Jones College Prep: A Chicago Selective Enrollment High School Standout

Jones College Prep, located in the heart of downtown Chicago, is one of the city's most sought-after selective enrollment high schools. With its blend of academic excellence, vibrant student life, and a central location that provides unique learning opportunities, Jones has become a destination for students aiming for both scholarly achievement and personal growth.

Jones College Prep is known for its rigorous academic curriculum and high-performing student body. The school offers a comprehensive slate of Advanced Placement courses, including over 20 AP options across subjects such as calculus, biology, U.S. history, and computer science. Students at Jones consistently earn top-tier standardized test scores, with an average SAT score around 1320. The school's graduation rate remains high, and students regularly exceed state benchmarks in both math and reading proficiency. This level of performance is a reflection not only of the school’s strong academic culture but also of the dedicated faculty who support and challenge students to reach their full potential.

What makes Jones especially unique is its downtown location, which creates access to museums, cultural institutions, and internship opportunities. This campus is part of what sets Jones apart from other selective enrollment schools, as it integrates the resources of the city into its educational model, offering students real-world exposure and experiential learning opportunities few schools can match. This means that Jones can be a great option for students looking to work or attend college in the city of Chicago after graduation, or students who learn best in hands-on environments.

Beyond academics, Jones College Prep is known for its dynamic extracurricular programs. Whether students are interested in the arts, STEM, athletics, or service, there’s something for everyone. The school has a strong robotics team, a competitive Model UN program, and well-regarded visual and performing arts departments. Music ensembles, theater productions, and academic teams all contribute to a lively student culture. Athletically, Jones fields competitive teams across a variety of sports, including soccer, cross country, and volleyball. Clubs and student organizations also play a huge role in campus life, with students regularly leading initiatives in civic engagement, environmental advocacy, and social justice.

Admission to Jones College Prep remains highly competitive. Like all of Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools, applicants must take the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT), which is coming up soon in October. For students aiming to earn a seat at Jones, strong test preparation can make all the difference.

That’s where Test Prep Chicago comes in. Through our group courses (click here), one-day workshops (click here), and one-on-one tutoring sessions (click here), we help students master the content and strategies necessary to excel on the CPS HSAT. 

Stay tuned as we continue spotlighting Chicago’s top selective enrollment high schools!

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School: A Leader Among Chicago’s Selective Enrollment High Schools

Whitney M. Young Magnet High School stands as one of Chicago’s most esteemed and consistently top-ranked selective enrollment high schools. Named after civil rights leader Whitney Young, it opened in the 1970s and was Chicago’s first public magnet high school. Since then, it has remained one of the city’s most competitive schools for admissions.

Academically, Whitney Young offers a rigorous, college-preparatory oriented curriculum that includes a broad selection of Advanced Placement courses (approximately 31 to 33 options). Students achieve both a high SAT average (around 1350) and a solid average ACT score (about 31). These metrics reflect strong college readiness among its student body. Student performance in-class is equally impressive. The school achieves a graduation rate near 99%, and its students score in the top percentile on state proficiency exams. In math, about 91% of students reach proficiency, and in reading, about 89%.

Whitney Young also offers a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. The school boasts a large number of student clubs, strong performing arts programs, and a competitive athletics department that regularly achieves success in district and regional competitions, specifically in boys' basketball. Most notably, Whitney Young has a nationally recognized debate team and STEM-related/academic programs, meaning it is the perfect place for a student gravitating toward a career in politics or law. They also have a decorated speech program and theatre program, making it a magnet for artistic students!

Admissions to Whitney Young remain highly competitive. Students must perform strongly on the CPS selective enrollment test, and acceptance is considered difficult to attain. If you have a student hoping to attend Whitney Young, Test Prep Chicago can help. Through group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here), or personalized one-on-one tutoring (click here), our programs help to prepare students for the CPS HSAT through full-length practice exams, targeted homework assignments, and expert test-taking strategies. We continually update our materials based on student feedback and evolving exam trends.

Stay tuned — over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting more of Chicago’s top selective enrollment schools to help families make informed choices about CPS high school options.

Spotlighting Lane Tech College Prep: What Makes this Selective Enrollment High School Stand Out

Lane Tech College Prep is one of Chicago’s most prominent and competitive selective enrollment high schools. Founded in 1908, it was renamed to its current title to highlight its college-preparatory emphasis. It remains one of the oldest and largest high schools in Illinois, serving over 4,500 students.

Academically, Lane Tech offers a rigorous curriculum, built to prepare students for success in college. The school's curriculum features over 100 electives and course options. Lane Tech also offers a robust Advanced Placement (AP) program featuring over 32 options, where every student is expected to take at least one AP course. This diversity of subjects, from STEM to languages to the arts, is ideal for students seeking depth, specificity, and variety in their academic programming.

Lane Tech students consistently perform at high academic levels. The graduation rate is approximately 96%, and students average an SAT score of 1290 and an ACT score of 29, indicating that students begin their senior year at Lane Tech prepared for college applications, and finish it ready for the college experience.

In addition to academics, Lane Tech is well-known for its vibrant extracurricular offerings, including a wide array of clubs, fine arts, STEM programs, and sports teams that contribute to a dynamic student experience. Notably, Lane Tech has a long-standing reputation as one of the most athletically competitive high schools in CPS, consistently performing well in city competitions and qualifying for state-level events. For students looking for a wide array of extracurriculars, athletic opportunities, and academic rigor, Lane Tech is a strong option. 

For students aiming to attend Lane Tech, Test Prep Chicago offers targeted CPS HSAT preparation to help build confidence and performance on test day. Through group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here), or personalized one-on-one tutoring (click here), our programs help to prepare students for the CPS HSAT through full-length practice exams, targeted homework assignments, and expert test-taking strategies. We continually update our materials based on student feedback and evolving exam trends.

Stay tuned — over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting more of Chicago’s top selective enrollment schools to help families make informed choices about CPS high school options.

Test Prep Chicago Partnership with Pinpoint Learning on August 30: A New Version of TPC's Test Prep Palooza One-Day Workshop for the CPS HSAT with Advanced Post-Exam Report

Test Prep Chicago is excited to announce a new CPS HSAT Palooza Workshop, created in partnership with the learning scientists at Pinpoint Learning. The 1-day workshop will take place this Saturday, August 30, at 10am at Horner Park.

Students will experience the authentic testing environment, exam material, and expert post-exam review that Test Prep Chicago is known for, plus gain exclusive access to Pinpoint, a PhD-designed testing tool that gives each student personalized insights into how they can improve.

Why We're Excited About Pinpoint

Pinpoint helps students understand the why behind every mistake. While traditional tests might stop at showing what answer they got wrong and which answer would be correct, Pinpoint goes further, prompting students to reflect on each error and uncover its root cause, so they can get the most out of every practice test.

Each student attending the workshop on Saturday will receive a Pinpoint Report analyzing their performance in four key areas:

- Reasons for Errors
- Problem Types
- Time Management
- Mindset Barriers

This gives every student a clear, research-backed path to improvement, so their prep time is focused and effective.

Students who have used Pinpoint report feeling less anxious, more motivated, and more confident, thanks to having a personalized plan they can follow with clarity and purpose.

Together, Test Prep Chicago and Pinpoint Learning will give students the tools they need to reach their full potential. With over a decade of experience helping students succeed on the CPS HSAT, and a science-backed system for personal growth, this workshop is designed to deliver real results.

If your student is preparing to take the CPS HSAT, we would love to see them at the workshop! Sign up for the workshop (Click Here) before it fills up!

Spotlighting Northside College Prep: What Makes this Chicago Selective Enrollment High School Special

Northside College Prep is consistently ranked as one of the top selective enrollment high schools in Chicago. Known for its rigorous academic program, cutting-edge facilities, and strong college admissions record, Northside is a top choice for high-performing, academically-oriented students.

Regularly listed among the best public high schools in the country, Northside offers a well-rounded, academically-focused experience. Every academic course at Northside is taught at either an Honors or Advanced Placement (AP) level, giving students the opportunity to choose from approximately 24 AP classes across disciplines including math, science, English, and Social studies. Northside also employs the Interactive Mathematics Program (IMP), a nationally recognized alternative to traditional high school math curriculum, and offers advanced math courses such as Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, and Discrete Mathematics. Additionally, students participate in a weekly Colloquium, a unique enrichment program that allows them to explore diverse topics outside the traditional curriculum. These aspects of Northside make it one of the most academically rigorous high schools in Chicago, perfect for a highly driven, academically focused student who learns well in challenging environments. While Northside offers a variety of extracurriculars, including successful sports teams and student-led clubs, its defining feature is its strong academic culture and high expectations. 

As a result, Northside is also ideal for students looking to get a competitive edge during the college application process. Students at Northside regularly achieve high standardized test scores and college acceptance rates, with over 99% of graduates going on to attend college, many at highly selective institutions.

With that being said, Northside also has a unique commitment to student wellness and holistic learning. Despite it being a challenging environment, Northside employs a block schedule and advisory system that are designed to reduce stress, which can be a rarity among high-pressure academic institutions. This makes Northside particularly attractive to students who want academic rigor without sacrificing mental well-being.

Admission to Northside is extremely competitive, based on a combination of seventh-grade core subject grades and performance on the CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT). For students looking to attend Northside, Test Prep Chicago offers expert test prep.

Whether you're interested in a small-group course, a 1-day intensive workshop, or personalized one-on-one tutoring, our offerings include full-length practice exams, strategic homework, and targeted instruction. Our tutors emphasize proven test strategies, time management skills, and pacing to help students feel confident and capable on test day. With ongoing feedback from real students, we continually update our materials to reflect the latest exam trends.

Want to learn more about how we can support your student on the path to Northside? Explore our group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here), or individual tutoring sessions (click here).

Stay tuned -- we’ll be spotlighting more top selective enrollment schools in the coming weeks to help families make informed choices about their CPS high school options.

High School Entrance Exam Dates Announced for 2026–2027 Cycle — Prep Options Now Open

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) has officially announced test dates for the 2026–2027 high school admissions cycle. Below, find a list of key dates, along with test prep options from Test Prep Chicago!

Key Test Dates:

CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT)

• Oct. 8: CPS Students

• Oct. 15: Alternative Language Testing

• Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26: Non-CPS Students

The GoCPS application portal will open Sept. 23 at 10 AM and close Nov. 14 at 5 PM. You can learn more at go.cps.edu.

Parochial School Entrance Exam (HSPT)

• Dec. 6 (First Saturday in December)

Registration and details are handled by the individual schools.

Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)

• Fall: August–November

• Winter: December–March

• Spring: April–July

Students may take the ISEE once per season. Learn more on ERB’s website here.

Prep with Test Prep Chicago:

TPC offers a range of prep options to help students get ready for all of these High School Entrance Exams:

• 16-Hour Courses: Focused on math, reading, and test strategies for the HSAT, HSPT, and ISEE. Includes diagnostic/final exams and supplemental material. Click here to sign up.

• One-Day Palooza Workshops: A four-hour workshop simulating real test environments with pizza lunch and step-by-step review included. Click here to sign up.

• Individual Tutoring: Personalized sessions using the full prep curriculum for students seeking one-on-one support. Click here to sign up.

The Importance of Test Preparation and How It Translates Beyond the Classroom

Standardized tests are a consistent part of life, from school assessments to professional certifications. Unlike intelligence or aptitude tests, these exams measure acquired skills, which can be improved through deliberate practice. As a result, test preparation is a powerful tool that not only raises test scores but also builds broader academic and personal skills. Effective test prep delivers targeted strategies, repeated exposure to test formats, and enhanced familiarity with content, which significantly boost a student’s confidence and performance.

One of the key benefits of test preparation is the development of executive function skills, such as time management, organization, and planning. These skills are not only crucial for academic performance but also highly transferable to other aspects of life, including college coursework and professional responsibilities. Test prep teaches students to build study plans, prioritize their weaknesses, and manage the stress and logistics of test day, all of which contribute to long-term success beyond the exam itself.

Test preparation also acts as a diagnostic tool, helping students identify their specific academic weaknesses and tailor their study efforts accordingly. By working through practice tests and receiving feedback, students can better understand their learning styles and adapt more effective study habits. This process of self-assessment not only improves performance on the specific standardized test but fosters deeper academic awareness and adaptability.

Perhaps most importantly, test preparation instills a growth mindset. As students face challenges, make mistakes, and improve through hard work, they develop resilience, discipline, and a sense of agency. The journey from feeling like a “bad tester” to seeing tangible results reinforces the belief that effort leads to achievement. This emotional growth, combined with academic skill-building, ensures that the impact of test prep extends well beyond test day and becomes a foundational part of a student’s personal development.

Spotlighting Walter Payton College Prep: What Makes the Selective Enrollment School so Coveted

Walter Payton College Prep is widely regarded as the most competitive of Chicago’s selective enrollment high schools, and for good reason. Consistently ranked among the top public high schools in the country, Payton offers a rigorous academic environment, exceptional faculty, and incredible preparation for a student's college application process, and later college experience.

Students benefit from a wide range of AP courses, high college placement rates, and unique global learning programs that include study abroad and language immersion. The school fosters a culture of intellectual curiosity and leadership, supported by modern facilities including science labs, a black box theater, and a competition gym. This means that Walter Payton is an ideal school for students who are high achievers academically, while also harboring a lot of extracurriculars and additional interests.

Payton attracts a diverse group of students, including high-achieving scholars, aspiring scientists and engineers, world-language enthusiasts, artists, musicians, and more. While there is a strong sports program, it’s especially well-suited for students who are academically driven and excited by a high-energy, achievement-focused culture.

Admission is highly competitive and based on seventh-grade core grades and the CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT).

Test Prep Chicago offers expert guidance and test preparation to help students succeed on the CPS HSAT and gain admission to top schools like Payton. In the coming weeks, we’ll be profiling other selective enrollment high schools to help families understand their options.

Interested in learning more about how we can support your student through their CPS HSAT prep? Our group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring sessions (click here) include full-length practice tests, targeted homework, and supplemental materials designed to strengthen skills and build confidence over time. Our tutors teach proven test-taking strategies, time-management techniques, and pacing skills to help students stay sharp and focused on test day. By conducting exit interviews with students after they take the real exam, we are able to ensure our practice materials are constantly updated to reflect the latest test trends and content. 

Questions? Contact zoe@testprepchicago.com.

Dealing with Test Anxiety: Strategies for Staying Calm & Confident

Feeling nervous before a big test like the SAT, ACT, CPS HSAT, HSPT, or ISEE? You're not alone; many students deal with test anxiety at some point. Anxiety isn't something you just feel; it also influences what you think and how you behave. When a stressful thought pops up, it can trigger physical tension, mental fog, or even panic. That feeling can lead to procrastination, rushing, blanking, or zoning out.

Therefore, finding ways to minimize anxiety and negative thinking can help improve your performance on tests of all kinds. Luckily, there are many simple, practical ways to ease anxiety and help you walk into your exam feeling confident!

1. Be Prepared

One of the most effective ways to calm your nerves is to make sure you're truly prepared. This means:

• Taking full-length practice tests to get familiar with timing and structure

• Reviewing what you got wrong and figuring out why

• Creating a realistic study schedule and sticking to it

When you know what to expect, the test feels less like a mystery, and more like something you can handle!

2. Make Studying Less Stressful

Mix in some low-stress activities before and after your study sessions. Take a short walk, listen to music, draw, or even watch a short episode of your favorite show. Enjoying the time before and after your study sessions can help prevent burnout, and makes your study time more productive.

On that note, be sure not to cram the night before you take the exam. Instead, do a quick review, and then focus on relaxing. Make sure you get a good night's sleep, drink lots of water, and have a meal you enjoy the night before, so you can wake up bright and early to be ready for your test the next day!

3. Take Advantage of Breaks

Studying for long hours without a break can leave you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. Working in focused blocks of time (50-60 minutes) and taking a 5 minute break between each block, can help you maintain stamina and retain the information you're learning. Get up, stretch, and reset!

During the actual test, make the most of your scheduled breaks. Move around, hydrate, and reset. Even short mental breaks can help you refocus and avoid mid-exam burnout.

4. Talk Back to Anxiety

Anxious thoughts often show up before and during a test. Challenge them with facts. For example:

• Anxious Thought: "I'm going to fail."

• Your Response: "I've studied, taken practice tests, and I know the material. I'm ready for this."

Positive self-talk can help improve focus and performance. It's not about pretending everything is perfect, but instead reminding yourself of the truth.

5. Breathe

When stress spikes, take a moment to take a few deep breaths. Try this pattern:

• Inhale for 4 seconds

• Hold for 4 seconds

• Exhale for 4 seconds

• Repeat!

This helps calm your body and clear your mind, whether you're studying or sitting in the testing room.

6. Celebrate Your Effort

After you study or finish your test, reward yourself. Whether it's a favorite snack, movie night, or quality time with friends and family, celebrating your effort (not just the outcome) builds positive associations with the process and helps reduce future anxiety.

At Test Prep Chicago, we specialize in helping students feel confident and ready for important exams like the CPS HSAT, ISEE, HSPT, ACT, and SAT. Whether your child is looking for a structured group course (click here), a focused, one-day workshop (click here), or individual tutoring sessions (click here), our programs are designed to build skills, reduce anxiety, and boost performance.

We offer:

• Full length practice tests to build familiarity, confidence, and stamina

• Targeted lessons and homework to strengthen key areas

• Tutoring that teaches effective test-taking strategies, important material, and time management

• Ongoing updates to our materials based on student feedback from recent exams

If you are looking for a supportive path to test success, Test Prep Chicago is the way to go!

How Selective Enrollment Schools Use the CPS HSAT: Why It Matters & What It Tests

For students applying to Chicago's selective enrollment high schools, the CPS High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT) is a major factor that is worth 50% of the total admission score. CPS uses a 900-point system to evaluate applicants: 450 points from 7th grade grades in core classes (reading, math, science, and social studies), and 450 from the CPS HSAT. That means doing well on the test can significantly impact whether a student receives an offer from a top selective enrollment high school.

The CPS HSAT is taken in the fall of a student's 8th grade year and includes two main sections: math and reading comprehension. It is a timed, multiple-choice test, 1-hour in length, that is administered digitally at the student's school (if they are a CPS student) or at a CPS-designated test center (if they are a non-CPS student). The math section includes algebra, data analysis, number operations, geometry, and problem-solving, while the reading section focuses on comprehension, vocabulary in context, and inference-based questions. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so students should be prepared to strategically guess if necessary.

Because students come from so many different schools and grading systems, the CPS HSAT serves as a standardized way for selective enrollment high schools to compare applicants across the city. It's not just about content knowledge, but also about how well students manage time and pressure. That's why preparation matters.

At Test Prep Chicago, we prepare students for every topic covered on the CPS HSAT. Our group courses (click here), 1-day workshops (click here) and individual tutoring sessions (click here) include full-length practice tests, targeted homework, and supplemental materials designed to strengthen skills and build confidence over time. Our tutors teach proven test-taking strategies, time-management techniques, and pacing skills to help students stay sharp and focused on test day. By conducting exit interviews with students after they take the real exam, we are able to ensure our practice materials are constantly updated to reflect the latest test trends and content. 

If you're looking for supporting and strategic preparation for the CPS HSAT, TPC Is the place to start.

Questions? Contact zoe@testprepchicago.com.