The 900-Point Matrix: How Your CPS HSAT Score and 7th-Grade Grades Determine Your High School Future

The Chicago Public Schools Selective Enrollment process can seem complex, but at its core is a clear, data-driven system: the 900-point matrix. This system is the engine that powers admissions, determining a student's eligibility for the city's most competitive high schools. For 8th-grade families, understanding how this matrix works is not just helpful—it's essential.

This post will break down the 900-point scale, showing you exactly how your hard work in 7th grade and your performance on the HSAT combine to create your admissions score.

What is the 900-Point Matrix?

The 900-point matrix is the scale CPS uses to rank students applying to Selective Enrollment High Schools. Every applicant receives a final score out of a possible 900 points. This score is composed of two equally weighted parts: your academic performance in 7th grade and your score on the High School Admissions Test (HSAT).

Let’s look at the two halves that make up the whole.

Part 1: The Foundation (450 Points from 7th-Grade Grades)

The first half of your score is built long before you ever sit for the HSAT. It’s based on your final grades from 7th grade in four core subjects:

  • English

  • Math

  • Science

  • Social Studies

Your letter grades (A, B, C, etc.) in these classes are converted to points. An 'A' is worth more points than a 'B', and so on. Consistently high grades in these subjects are critical, as they can contribute a maximum of 450 points to your total score. This system rewards the hard work and dedication you've shown throughout the year.

Part 2: The Test (450 Points from the CPS HSAT)

The second half of your score comes directly from your performance on the CPS High School Admissions Test. As we covered in our introductory guide, Decoding the CPS HSAT, this exam measures your skills in reading and mathematics.

Your raw score on the HSAT (the number of questions you answer correctly) is converted to a scaled score, which is then translated into points on the 450-point scale. This means that every single question on the HSAT has a direct impact on your final admissions score. To maximize these points, a solid preparation strategy is key. A great place to start is by exploring different CPS HSAT Practice Test options to familiarize yourself with the exam's format and timing.

How it All Comes Together

Imagine you’re applying to a top-tier school like Whitney Young Magnet High School. The admissions team won't just see your 'A' in 7th-grade math; they will see the points assigned to that grade, combined with the points you earned on the HSAT.

Your Final Score = (Points from 7th Grade Grades) + (Points from HSAT Score)

This final 900-point score is then used to rank you among all other applicants. However, your rank isn't the only factor. It's also considered alongside your "tier."

Don't Forget About Tiers!

CPS uses a tier system to promote socioeconomic diversity and ensure equitable access to its top schools. The city is divided into four tiers based on various community characteristics. A certain percentage of seats at each Selective Enrollment school is allocated to students from each tier.

This means you are competing primarily against students in the same tier. A score of 850 might be a cutoff for a student in Tier 4 at Northside College Prep, while the cutoff for a student in Tier 1 might be different. We will explore this in more detail in our upcoming article on Understanding Your Tier and Its Role in Admissions.

Maximizing Your Points

Understanding the matrix gives you a clear goal: maximize your points in both categories. While your 7th-grade grades are already set by the time you apply, you have complete control over your HSAT preparation. A strong performance on the HSAT can significantly boost your overall score. The first step in creating a winning strategy is building a timeline, and our Ultimate 3-Month HSAT Study Plan can show you how.

By understanding how the 900-point matrix works, you can approach the GoCPS application process with clarity and a strategic mindset, putting you in the best possible position to earn a spot at your dream high school.

Frequently Asked Questions about the 900-Point Matrix

Here are answers to some of the most specific questions parents have about how the 900-point admissions score is calculated.

1. Is the HSAT score more important than 7th-grade grades?

No, they are weighted exactly the same. Your final 7th-grade grades account for a maximum of 450 points, and your HSAT score also accounts for a maximum of 450 points. A student must perform well in both areas to be competitive for top schools.

2. What are the "core subjects" used in the grade calculation?

The calculation uses the final grades from a student's 7th-grade year in four specific subjects: Math, English, Science, and Social Studies. Grades from other classes like art, music, or physical education are not included in the 900-point matrix calculation.

3. Do other factors like attendance or NWEA MAP scores count?

No. For the purposes of the 900-point score for Selective Enrollment High Schools, only the final 7th-grade core subject grades and the HSAT score are used. Other factors like attendance, discipline records, or other standardized test scores (like the NWEA MAP) are not part of this specific calculation.

4. How are letter grades (A, B, C) converted to points?

Chicago Public Schools uses a specific conversion scale where an 'A' in a core subject is worth more points than a 'B', and so on. While the exact point values can be found on the GoCPS website, the most important thing to know is that earning the highest possible grades in all four core classes is the only way to maximize the 450 available grade points.

5. What is considered a "good" score on the 900-point matrix?

This is the most common question, and the answer depends entirely on the high school you are targeting and your child's home address admissions tier. A score that is "good" for one school might not be high enough for another. For top schools like Payton or Northside, scores often need to be near-perfect (890+), while other excellent SEHS schools will have different cutoff scores for each tier.