HSAT TEST PREP CHICAGO: Demystifying the HSAT: A Parent's Guide to Chicago's Admissions Test 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

For parents of 7th and 8th graders in Chicago, the high school admissions process can feel like a complex puzzle. The centerpiece of this process for Selective Enrollment High Schools is the HSAT, or the High School Admissions Test. Understanding this test is crucial to helping your child navigate their journey to a top school.

This blog post is designed for you—the parent—to help you decode the HSAT, understand its importance, and provide your child with the support they need to succeed.

Why the HSAT Matters So Much

The CPS High School Admissions Test is far more than just another standardized exam. It's a key part of the official GoCPS application, and it holds significant weight.

The admissions score for Selective Enrollment High Schools is a 900-point total. A whopping 450 of those points come directly from your child's HSAT score. The remaining 450 points are determined by their final grades from seventh grade. This 50/50 split means that a strong test performance is just as important as a strong academic record.

What to Expect on Test Day

The HSAT is a computer-based exam that's streamlined for efficiency. It is a single-take test with no do-overs. The entire test takes just about one hour to complete and is divided into two sections.

  • Reading (30 minutes): This section measures reading comprehension and analytical skills. Students will read various passages—both fiction and non-fiction—and answer questions about the main idea, vocabulary in context, and drawing inferences.

  • Mathematics (30 minutes): This portion of the test evaluates problem-solving and quantitative reasoning. It covers a wide range of math topics, including algebra, geometry, data analysis, and number properties. It's important to note that no calculator is allowed.

5 Practical Tips for Parents and Students to Prepare

As a parent, your support can make all the difference. Here are five actionable tips to help your child prepare for the HSAT.

  1. Start the Conversation Early: Talk about the admissions process with your child well before their eighth-grade year. Discuss their interests and goals for high school. This helps them feel empowered and reduces anxiety when it's time to prepare.

  2. Focus on Skills, Not Just Content: The HSAT isn't about memorizing facts. It's about demonstrating core academic skills. Encourage your child to read challenging books and articles, and work on their problem-solving abilities in math. This builds the fundamental skills the test measures.

  3. Simulate the Testing Environment: The best way to reduce test-day anxiety is through practice. Use a timed, online practice test that replicates the actual HSAT. This helps your child get comfortable with the test format and time limits, so there are no surprises on test day.

  4. Emphasize Time Management: With only 30 minutes per section, pacing is critical. Teach your child strategies like not getting stuck on a single difficult question. Since there's no guessing penalty, they should be prepared to move on and fill in an answer for every question.

  5. Build a Positive Mindset: Reassure your child that their worth isn't tied to a test score. Celebrate their effort and hard work. A positive and supportive environment at home can significantly boost their confidence and performance.

Ready to Start Practicing?

Getting familiar with the HSAT format and time limits is a huge advantage. To give your child the best chance at success, they need a practice test that's as close to the real thing as possible.

Visit cpshsat.com to get access to a full-length, timed practice test designed to help your child feel prepared and confident for the Chicago HSAT. Start preparing for their future today!