You Got In! Now What? A Checklist for Newly Admitted SEHS Students
Congratulations! After months of hard work, you've conquered the HSAT, navigated the application process, and earned a coveted spot at a Chicago Selective Enrollment High School. You and your family should take a moment to celebrate this incredible achievement.
After the celebration, you might start to wonder... what happens now? Getting accepted is the end of one journey, but it's the beginning of a new, exciting one. This checklist will guide you through the crucial next steps to ensure a smooth transition from middle school to a rigorous high school environment.
The Immediate "To-Do" List
These first few steps are time-sensitive and absolutely critical.
[✅] 1. Officially Accept Your Offer: This is your #1 priority. You must log in to the GoCPS Portal and formally accept your seat by the official deadline. Missing this window could mean forfeiting your spot.
[✅] 2. Watch Your Email Like a Hawk: From this point forward, most communication will come directly from your new high school, not from the central CPS office. Make sure you are diligently checking the parent email address used for your GoCPS application for important information about registration, orientation, and deadlines.
[✅] 3. Withdraw from Other Waitlists (Recommended): If you were waitlisted at other schools but have accepted your top choice, it is a kind and helpful practice to officially withdraw from those waitlists. This allows other students on the HSAT Waitlist to get an offer sooner.
The Academic Preparation Checklist
The work isn't over; it's just changing. SEHS courses are fast-paced from day one.
[✅] 4. Prepare for Math Placement Exams: Many SEHS schools require incoming freshmen to take a math placement exam over the summer. This is not to "pass" or "fail," but to ensure you are placed in the correct course (e.g., Algebra I, Geometry, Honors Geometry). Your new school will send information about this.
[✅] 5. Check for Summer Assignments: Summer reading lists and/or math review packets are very common. These assignments are not optional suggestions; they are typically expected to be completed by the first week of school and can sometimes count as your first grade.
[✅] 6. Solidify Your Foundation: Avoid the "summer slide." Spend a few hours each week reviewing key pre-algebra concepts and reading challenging books to keep your mind sharp and ready for the fall.
A New Kind of Preparation
The discipline you developed while preparing for the HSAT is the same skill set you'll use to succeed in high school. The mindset doesn't change.
Just as you once used CPS HSAT Practice Tests to prepare for a major exam, you'll now use review packets to prepare for your math placement test. The cycle of identifying a challenge, creating a plan, and executing that plan is the key to thriving in a demanding academic setting. For parents, this is a new phase, and our Guide for Parents can help you adapt your supportive role.
The Social and Logistical Checklist
[✅] 7. Attend Freshman Orientation: Don't miss this! Orientation is your first official introduction to the school's culture, rules, and layout. It's a great chance to meet teachers and fellow students.
[✅] 8. Figure Out Your Commute: If you'll be taking the CTA, do a few practice runs over the summer to get comfortable with the route and timing.
[✅] 9. Connect with the School Community: Follow your new school's official social media accounts and look for parent/student groups online. These are great resources for information and community building.
You earned this incredible opportunity through dedication and hard work. By tackling these next steps with the same focus, you are setting yourself up for an amazing and successful four years. Congratulations again!