Free and Low-Cost Resources for CPS HSAT Prep: A Guide for Savvy Students

After reading our guide on whether To Prep or Not to Prep, many families decide to pursue a self-study path. The great news is that preparing for the HSAT doesn't need to break the bank. A high score is the result of focused effort and consistency, not how much money you spend.

With a savvy approach, you can build a powerful and effective prep plan using outstanding free and low-cost resources. Here’s a guide to the best tools available.

Your Public Library Card: The Ultimate Free Resource

Your Chicago Public Library (CPL) card is one of the most powerful study tools you can possess. The library offers a wealth of resources completely free of charge:

  • Online Databases: The CPL website provides free access to incredible online learning platforms (like Brainfuse HelpNow and others) with a library card. These databases often include live online tutoring, skill-building drills, and modules specifically for standardized tests.

  • Test Prep Books: You can borrow physical HSAT or other standardized test prep books that contain hundreds of practice questions and content review chapters.

Online Giants: Khan Academy and Digital Flashcards

The internet is home to world-class educational tools that are completely free.

  • Khan Academy: This is the go-to resource for mastering the HSAT Math section. It offers thousands of free practice problems, instructional videos, and quizzes covering every topic from pre-algebra to geometry. If you identify a math weakness, Khan Academy can help you fix it.

  • Quizlet & Flashcard Apps: Use free sites like Quizlet to create your own digital vocabulary flashcards or study from lists other students have created. It’s an effective and engaging way to build your lexicon on the go.

The Official Source: GoCPS Website

Don’t forget the official GoCPS website. While it isn't a "prep" site, it is the primary source of the most up-to-date information about the test format, structure, and timing. Understanding the test you're facing is a critical first step, and this information is always free.

The Most Important Investment: High-Quality Practice Tests

While you can get excellent content review for free, the one area where a small investment yields the largest return is in high-quality practice tests. These tests are the cornerstone that holds your entire study plan together.

Our CPS HSAT Practice Test options are specifically designed to mirror the format, timing, and difficulty of the real exam. Here's why they are so critical: they provide the data that makes your free studying effective. The results of a realistic mock test tell you exactly which Khan Academy videos to watch or which chapters to focus on in a library book. They turn blind studying into a targeted, efficient mission.

Building Your Budget-Friendly Study Plan

You can easily plug these free resources into our 3-Month HSAT Study Plan framework. A typical week might look like this:

  • Monday: 45 minutes on Khan Academy, focusing on a weak math concept identified by your last practice test.

  • Tuesday: 20 minutes reviewing vocabulary flashcards on Quizlet.

  • Wednesday: Read a non-fiction article from a major publication and add 5 new words to a word journal.

  • Thursday: Complete a math drill from a library prep book.

  • Saturday: Take one timed section from a practice test and spend 30 minutes carefully reviewing your answers.

By creatively combining these powerful free resources with a strategic approach, you can build a prep plan that rivals any expensive course and walk into the test with confidence.