Selective Enrollment Admissions Scores Reach Record Levels
According to Matthew Greenberg, partner of educational services firm SelectivePrep, “Average admissions scores at the top Selective Enrollment High Schools have reached record levels. Straight A’s in 7th grade are table stakes for students targeting these schools. The only component with any real wiggle room left is the Selective Enrollment Entrance Exam. Scores on this test will increasingly determine who is selected.”
“I’m not saying that grades and attendance don’t count,” continued Greenberg. “But “average” scores in these two areas are already close to 100%. So while one or two “B’s” will keep a student out of the more competitive schools, superior scores on both the Seventh Grade Standardized Test and the Selective Enrollment Entrance Exam will give a student the winning edge.”
Figure 1. Selective Enrollment Admissions Scores (08-09 through 09-10)
| 08-09 average admissions score |
09-10 average admissions score |
year to year change in point total |
|
| Brooks College Prep | 860 | 874 | +14 |
| Jones College Prep | 931 | 923 | -8 |
| King College Prep | 824 | 838 | +14 |
| Lane Tech | 898 | 909 | +11 |
| Lindblom Math & Science Academy | 843 | 832 | -11 |
| Northside College Prep | 979 | 985 | +6 |
| Payton College Prep | 956 | 962 | +6 |
| Young College Prep | 949 | 965 | +16 |
| Westinghouse | 861 |
School Highlights
Lane Tech joined the exclusive”900 club”, its average admissions score moving from 898 to 909 (+11 points). With an incoming freshman class of approximately 1,200, Lane Tech students comprise over 40% of the total Selective Enrollment High School student body. Given Lane’s large student population, this increase represents a significant acceleration in competitive intensity. According to Greenberg, “Students who in prior years may have designated Lane Tech as their “safe” school may now be choosing Lane Tech as their primary option as spots in Payton, Young and Northside become increasingly scarce.”
Payton and Young scores continued to increase, moving from 956 to 962 (+6 points) and 949 to 965 (+16 points) respectively. “Both Payton and Young rank among the top 5 high schools in the State of Illinois,” noted Greenberg. “We don’t see these scores declining any time soon.”
Northside College Prep moved up from an already incredible 979 to an unbelievable 985 (+6 points). “The continued forward march of incoming freshman admissions scores will push up average ACT scores in the future,” predicted Greenberg, “further securing Northside’s position as the top high school in the State of Illinois.”
Westinghouse, the newest Selective Enrollment High School, posted an average admissions score of 861 for its first freshman class. “I’m impressed,” commented Greenberg. “This is a respectable showing for a new and relatively unknown school.”
Background
One reason for the continued increase in scores is a larger applicant pool. Last year, over 16,500 students applied for about 2,880 slots. This represents an increase of over 30% in the number of applicants from just 3-4 years ago. On average, about 18% of applicants were selected last year with acceptance rates for the more competitive schools significantly lower, about 10%. To put this in perspective, this past year on average, 11% of applicants to an Ivy League University were accepted.
Admission is determined by a student’s score on a 1,000 point scale. Of these 1,000 points, 700 are determined by 7th grade performance, including 300 points for the Seventh Grade Standardized Test (currently the Illinois Standards Achievement Test or ISAT in the CPS system), 300 points for 7th grade final grades, and 100 points for 7th grade attendance. The final 300 points are determined by the Selective Enrollment Exam given in 8th grade.
About SelectivePrep
SelectivePrep was founded by test prep veterans with over 25 years of test preparation experience – and extensive backgrounds in both classroom teaching and curriculum development. SelectivePrep offers the only classroom program that prepares students for both of the standardized tests needed to gain admission to a Selective Enrollment High School and the Academic Center Admissions Test. SelectivePrep knows what it takes to train and motivate students who are intent upon gaining admission to one of the nine Chicago Selective Enrollment High Schools or one of six Academic Centers. SelectivePrep’s programs provide a thorough and rigorous review of test content, so students can approach these competitive admissions processes with confidence.
For additional information call (312) 409-8411.
