Chicago HSAT Tutoring | PreACT 9 Prep for CPS Selective Enrollment
Admission to Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools is more competitive than ever. If you are looking for HSAT tutoring in Chicago or PreACT 9 prep, Chitown Tutoring specializes in selective enrollment admissions preparation for CPS students across the city.
Each year, thousands of students compete for limited seats at schools such as Walter Payton College Prep, Northside College Prep, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Jones College Prep, and Lane Tech College Prep. Beginning with the Class of 2030 admissions cycle, Chicago Public Schools replaced the traditional HSAT with the PreACT 9 as part of the selective enrollment admissions process.
Unlike the previous HSAT, which focused primarily on Reading and Mathematics, the new PreACT 9 assesses students in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. This creates additional content areas that students must master before exam day.
At Chitown Tutoring, we specialize in HSAT (PreACT 9) tutoring and selective enrollment admissions preparation for Chicago students. Since 2019, we have helped more than 1,000 students and delivered over 20,000 hours of instruction. Our experienced tutors provide personalized instruction, proven test-taking strategies, and ongoing accountability to help students maximize their admissions potential.
Whether your child is targeting Walter Payton, Whitney Young, Northside, Jones, Lane Tech, or another selective enrollment high school, our HSAT (PreACT 9) tutoring programs are designed to help students perform at their highest level.
What Is the HSAT (PreACT 9)?
The High School Admissions Test (HSAT) has historically been the admissions exam used by Chicago Public Schools for selective enrollment high school admissions. Beginning with the 2025–2026 admissions cycle, CPS transitioned to the PreACT 9.
The PreACT 9 is a nationally recognized assessment developed by ACT that measures a
student’s readiness for high school, college, and future academic success. CPS now uses the PreACT 9 as part of the admissions process for selective enrollment high schools.
The exam evaluates students in four core academic areas: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. Because the exam now covers additional subjects compared to the previous HSAT, students must prepare more broadly than in prior years. For many students, the PreACT 9 serves as one of the most important components of the selective enrollment admissions process.
HSAT (PreACT 9) Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
| Exam Name | PreACT 9 |
| Used By | Chicago Public Schools |
| Purpose | Selective Enrollment High School Admissions |
| Grade Level | 8th Grade Applicants |
| Subjects Tested | English, Mathematics, Reading, Science |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice |
| Testing Time | Approximately 2.5 Hours |
| Calculator Allowed | Yes (Math Only) |
| Admissions Platform | GoCPS |
| Maximum Admissions Score | 900 Points |
Why the HSAT (PreACT 9) Matters
The HSAT (PreACT 9) plays a significant role in selective enrollment admissions. Students are evaluated using a 900-point admissions system.
| Component | Maximum Points |
| Seventh Grade Academic Performance | 450 |
| PreACT 9 Performance | 450 |
| Total Possible Points | 900 |
This means that grades and test performance carry equal weight. A strong PreACT 9 score can help students increase competitiveness during admissions, access rigorous academic programs, gain admission to selective enrollment schools, strengthen confidence in academic abilities, and position themselves for long-term academic success. Because admissions are highly competitive, every point matters.
Who Takes the HSAT (PreACT 9)?
The HSAT (PreACT 9) is intended for students applying to Chicago Public Schools selective enrollment high schools. Most students take the exam during the fall of eighth grade while applying for admission to ninth grade through the GoCPS process.
Students who take the exam include CPS students, charter school students, private school students, Catholic school students, and homeschool students. Many families begin planning for selective enrollment admissions during seventh grade so that students have adequate time to strengthen academic skills and prepare strategically.
HSAT (PreACT 9) Format, Sections, and Testing Logistics
Understanding the structure of the exam is one of the most important aspects of preparation. The PreACT 9 consists of four sections.
| Section | Approximate Questions | Time |
| English | 45 | 30 Minutes |
| Mathematics | 36 | 40 Minutes |
| Reading | 25 | 30 Minutes |
| Science | 30 | 30 Minutes |
| Total | 136 | Approximately 130 Minutes |
English
Topics include grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, usage, pronouns, modifiers, parallel structure, transitions, and word choice.
Mathematics
Topics include arithmetic, fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, linear equations, functions, geometry, statistics, and probability. Students may use an approved calculator during the Mathematics section only.
Reading
Skills include main idea, supporting details, inference, vocabulary in context, author’s purpose, tone, and compare and contrast.
Science
Skills include data representation, graph interpretation, research summaries,
experimental design, scientific reasoning, and conflicting viewpoints. Unlike many classroom science courses, the Science section focuses heavily on interpreting data and drawing conclusions from information provided in charts, graphs, and passages.
How the HSAT (PreACT 9) Is Scored
Selective enrollment admissions continue to use a 900-point system.
Grade-Based Points
Students can earn up to 450 points based on seventh-grade academic performance. Subjects typically considered include Reading / English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies.
PreACT 9 Points
Students can earn up to 450 points based on exam performance. Because the PreACT 9 includes four subject areas, strong performance across all sections is important.
| Composite Score | Competitiveness |
| 890–900 | Extremely Competitive |
| 870–889 | Highly Competitive |
| 850–869 | Competitive |
| 830–849 | Competitive for Some Selective Enrollment Programs |
| Below 830 | Varies by School and Admissions Cycle |
Students should focus on maximizing every available point rather than targeting a minimum score.
Selective Enrollment High Schools in Chicago
Chicago currently offers 11 selective enrollment high schools: Walter Payton College Prep, Northside College Preparatory High School, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Jones College Prep, Lane Tech College Prep, George Westinghouse College Prep, Robert Lindblom Math and Science Academy, Gwendolyn Brooks College Preparatory Academy, King College Prep, South Shore International College Preparatory High School, and Hancock College Preparatory High School.
What score do you need for Walter Payton College Prep?
Walter Payton is the most competitive selective enrollment high school in Chicago. Competitive applicants typically earn composite admissions scores in the upper 890s out of 900. Because the PreACT 9 contributes 450 of those 900 points, strong exam performance is critical for students targeting Walter Payton or Northside College Prep.
How to Register for the HSAT (PreACT 9)
Students register through the GoCPS platform.
- Create a GoCPS Account: Families create a GoCPS account and explore available selective enrollment programs.
- Research Schools: Students review school options and determine which schools align with their goals.
- Submit Applications: Applications must be submitted before published
- Take the PreACT 9: Students complete the assessment on their assigned testing
- Review Admissions Results: Placement offers are released through
Why Start Preparing Early?
Most students benefit from beginning preparation during seventh grade or early eighth grade. Starting early provides more time to strengthen academic skills, greater score improvement potential, reduced test anxiety, better pacing skills, stronger classroom performance, and more opportunities for practice testing. Because the PreACT 9 covers four subjects instead of two, early preparation is more important than ever.
How to Prepare for the HSAT (PreACT 9)
Successful preparation typically includes a diagnostic assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses, followed by a personalized study plan. An effective roadmap is based on current skill level, target schools, academic strengths, and academic weaknesses.
Students must strengthen core skills across English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science. They should also learn effective strategies, developing skills in time management, question prioritization, process of elimination, and strategic guessing. Regularly practicing under timed conditions and taking full-length practice exams help students improve stamina, build confidence, and refine pacing. Reviewing mistakes is one of the fastest ways to improve performance.
Connecting HSAT Prep to High School Success
Preparing for the PreACT 9 builds the same core skills tested on the ACT. Many of our HSAT students go on to use Chitown Tutoring for ACT prep in high school. If your child is already thinking about college admissions, our ACT tutoring page has more information.
Common HSAT (PreACT 9) Mistakes Students Make
Common mistakes include starting preparation too late, focusing only on Math and Reading, ignoring the new English section, neglecting Science preparation, not practicing under timed conditions, rushing through questions, avoiding weak areas, and failing to review mistakes. Students who avoid these mistakes often perform significantly better.
Why Chicago Families Choose Chitown Tutoring
Since 2019, Chitown Tutoring has helped more than 1,000 students and delivered over 20,000 hours of instruction throughout Chicago.
Every student receives a customized tutoring plan based on diagnostic results, academic goals, target schools, and learning needs. Students work with experienced tutors who understand both selective enrollment admissions and the PreACT 9 format. Our data-driven instruction includes diagnostic assessments, progress monitoring, homework assignments, and practice testing. We offer flexible scheduling, including online tutoring, in-person tutoring, and appointments during weekdays, evenings, and weekends.
Proudly Serving Students Across Chicago
Chitown Tutoring proudly serves students throughout Chicago, including Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Roscoe Village, North Center, Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, West Loop, South Loop, Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Kenwood, Beverly, Mount Greenwood, Edison Park, Jefferson Park, Sauganash, and Norwood Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the HSAT the same as the PreACT 9?
A: No. Chicago Public Schools replaced the old 2-subject HSAT with the PreACT 9 starting with the Class of 2030 admissions cycle. The PreACT 9 is a 4-subject exam covering English, Math, Reading, and Science. All students currently applying to CPS selective enrollment high schools take the PreACT 9.
Q: How does the PreACT 9 relate to the ACT?
A: The PreACT 9 is developed by ACT and tests the same four subjects as the ACT, making it an ideal early indicator of ACT readiness. Students who prepare thoroughly for the PreACT 9 are also building skills they will need for the ACT in high school.
Q: What subjects are tested?
A: Students are tested in English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science.
Q: How many questions are on the exam?
A: Students can expect approximately 136 questions across four sections.
Q: Is a calculator allowed?
A: Yes. Approved calculators may be used during the Mathematics section.
Q: When should my child start preparing?
A: Most students benefit from beginning preparation during seventh grade or early eighth grade.
Q: Do you offer online HSAT tutoring in Chicago?
A: Yes. We offer both online and in-person sessions, with flexible scheduling including evenings and weekends.
Q: Does Chitown Tutoring provide practice exams?
A: Yes. Many of our programs include diagnostic assessments, timed practice, and full-length practice exams.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Preparing for the HSAT (PreACT 9) can feel overwhelming, especially with the recent transition from the traditional HSAT to the new four-subject exam. At Chitown Tutoring, our personalized approach helps students strengthen academic skills, improve confidence, and prepare strategically. Schedule your free consultation today.