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.