Chicago Selective Enrollment Admissions: A Current Parent’s Guide
A current overview of the CPS PreACT 9 Secure HSAT, 50/50 grades-and-test framework, tiers, rankings, and preparation for 2026–27.
Chicago Selective Enrollment admissions combine academic records, the CPS High School Admissions Test, program rankings, available seats, and address tiers. For 2026–27, the HSAT is the PreACT 9 Secure.
The admissions components
CPS has confirmed that applicable points-based programs will use final seventh-grade marks for 50% of the selection points and HSAT performance for the other 50%. The detailed PreACT 9 conversion is expected near the start of the school year.
The tier system
CPS offers the first 30% of seats to the highest-scoring applicants citywide. The remaining 70% are divided among the four socioeconomic tiers, with students competing by total points within their assigned tier.
Ranking matters
Students may rank up to six Selective Enrollment programs. The selection process attempts to produce one best offer based on the student’s ranking, total points, and seat availability.
The test
The PreACT 9 Secure includes English, math, reading, and science and is taken once. Current CPS students generally test at school, while non-CPS students register through GoCPS for a designated testing session.
A preparation timeline
Begin with a baseline, strengthen high-frequency content, add timed section work, and complete realistic full-test simulations. Protect seventh-grade grades because they remain half of the framework.
Build a Plan Around the Student
Elevate begins with the student’s current skills, timing patterns, school goals, and testing timeline.
Apply for a Strategy ConsultationPreACT, ACT, CPS, GoCPS, HSPT, and the Archdiocese of Chicago are referenced for informational purposes. Elevate Academic Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by ACT, Chicago Public Schools, Scholastic Testing Service, or the Archdiocese of Chicago.