Some more info here from Test Prep Chicago (not an endorsement, just where the info came from): https://www.testprepchicago.com/selective-enrollment-high-school-admissions-cps-hsat

Dear Parents,

Yesterday, CPS announced to school leaders that, beginning this fall, the CPS HSAT test will be replaced by a new exam, the PreACT 9 Secure. This test will be the new exam used for the GoCPS high school admissions process, and will be offered to all 8th-grade students.

Test Prep Chicago is a licensed participant in the NTPA ACT Affiliate Tutor Program. Through our connection, we have been aware that such a change might occur, and our team had already begun creating new PreACT 9 Secure curriculum. As such, students enrolled or looking to enroll in any courses or one-day workshops, or students beginning individual tutoring, can be assured that the content they are being taught will reflect the content seen on the new exam. All of our scheduled courses and one-day Palooza workshops will continue to run as planned, with the new PreACT 9 Secure content instead of the old CPS HSAT curriculum.

Overall, students can expect the following changes when taking the new exam:

The PreACT 9 Secure is a longer test than the CPS HSAT. The CPS HSAT lasted one hour, while the PreACT 9 Secure will last approximately two and a half hours.

The PreACT 9 Secure includes 4 sections, while the CPS HSAT only included 2. The CPS HSAT had a 30-minute Math section and a 30-minute Reading section; the PreACT 9 Secure will have a 35-minute ELA section, 40-minute Reading section, 45-minute Math section, and 35-minute Science section.

The PreACT 9 Secure will only be available in English, though it will still have accommodations for ESL students. The CPS HSAT had been available in multiple languages, but the PreACT 9 Secure will not have this option available.

For families who have already begun individual tutoring for the CPS HSAT, we will be reaching out to you directly with more information and suggestions on how to move forward. Note that much of the math and reading content on the old CPS HSAT and current PreACT 9 Secure is quite similar, so time already spent on CPS HSAT tutoring has been applicable to the new exam. Continuing to work on this material in individual tutoring, and to work on our HSPT ELA material, will be beneficial in preparing students for the new test.

Later this week, CPS will be sending out an email to all CPS parents about the exam change and officially announcing the official timeline for the GoCPS admissions process (see below). In the meantime, you can learn more about the PreACT 9 Secure here.

Please reach out to our team with any questions at info@testprepchicago.com, or call our office at 312-848-1266.

GoCPS Admissions Process Timeline

Application Opens: Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 10am

PreACT 9 Secure Testing for CPS Students: Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Application Closes: Friday, November 13, 2026 at 5pm

Initial High School Offers Released: Friday, February 12, 2027