packed into a relatively short amount of time: students have 16 minutes to answer 60 questions on the Verbal Skills section, 30 minutes for 52 questions on the Quantitative Reasoning section, 25 minutes for 62 questions on the  Reading section, 30 minutes for 64 questions on the Math section, and 25 minutes for 60 questions on the Language section. Some schools also add an optional essay or science section. The entire exam takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, not including additional sections, and is administered via paper/pencil. This results in an exam that requires high stamina and an extreme level of focus from students throughout the duration of the test. Learn more about the HSPT here.

The ISEE, or Independent School Entrance Exam, is used by many private and independent schools across the country, including in Chicago. Unlike the CPS HSAT, the ISEE places a stronger emphasis on reasoning and problem-solving skills in addition to academic knowledge. It includes Verbal Reasoning (20 minutes, 40 questions), Quantitative Reasoning (35 minutes, 37 questions), Reading Comprehension (35 minutes, 36 questions), and Math (40 minutes, 47 questions) sections, as well as an optional unscored Essay (1 prompt, 30 minutes). Many families consider the ISEE the most academically demanding of the three exams, because of its advanced vocabulary and reasoning components. Not including the additional essay portion, the exam runs a total of 2 hours and 10 minutes, and is typically offered online (though there is a paper/pencil option), with options to take the test in the fall, winter, and spring/summer. Learn more about the ISEE here.

Although all three are admissions tests, each is designed for a different school system. Students applying to multiple types of schools will need to take more than one exam, which is why it is important for families to understand which test each school requires and what differentiates them before beginning the admissions process. Though there is some overlap in terms of content, preparing for these exams presents different challenges. Test Prep Chicago can help your student prepare for any combination of exams that they plan to take. With the end of the school year just around the corner, now is the right time to get started! 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 any combination of HSEEs 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.

Featuring Loyola Academy

As we lead up to the High School Placement Test (HSPT) this Saturday, December 6th, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top parochial schools in the area. This week, we are spotlighting Loyola Academy in Wilmette, a leading Catholic college-preparatory high school near Chicago.

Loyola Academy was founded in 1909 and is rooted in the Jesuit, Catholic tradition of faith, scholarship, and service. The school offers a rigorous liberal arts curriculum, including a wide selection of Advanced Placement (AP) and honors courses. Students study English, mathematics, science, social studies, foreign languages, fine arts, and theology, with opportunities for enrichment through specialized electives. Loyola also maintains strong college matriculation outcomes and is known for its committed and experienced faculty.

Additionally, student life at Loyola is well-rounded. The school supports numerous clubs, arts programs, athletic teams, and service opportunities. Extracurricular involvement is a major part of the Loyola experience, encouraging students to develop leadership skills and build lasting friendships. On the arts/performing-arts side, there are many clubs and activities including art clubs, jazz band, drumline, dance groups, theater/drama, and other visual & performing arts clubs. At the same time, athletics are a major strength: Loyola fields roughly 80 athletic teams across 34 different sports — making it one of the largest and most varied athletic programs among private/Catholic high schools in the area.

Admissions to Loyola Academy is competitive, and the High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a key component of the application process. If your child is considering Loyola or another Catholic high school, focused preparation for the HSPT can make a meaningful difference. Test Prep Chicago offers individualized tutoring (click here), providing students with practice tests, targeted review, and proven strategies aligned with each section of the exam. Although the test is coming up very soon, scheduling even a one-hour session prior to the exam can help improve confidence, test-taking strategies, and scores. 

Learn More about St. Ignatius College Prep

As we lead up to the High School Placement Test on December 6th, Test Prep Chicago is featuring some of the top Parochial schools in Chicago. This week, we will be spotlighting St. Ignatius College Prep!

St. Ignatius was founded in 1869, and is well-known for its Ignatian philosophy, academic rigor, and incredible campus. Its main building survived the Great Chicago Fire, making it one of the few pre-fire structures still standing in the city. For this reason, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a Chicago Landmark. The campus now spans more than 20 acres, and is located in the Near West Side neighborhood. The school’s philosophy is deeply rooted in Ignatian values; reflection, service, and social justice are central to its identity. Students are encouraged to develop academically, socially, and intellectually, preparing them to think critically and act compassionately. 

St. Ignatius also offers a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum, including 28 Advanced Placement courses. The student-teacher ratio is approximately 15:1, allowing for personalized attention and strong relationships between students and faculty. Student life at Ignatius is also very vibrant; the school supports more than a hundred clubs, spanning academic, social, service, and community engagement interests. Their athletics program includes teams across many sports, and students compete in well-respected Catholic athletic conferences. The school is well known for its football and cross country teams!

Admissions to St. Ignatius is competitive. The school makes significant investments in financial aid, distributing millions of dollars in tuition assistance each year, making it a highly sought after program for high schoolers. If you or your child are looking to attend St. Ignatius or another Catholic high school, the High School Placement Test (HSPT) is a central part of the application process, and Test Prep Chicago can help you succeed! We are now offering one-day workshops for students looking for extra practice with the HSPT (click here). Students can also sign up for individual tutoring for HSPT prep anytime (click here), in which they will be given access to thorough prep materials targeting each section of the HSPT. Our curriculum includes practice tests, and step-by-step solutions and strategies aligned with the HSPT format. We also support students preparing for other high school entrance exams like the ISEE and CPS HSAT! 

Spotlighting DePaul College Prep

Over the next few weeks leading up to the HSPT for Catholic high schools, Test Prep Chicago will be featuring some of the top Parochial schools in Chicago, laying out what makes them special. 

First up is DePaul College Prep! Located in Roscoe Village, DePaul College Prep has built its identity around rigorous academics, faith-rooted values, and a commitment to preparing students for college and life beyond high school. The school stands out among Chicago’s high schools for its ability to blend academic excellence with a strong sense of community and purpose.

Founded in 2014, DePaul College Prep emerged from a partnership between DePaul University and the former Gordon Tech High School. This collaboration combined the academic tradition of DePaul University with the long-standing Catholic heritage of Gordon Tech, producing a school that is both forward-thinking and grounded in faith. Like DePaul University, the school is sponsored by the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians). Its mission continues to be guided by the values of St. Vincent de Paul, particularly in service to others, pursuit of justice, and the question at the heart of Vincentian faith: “What must be done?” As such, DePaul College Prep’s foundation in faith and service sets it apart. The school’s Vincentian mission emphasizes leadership through compassion, social responsibility, and community engagement. Students participate in service projects throughout Chicago, reflecting on how their faith can be lived through action. This emphasis on service and justice connects directly to the broader mission of DePaul University and fosters a culture of empathy, reflection, and purpose among students.

Academically, DePaul College Prep offers a robust curriculum that challenges students while providing personalized support. The school provides college prep, honors, and Advanced Placement courses, as well as the opportunity for dual enrollment with DePaul University for upperclassmen. It is also an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School. Furthermore, small class sizes and a student-to-faculty ratio of about 13 to 1 allow teachers to build close relationships with students and tailor instruction to their strengths and goals. 

In addition to traditional coursework, students can explore liberal arts, STEAM, and design or engineering electives, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to find their personal niche or discover a new academic, athletic, or artistic interest. With more than 50 clubs and academic teams, there is something for everyone. whether a student is interested in robotics, theater, debate, or volunteering. DePaul College Prep’s athletic teams compete in the Chicago Catholic League (for boys) and the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference, and its new campus includes first-rate athletic facilities, turf fields, and modern practice spaces. The arts are equally supported, with a Black Box Theatre, visual arts studios, and performance spaces designed to nurture creativity and expression.

DePaul College Prep is an excellent fit for students who are academically motivated and eager to thrive in a college preparatory environment. It is especially well-suited for families seeking a co-educational Catholic high school that emphasizes faith, service, and community in equal measure. Students who are drawn to leadership, extracurricular involvement, and a close-knit campus culture will find themselves at home here. 

Admissions to DePaul College Prep can be very competitive. Students who desire to attend must have strong grades, and sometimes extracurriculars are considered as well. Students must also complete the High School Placement Test (HSPT) for Catholic schools on December 6th on location at DePaul College Prep in order to receive priority for admissions, financial aid, and scholarships. Test Prep Chicago can help students succeed on the HSPT. 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!

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.

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!

CPS Selective Enrollment Process: What You Need To Know

The Selective Enrollment High School (SEHS) admissions process for Chicago Public Schools (CPS) uses students' High School Admissions Test (HSAT) scores and final 7th grade scores in math, English, science, and social studies to determine eligibility. Each applicant is ranked using this criteria to match students with the highest-ranked school on their GoCPS application that still has available seats.

Admission begins by awarding the top 30% of seats to students with the highest overall points, regardless of socioeconomic tier. The remaining 70% of seats are evenly divided among four tier groups, with placement based on point rankings within each tier.

Students can receive only one selective enrollment offer—their highest-ranked match. Once offered a seat, they are removed from consideration for all lower-ranked programs and cannot be waitlisted for any selective enrollment programs, even if ranked higher. If no offer is made, students are waitlisted for all eligible programs to which they have applied. Tiebreakers are applied in this order: HSAT Math score, then HSAT Reading score, and finally, a computerized random lottery.

We offer 8-week group courses to prepare students for the CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT), Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE), and Parochial School Entrance Exam (HSPT). Our course prepares students for these tests by focusing on math, reading comprehension, and test-taking strategies. To register your student for one of our courses, click here. We also offer 1-day palooza workshops where students can take a practice exam and review the answers with a skilled instructor. To register your student for one of our paloozas, click here. Finally, we offer individual tutoring, which can begin at any time. You can see our tutoring rates by clicking here. 

CPS and Catholic School Application Process

CPS Applications

All high school and elementary students who wish to apply to CPS schools outside of their neighborhood must apply through GoCPS. Families are required to rank their top choice schools and apply by the extended deadline of December 15th at 5:00 PM. The ranking process requires applicants to order their top 20 choice programs or top 6 selective enrollment schools. Applicants can be offered one choice school option and one selective enrollment option.  Students applying to selective enrollment schools or academic centers are required to participate in the testing requirements while all other applicants will be chosen via an independent lottery system or audition process. All offers will be announced in the spring of 2025.

Catholic School Applications

Students looking to test into Catholic Schools are required to complete their applications prior to the coming holiday break. While most students have already completed the required testing for exams, all remaining application requirements must be completed in the coming weeks to be considered for the 2025-26 school year. Students who were unable to test on their originally scheduled test date will be able to attend a make-up test on December 14th at specific schools such as St. Patrick’s and De La Salle.

Kayley Horton, Tutoring Coordinator
kayley@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266