What Happens After the Test? A Guide to Interpreting Your CPS HSAT Scores
The weeks of studying are over, the HSAT is done, and a huge weight is off your shoulders. But soon, a new document arrives: the HSAT Score Report. Looking at the numbers and percentiles can be just as confusing as the toughest questions on the test.
What do all these numbers mean? And how do they translate to your chances of getting into your dream school? This guide will break down your score report so you can understand your performance and plan your next steps.
The Key Numbers on Your Report
Your score report will have several pieces of data, but two numbers are most important for your application:
Reading Scaled Score: This is your score for the reading comprehension section.
Math Scaled Score: This is your score for the math section.
These two "scaled scores" are then used by CPS to calculate your final point value for the test, which is then added to your 7th-grade grade points to create your final score on the 900-Point Matrix.
Understanding National Percentiles
You will also see a "National Percentile" next to your scores. This number compares your performance to a national sample of students.
Example: A percentile of 85% means you scored higher than 85% of the students in the national sample group.
While this is a great way to understand your performance in a broader context, it is not used by CPS in their calculations. It is purely for your information. The admissions decision is based on your scaled score and how it converts to points, not the percentile.
How Your Score Informs Your Application Strategy
Your HSAT score is a critical piece of data that helps you build a realistic and strategic school list.
High Scores: If your score is very high, you can feel confident putting top-tier schools like Payton or Northside at the top of your ranked list.
Mid-Range Scores: If your score is in the middle range, you might have a strong chance at other excellent Selective Enrollment Schools and can be very competitive for many Choice programs.
Lower Scores: If your score is lower than you hoped, it's a sign to focus your strategy on the wide variety of excellent Choice programs that do not rely heavily on test scores.
What If My Score Isn't What I Hoped For?
First, don't panic. The HSAT is a tough test, and a single score doesn't define you as a student. Second, remember that the HSAT is a one-and-done exam with no re-takes. This is why consistent, long-term preparation is so crucial.
Whether you are a rising 7th grader just starting to think about this process or an 8th grader looking to maximize your score, the lesson is the same. The work you put in with resources like CPS HSAT Practice Tests directly impacts the score you see on this report. It's the most powerful tool you have to influence your admissions outcome.
Your score report isn't a final judgment; it's a key that helps you unlock the next step: finalizing your high school choices. Use it wisely to build a list of schools where you can thrive. The final step is to head to the GoCPS portal to officially rank your choices.