How Selective Enrollment Schools Use the CPS HSAT: Why It Matters & What It Tests

For students applying to Chicago's selective enrollment high schools, the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT) is a major factor that is worth 50% of the total admission score. CPS uses a 900-point system to evaluate applicants: 450 points from 7th grade grades in core classes (reading, math, science, and social studies), and 450 from the CPS HSAT. That means doing well on the test can significantly impact whether a student receives an offer from a top selective enrollment high school.

The CPS HSAT is taken in the fall of a student's 8th grade year and includes two main sections: math and reading comprehension. It is a timed, multiple-choice test, 1-hour in length, that is administered digitally at the student's school (if they are a CPS student) or at a CPS-designated test center (if they are a non-CPS student). The math section includes algebra, data analysis, number operations, geometry, and problem-solving, while the reading section focuses on comprehension, vocabulary in context, and inference-based questions. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so students should be prepared to strategically guess if necessary.

Because students come from so many different schools and grading systems, the CPS HSAT serves as a standardized way for selective enrollment high schools to compare applicants across the city. It's not just about content knowledge, but also about how well students manage time and pressure. That's why preparation matters.

At Test Prep Chicago, we prepare students for every topic covered on the CPS HSAT. Our group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring sessions (click here) include full-length practice tests, targeted homework, and supplemental materials designed to strengthen skills and build confidence over time. Our tutors teach proven test-taking strategies, time-management techniques, and pacing skills to help students stay sharp and focused on test day. By conducting exit interviews with students after they take the real exam, we are able to ensure our practice materials are constantly updated to reflect the latest test trends and content. 

If you're looking for supporting and strategic preparation for the CPS HSAT, TPC Is the place to start.

Questions? Contact zoe@testprepchicago.com.

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:

1. Northside College Preparatory High School, North Park

2. Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Near West Side

3. Albert G. Lane Technical High School, Roscoe Village

4. William Jones College Preparatory High School, Printers Row

5. 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

Five CPS Schools Ranked Among the Best Schools in the US

The latest rankings from U.S. News & World Report have once again placed Chicago Public Schools (CPS) in the national spotlight, with five of its schools securing spots among the top 100 in the country. Walter Payton College Prep, which ranked number 5, increased its ranking by five spots from last year. Renowned for its consistent excellence, Payton has long been hailed as Illinois's premier educational institution and has frequently garnered recognition among the nation's top schools.

Joining Walter Payton are Northside College Prep (No. 35), Whitney Young Magnet High School (No. 52), Jones College Prep (No. 53) and Lane Tech (No. 60). U.S. News & World Report's methodology, which considers various indicators of school quality, including college readiness, state assessment proficiency, and graduation rates, seeks to provide a comprehensive assessment of each institution's performance. These rankings underscore the dedication and hard work of students, educators, parents, and community members.

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

Proposed Bill Aims to Freeze Changes in Chicago Public Schools

Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill aimed at halting Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials from closing schools or altering selective-enrollment programs until a fully elected school board assumes control in 2027. This legislative move follows a decision by Mayor Brandon Johnson's Board of Education in December to focus on providing resources to neighborhood schools, which have suffered from years of funding cuts, rather than prioritizing selective enrollment schools. Johnson's administration has provided reassurance that selective schools won't face severe cuts or closure, since these represent some of the best schools in the country; its goal is rather to expand some of the programming available at selective schools to neighborhood schools.

The proposed bill, sponsored by state Rep. Margaret Croke, would prevent CPS from changing the “standards for admission” to selective enrollment schools. It also seeks to ensure that major decisions about school closures or program changes await the establishment of a fully elected school board. However, critics argue that the bill might hinder efforts to diversify selective programs and address demographic disparities.

Supporters emphasize the need for democratic decision-making and transparency, but concerns remain about the potential consequences of delaying significant educational reforms. The bill's passage would signify a significant shift in governance structure for CPS, impacting everything from admission policies to budget allocations. As debates continue, the bill's fate holds implications not only for Chicago's educational landscape but also for broader discussions surrounding equity, resource allocation, and democratic governance in public education.

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