The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Selective Enrollment high school admissions process remains one of the most competitive academic arenas in Illinois. For families aiming for a spot at top-tier institutions like Walter Payton, Northside Prep, or Whitney Young, understanding the cutoff scores is essential.
The selection process then unfolds in two key phases:
: Generally lower, with cutoffs often ranging between 440–540 depending on the tier.
The "cutoff score" is the (out of 900) required to receive an initial offer for a specific school. For the top-tier schools, scores remained extremely competitive: Walter Payton College Prep cps selective enrollment cutoff scores 20242024 updated
Disclaimer: Scores are based on initial round data released by CPS for the 2024-2025 cycle. Cutoffs can shift slightly during second-round selections or waitlist movement.
For the school year, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) admissions for selective enrollment high schools remained highly competitive. Admission is based on a 900-point rubric . Top High School Cutoff Scores (2024-2025)
Below is an overview of the initial minimum cutoff scores across major schools, illustrating the differences across tiers: High School Program Rank Pool Cutoff Tier 1 Cutoff Tier 2 Cutoff Tier 3 Cutoff Tier 4 Cutoff 900 Northside College Prep 898.9 Whitney Young Magnet 893.0 Jones College Prep 880+ Lane Tech High School 859+ Gwendolyn Brooks College Prep 736.7 The Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Selective Enrollment high
Other highly sought-after institutions saw marked point increases across the board:
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CPS evaluates final transcript marks from four core subjects: Reading, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. Points are assigned as follows: : 112.5 points Grade B : 75.0 points Grade C : 38.0 points Grade D/F : 0.0 points The "cutoff score" is the (out of 900)
Ultimately, while parents frantically update spreadsheets with the latest 2024 cutoffs, the healthiest perspective is to view these numbers as one data point among many. The intense focus on gaining entry to a "top" Selective Enrollment school often obscures the fact that CPS offers dozens of excellent neighborhood, magnet, and IB programs. The 2024 cutoffs remind us that selective enrollment is a zero-sum game of limited seats; they measure a child's performance on a single high-stakes exam relative to a specific pool of peers. A cutoff score can open a door, but it cannot measure a student’s curiosity, resilience, or potential.
The total score is split evenly between academic performance and testing: