PreACT 9 Secure Test Prep | Expert Tutors. Proven Strategies. The Blueprint to Higher Scores.

The PreACT 9 Secure is CPS’s new high school admissions test for 8th graders, replacing the HSAT starting fall 2026. It is made by ACT, Inc. — the same organization behind the ACT college admissions exam. The test has four sections: English (44 questions, 35 min), Math (34 questions, 45 min), Reading (33 questions, 40 min), and Science (32 questions, 35 min). Total testing time is 2 hours and 35 minutes. Scores are reported on a scale of 1–32.

Any 8th grader applying to a CPS selective enrollment or choice high school through GoCPS needs to take the PreACT 9 Secure. This includes CPS students, charter school students, private school students, and homeschool students. Students who don’t attend CPS test on a separate date — confirm yours through GoCPS.

The PreACT 9 Secure is also administered by schools and districts outside Chicago, where it’s used to measure readiness rather than for admissions. Our course prepares students for the exam itself, so it works either way — check your school’s testing date.

The previous HSAT was a 60-minute test with two sections — Math and Reading. The updated HSAT, now powered by the PreACT 9 Secure, is 2 hours and 35 minutes with four sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science. More than double the length. Two additional subjects. Nearly twice the number of questions. Preparation matters because the test is longer, covers more ground, and requires students to perform at their best across all four sections in one sitting.

Earlier blocks give more platform time before test day. Starting in the summer or early fall gives your child months of Personal Study Coach access and the option to add the proctored Sunday extension for continued practice right up to test day. Later blocks are focused intensives in the weeks immediately before the exam. All blocks cover the same curriculum and include the same diagnostic, practice tests, and platform access through test day. When in doubt, start earlier.

The CTC AI Study Coach is your child’s personal AI-powered study tool — available any time, any day, between every session. It adapts to their specific weak areas, generates personalized practice questions, and explains concepts at their pace. Built with student safety in mind — restricted to academic content only. Developed under the guidance of Lemi-Ola Erinkitola, Co-Chair of the NICE K12 Cybersecurity Education Community of Interest (a U.S. national initiative at NIST) and supported by the Kapor Foundation AI Literacy Grant.

Five, and all five are full-length. The initial diagnostic is the first — if your child already took our free diagnostic, that’s the one, and the course picks up from there with 3 timed practice tests released one per week, then a full-length post-assessment after the final session. Every test is 143 questions across all four sections. Between sessions, the Study Coach generates additional personalized practice questions based on your child’s specific weak areas.

A laptop or desktop computer with internet access and Zoom installed. We recommend a laptop to simulate test day conditions. The PreACT 9 Secure is an online-only test, so practicing on a computer is important.

Yes. Contact us to discuss your child’s specific needs and we will ensure appropriate support is in place before the course begins.

Yes. At checkout you can add 4 additional Sundays of proctored practice — extending your enrollment from 4 sessions to 8. Same day, same time slot, continuous weeks right after your course ends. A CTC instructor is present every session to keep your child motivated and on track. Prefer a more personalized approach? We also offer 1-on-1 tutoring options leading up to test day. The proctored extension is $197 and is available as an add-on at checkout for any course block. Contact us for 1-on-1 tutoring pricing and availability

Absolutely — and you are not alone. Test anxiety is one of the most common challenges we see, even among straight-A students. We build real confidence through timed practice, proven test-taking strategies, and consistent coaching from certified CTC instructors every session. The more your child practices in a safe, supportive environment, the less nervous they feel when it counts. One test. One chance. We make sure they are ready.