The first 30% of seats at each school go to the highest-scoring students citywide, regardless of their tier.
What the published 2024 point totals mean (practical interpretation)
Each applicant receives a composite score based on: cps selective enrollment cutoff scores 20242024 updated
The 2024 CPS Selective Enrollment cutoffs continue to show a stratified system where socioeconomic Tier heavily influences admission thresholds. Students in Tier 4 must achieve near-perfect composite scores (878+) to attend Northside or Jones, while students in Tier 1 have a realistic path with scores in the low 800s. For families planning for future admissions, early preparation (7th-grade grades, MAP growth, and exam prep) remains essential, but understanding and leveraging Tier status is equally critical.
Note: Missing tier data indicates specific cutoff variations not explicitly listed in initial summary PDFs but generally following the competitive "Rank" score. Nurturing Wisdom Tutoring Key Selection Mechanics The 30/70 Split The first 30% of seats at each school
Divided equally among four socioeconomic tiers (17.5% each). Students compete only against others in the same tier.
Split between Reading (225 pts) and Math (225 pts). Estimated Cutoff Scores (2024-2025 Cycle) Students compete only against others in the same tier
The CPS Selective Enrollment program is a highly competitive and sought-after program that provides students with a rigorous and challenging educational experience. Admission to the program is based on a student's performance on the Selective Enrollment Test. By understanding the cutoff scores, test format, and application process, you can help your child prepare for the test and increase their chances of admission to the program.