Creating Your Ultimate CPS HSAT Study Plan: A 3-Month Countdown to Test Day
A high score on the High School Admissions Test doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of consistent effort guided by a smart and structured plan. A goal without a plan is just a wish, and with the fall testing window just a few months away, now is the perfect time to build your roadmap to success.
This flexible 12-week framework is designed to guide your preparation through the late summer and early fall, ensuring you cover all bases without the stress of last-minute cramming.
Before You Begin: Take a Diagnostic Test
The very first step in any study plan is to know your starting point. Before you begin Week 1, take a full-length, timed practice test. The purpose of this first test isn't to get a perfect score; it's to gather data. Your results will show you which subject is your strength, which is your weakness, and which specific types of questions you need to work on. This is so important that we wrote a whole post on why Practice Makes Perfect.
Month 1 (Weeks 1-4): Building the Foundation
The goal of this month is to master the core content of the test.
Weeks 1-2: Focus on Your Weaker Subject. Based on your diagnostic test, dive deep into your weaker area. If you struggled with math, spend these two weeks working through our guide to Conquering the Math Section and begin your daily mental math drills.
Weeks 3-4: Solidify Your Stronger Subject. Now, shift focus. Even if you scored well, review the core concepts to ensure you don't lose points on easy questions. Work through the Reading Comprehension guide and start a vocabulary journal.
End of Month 1: Take your second full-length practice test. Compare your score to your first one. You should see improvement, and your results will help guide your focus for Month 2.
Month 2 (Weeks 5-8): Integrating Strategy
This month is about moving from what you know to how you apply it under pressure.
Weeks 5-6: Focus on strategy. This is the time to master the Two-Pass method for time management. Instead of full tests, do smaller, timed sections. For example, give yourself 10 minutes to complete one reading passage and its questions.
Weeks 7-8: Continue with timed drills and review. Spend 15-20 minutes each day reviewing your vocabulary journal and practicing your percentage shortcuts for math.
End of Month 2: Take your third full-length practice test. Your timing should feel more natural now, and your score should continue to climb.
Month 3 (Weeks 9-12): Final Sharpening and Confidence
The final month is about building consistency and confidence for test day.
Weeks 9, 10, & 11: Take one full-length practice test each week, ideally on a Saturday morning to simulate the real test day. The goal now is to refine your approach and build the mental stamina needed for the real thing. Review each test meticulously.
Week 12 (The Final Week): Rest and Light Review. Do not cram or take a full practice test this week. Your brain needs to rest. Do a light review of your notes, common mistake types, and vocabulary flashcards. Trust the work you've done. This preparation is how you conquer the one-and-done nature of the HSAT.
This entire plan is built on the feedback loop you get from practice. Your results from the various CPS HSAT Practice Tests are your personal roadmap, telling you exactly what to focus on each week.
You now have a plan. Stick with it, be consistent, and you will walk into the test center prepared, confident, and ready for success.