Chicago Selective Enrollment Admissions: A Current Parent’s Guide
A current 2027–28 overview of the CPS PreACT 9 Secure HSAT, 640-point scoring formula, tiers, rankings, and preparation.
Chicago Selective Enrollment admissions combine academic records, the CPS High School Admissions Test, program rankings, available seats, and address tiers. For the 2027–28 application cycle, the HSAT is the PreACT 9 Secure.
The admissions components
For applicable points-based programs, CPS uses 640 total points: up to 320 from final seventh-grade GPA and up to 320 from the HSAT. Grade points equal GPA × 80. HSAT points equal the PreACT 9 Secure Composite × 10, and CPS states that this Composite is based on English, Reading, and Math.
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.