CPS uses a specific formula to distribute seats fairly across the city:
Short-to-medium term (test prep and application strategy) cps selective enrollment cutoff scores 20242024 updated
To understand the trend, let’s look at how cutoffs have shifted. Generally, cutoffs have compared to the 2023-2024 cycle. CPS uses a specific formula to distribute seats
: If multiple students have identical point totals, CPS uses the HSAT Math Standard Score first, followed by the Reading Standard Score. Chicago Public Schools High School Resources | Chicago Public Schools Chicago Public Schools High School Resources | Chicago
No extra points for attendance, extracurriculars, or interviews.
The 2024 CPS Selective Enrollment cutoffs continue to show a stratified system where socioeconomic Tier heavily influences admission thresholds. Students in Tier 4 must achieve near-perfect composite scores (878+) to attend Northside or Jones, while students in Tier 1 have a realistic path with scores in the low 800s. For families planning for future admissions, early preparation (7th-grade grades, MAP growth, and exam prep) remains essential, but understanding and leveraging Tier status is equally critical.