One-third of the entrance score is determined by your child’s performance on the Selective Enrollment High School Entrance Exam.  Smart Kids’ Selective Prep’s course will review the entire Exam’s Reading, Math, Language, and Vocabulary topics and discuss optimal test-taking techniques. 

 

 

Selective Enrollment High Schools

 

The Selective Enrollment High School selection process is based on a point system, with a maximum of 900 points.  Criteria for selection are based on an application score, which balances entrance exam results with standardized test scores, and final classroom grades. 

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The application score consists of: 

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• The entrance exam (33 1/3% or 300 points)

• 7th grade reading and math test results (33 1/3% or 300 points)

• 7th grade reading, math, science and social studies grades (33 1/3% or 300 points)

 

 

For a copy of the scoring rubric that identifies

the points allotted for these three areas: 

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The Selective Enrollment Entrance Exam is given from October through January to 8th grade students seeking admission to one of the Selective Enrollment High Schools.  The same exam and process is used by all schools.  Students must achieve a 24% or above in Reading and Math on the MAP test to sit for this exam.

 

The exam format may change from year to year.  The exam, including administrative time, lasts about three hours. There are no essay sections on the exam.

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Smart Kids’ Selective Enrollment Prep. tutoring program provides a rigorous review of the concepts that will be covered on the exam. That way, students are well prepared for the Selective Enrollment Entrance Exam, regardless of the ultimate format chosen by CPS.

 

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Reading Comprehension

The reading section assesses comprehension of two types of reading material:

• Non-fiction (e.g., science, social studies, humanities, general information, etc.)

• Fiction (e.g., poems, dialogue, short stories, etc.)

 

The test questions cover various comprehension skills from the basic literal level up to the inferential and critical levels of reading comprehension. Students will also be tested for their ability to analyze words (e.g., idioms, metaphors, etc.) and to interpret word meanings given a particular context.

 

 

Mathematics

The math section assesses the ability to compute as well as apply math concepts to problem-solving situations.  Word problems are emphasized.  No formula sheets or calculators are permitted.

 

Topics include:

• fractions and decimals

• arithmetic

• number properties

• percent

• scientific notation

• ratios & proportions

• algebra

• probability

• interpretation of graphs

• geometry

 

Language

The language section assesses:

• punctuation

• capitalization

• application of grammatical concepts

• language expression

• word manipulation

• recognition of effective sentence structure and writing style

 

Vocabulary

The vocabulary section assesses:

• your child's knowledge of word roots, prefixes, and suffixes

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Admission

Visit the website for the Office of Access and Enrollment for more information.