Anticipated HSAT Test Day: October 7, 2026
CPS HSAT Test Day Is Coming.
One Test. One Hour. One Shot
Is Your Child Ready?
Self-Paced mock Test
Find Out If Your Child Is Ready for the HSAT – Before It Counts
A full-length, timed mock test that mirrors the real CPS HSAT. Instant scoring. Detailed explanations for every question. Know exactly where your child stands.
$197 $99
Summer Sale
One full-length mock test + detailed score report
Online. Timed. Results in minutes. Study anytime, any device.
The HSAT Is Unforgiving
60 minutes. Two sections. No retakes. No second chances. Most students face this format for the first time on the day it counts. That’s a problem.
60 Minutes, No Mercy
30 minutes for Reading. 30 minutes for Math. Students who haven’t practiced under timed pressure freeze on test day.
50% of Their Score
The HSAT determines half of your child’s admission score. The other half is 7th grade grades. There’s no making up a bad test score.
No Practice Tests From CPS
CPS does NOT release official practice materials. Parents are left guessing. The only way to prepare is realistic simulation.
What Your Child Gets for $99
(Summer Sale, regular $197)
✓ 1 Full-Length Timed Mock Test – 70+ questions across Reading and Math. Same structure, same timing as the real HSAT.
✓ Instant Scoring – Results the moment your child finishes. No waiting days for a tutor to grade it.
✓ Detailed Explanations – Every wrong answer explained in detail. Not just the right answer, but WHY the wrong answers are wrong and HOW to think through similar problems.
✓ 24/7 Portal Access – Practice on your schedule. Log in anytime to take a mock test or review past results — no appointments, no waiting.
✓ Strengths & Gaps Report – See exactly which topics your child has mastered and which ones need work, broken down by category.
✓ Time Management Analysis – See how long your child spent on each question to track pacing for the real test’s 1-hour limit, and how they stack up against other students.
✓ Category Performance Tracking – Detailed breakdown by Reading and Math subcategories.
✓ Practice Anytime, Anywhere – 100% online, mobile-friendly platform. At home or on the go.
✓ Unlimited Retakes – Take the same test as many times as needed before test day to build confidence and improve pacing.
✓ Parent Dashboard – You see the same data your child sees. No guessing. No ‘how’d it go?’ — you’ll know.
Why Families Trust CTC
How It Works
1
Step 1: Purchase & Log In
Instant access after purchase. Your child logs into the CTC test prep portal on any device.
2
Step 2: Take the Test
60-minute timed mock test. Same format, same pressure as the real HSAT. Computer-based, just like test day.
3
Step 3: See the Results
Instant score. Detailed explanation for every wrong answer. You see exactly where your child stands — and what to do next.
“My daughter is a smart kid who gets test day jitters. CTC’s mock tests helped her work through the nerves before the real thing. By test day, she walked in confident and prepared.”
– Parent of CPS Selective Enrollment Student
Stop Guessing. Start Knowing.
For less than the cost of one tutoring session, you’ll know exactly where your child stands on the HSAT – and exactly what to work on.
$197
$99
Summer Sale
One full-length HSAT mock test
Includes: Full-length timed test • Instant scoring • Detailed explanations for every question • Strengths & gaps report • Parent dashboard
90-day access from date of purchase. Unlimited retakes.
Want Live Instruction Too?
After your child takes the mock test, you’ll see exactly where they need help. Our 4-week live prep courses pair expert tutors with the same test prep platform – so your child keeps learning even when class is over.
4-Week HSAT Intensive: 4 live sessions + 10 practice tests + 24/7 Study Coach + platform access through test day.
Common Questions
Is this the actual CPS HSAT?
No. CPS does not release official test materials. This is a realistic simulation designed to mirror the format, timing, and difficulty of the actual HSAT.
What grade is this for?
Rising 8th graders applying to CPS Selective Enrollment High Schools. The HSAT is typically taken in October of 8th grade.
Can my child retake the mock test?
Yes. Unlimited retakes on the same test so your child can practice pacing and improve their score.
What device does my child need?
Any computer, tablet, or phone with internet access. We recommend a laptop or desktop to best simulate test day conditions.
How do the explanations work?
After completing the test, your child can review every question. Each question includes a detailed explanation for each answer – not just what the right answer is, but how to solve it and why the other choices are wrong.
What if my child needs more than one mock test?
You can purchase additional mock tests, or upgrade to our full 4-week live prep course which includes full platform access with 12 practice tests, detailed explanations, and live instruction for $497.
“We got our results – she was offered a seat at Whitney Young! Thanks for all your efforts preparing her. We are overjoyed!”
– Parent of Selective Enrollment Student
Test Day Won’t Wait
Anticipated HSAT Test Day: October 7, 2026 – 160 days away
Your child gets one shot at the HSAT. Make sure they’ve seen it before it counts.
Trusted by Chicago families • Stanford NSSA Certified • ESA Approved
Awarded by Stanford University’s
National Student Support Accelerator
ESA approved provider for
WV Hope Scholarship Program
The Critical Thinking Child offers preparatory courses and practice materials for the CPS High School Admissions Test (HSAT) and other selective enrollment exams. CPS was not involved in the production of these products. Practice test scores are intended to approximate performance on the actual exam. Individual results may vary and do not guarantee placement or admission.
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