News
CPS High School Admissions Test Paused Due to Technical Difficulties
Due to technical difficulties, CPS has delayed High School Admissions Testing for many public schools across the city. In an email today to principals and network leadership, CPS assessment officials stated that many schools were experiencing technical issues with the testing platform.
Some schools were able to access the test with no issues. In email communications, it was indicated that students who finish the test today will be able to use their scores in their GoCPS applications. Any school that experienced difficulties was instructed to stop testing and wait for a rescheduled date, which will be shared “as soon as possible”.
Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
Early Literacy Gains in CPS Schools
CPS leadership has reported “significant literacy gains” amongst Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students. According to 2022-23 assessments, CPS students outperformed growth expectations, with the percentage of mid and above-grade level students rising from 9% to 39%.
CPS literacy practices include explicit foundational skills instruction, process-based writing, opportunities for knowledge building, and supporting literacy in students’ first language to facilitate transfer to a second language.
The district implemented a suite of i-Ready assessments last year, which enable educators to identify student needs and closely monitor literacy progress. Though significant challenges still exist for many schools in the city, the district is committed to ensuring access to high-quality resources and increasing equity in literacy outcomes across the city.
Additional efforts include the development of a Pre-K early literacy curriculum, which is expected to be implemented in 100 schools by the end of the 2023-24 school year.
Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
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
2023-24 College Application Tips for Rising Seniors
With the start of the school year, rising seniors who intend to attend college will need to keep track of the steps for a successful college application. To navigate this transition successfully, here are some essential steps that rising seniors should get a head start on as the summer draws to a close.
1. Narrow Down Your List - The world of higher education offers many options that cater to different interests and aspirations. As a rising senior, it's crucial to start narrowing down your college list. Reflect on your academic and extracurricular passions, preferred location, campus culture, and potential majors. By identifying colleges that align with your values and goals, you'll make the application process more manageable and focused.
2. Visit College Campuses - While virtual tours have become a convenient way to explore campuses, there's no substitute for an in-person visit. If possible, consider visiting the campuses of your top choices. Walking through the quads, attending information sessions, and engaging with current students can provide invaluable insights into the college environment. These firsthand experiences can help you gauge whether a particular institution feels like the right fit for you.
3. Draft Your College Essay - The college essay is your opportunity to paint a vivid picture of your personality, experiences, and aspirations. The College Board essays, widely used by many institutions, offer seven prompts that encourage introspection and self-expression. The 2023-24 prompts have already been released - use this summer to brainstorm, draft, and refine your essays. Allow your authentic voice to shine through, showcasing your uniqueness and leaving a lasting impression on the admissions committee.
4. Ask for Letters of Recommendation - Letters of recommendation provide a glimpse into your character and accomplishments from the perspective of teachers, mentors, or supervisors. Choose individuals who can speak to your strengths, work ethic, and potential contributions to a college community. Reach out to these individuals early, providing them with ample time to craft thoughtful and personalized recommendations that will bolster your application.
5. Make a Plan for Standardized Tests - Standardized tests, such as the SAT and ACT, continue to be a part of the college application landscape for many institutions. Determine which tests are required or recommended by the colleges on your list. Based on this information, create a study plan that allows you to allocate time for test preparation while balancing other commitments. Practice tests, review materials, and online resources can be valuable assets in your test prep journey.
Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
Chicago High Schools Ranked Among Best in Country
In the most recent study conducted by US News & World Report, Walter Payton College Prep High School in Chicago was ranked the fifth best high public high school in the country. The 2022 report ranked 18,000 schools across the U.S. based on factors such as college readiness, curriculum breadth, underserved student performance, graduation rate, and state assessment performance.
Of other schools in Chicago, Northside College Prep came 31st, Jones College Prep came in at 51st, and Whitney Young Magnet High School was 67th.
Walter Payton has ranked as a top school in Illinois for several years. This year, using data from Niche, high schools were ranked according to similar criteria including culture and diversity, health and safety, extracurriculars, and academic performance. The top four schools were Walter Payton, Northside College Prep, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy in Aurora, and Whitney Young Magnet High School.
Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
CPS Opens Welcome Center for Migrant Families
Chicago Public Schools has announced the opening of the Welcome Center at Roberto Clemente Community Academy, the first of its planned centers aimed at providing resources to migrant families. The center gives families assistance with enrolling children in school, measuring English language level, and accessing health care and social services. According to CPS leadership, the welcome center will allow for the assessment of a student’s needs and provide that child with placement in a suitable learning environment.
CPS has partnered with the Department of Family and Support Services as well as Erie Family Health Centers to provide health screenings and necessary vaccinations for school enrollment. In addition, the Welcome Center will connect families with bilingual services and mental health resources. Walk-ins are not accepted, and appointments should be made ahead of time.
A new model in Chicago, CPS will consider expanding the program depending on ongoing need and success. These supports already exist for all CPS students, but the Welcome Center is designed to consolidate them for families needing extra support as they transition to the city.
Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
Considerations When Applying to Test-Optional Colleges
An increased number of colleges and universities across the country went to a test-optional admissions process during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it appears that many of these schools are making the changes permanent. In a test-optional landscape, there are several important factors to consider to optimize your college application.
An important consideration is that your grades may be weighted more if you do not submit a test score. If you do not feel your grades are indicative of your academic potential, a strong test score would augment your application. Alternatively, if your grades are strong and you tend to score poorly on tests, an admissions exam may not be as appropriate. The same can be said for extracurricular activities and achievements–keep in mind that these parts of your application may be more closely scrutinized in the event that you do not submit a test score.
Additionally, be sure to check if the school to which you are applying is test-optional (meaning you get to decide if you submit any scores), test-flexible (meaning they will consider additional tests other than the SAT or the ACT), or test-blind (meaning they will not consider test scores even if you submit them). Some schools that are test-optional for admissions require test scores to be considered for merit-based scholarships, so make sure you understand the policy of each school.
Understanding the various options available to you will allow to you choose a path forward that will best highlight your skills and interests to the admissions committee.
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
Will You Take the Digital or Paper SAT?
You may be wondering if you will take the digital or the paper-pencil version of the SAT. In short, it will depend on your location and your class year!
International testing centers have transitioned fully to the digital SAT, so if you do not live in the USA, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands, you will be taking the test digitally.
Otherwise, it will depend on several factors. If you are a member of the class of 2024, you will take the paper test. If you are in the class of 2025 and taking the SAT in the fall of your junior year or earlier, you will also take the paper test. Members of the class of 2025 who plan to test in the spring of their junior year or later will take the digital version, as will members of the class of 2026 and all future classes.
Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266
CPS and CPL Summer Programming Begins
CPS summer programming started on Monday, June 26th and will run until August 4th. These include academic programs to provide students with extra academic support, enrichment programs to challenge students with collaborative and creative thinking, transition programs to support students with academic transitions, and athletic programs. While registration for most programs is closed, a list of CPS programs currently running can be found here.
CPS is also offering meals Monday-Friday from 10am to 12 pm between June 20th and August 9th. Children up to the age of 18 are able to receive meals, even if not enrolled in CPS. Additionally, students enrolled in summer school programming will receive breakfast and lunch during the day. More details on the summer LunchStop program can be found here.
In addition, CPS is partnering with the Chicago Public Library for literacy programming. Library programming for kids and teens takes place throughout the city and is listed here.
Anna Jordan, Tutoring Coordinator
anna@testprepchicago.com
(312) 848-1266