A: Cutoffs for the 2025-2026 cycle will be announced in March 2025 via GoCPS. The numbers above are valid for the current 2024-2025 school year. Final Verdict: The Landscape for 2024-2025 The updated CPS Selective Enrollment cutoff scores for 2024 reveal a city continuing to battle educational inequality through the tier system. For high-achieving students in Tiers 3 and 4, the bar has never been higher—specifically at Payton and Northside, where near-perfect scores are now the baseline.
In this long-form guide, we will break down the updated 2024 cutoff scores, explain how the complex formula works, compare this year’s numbers to previous years, and provide actionable strategies to boost your application. Before diving into the 2024 numbers, it is vital to understand what a "cutoff score" actually represents. Unlike traditional neighborhood schools that accept all students within a boundary, CPS Selective Enrollment High Schools use a tier-based, meritocratic lottery system . cps selective enrollment cutoff scores 20242024 updated
Whether you are aiming for the prestige of Walter Payton College Prep, the rigor of Northside College Prep, or the innovative programs at Jones or Brooks, understanding is your roadmap to success. These scores determine who receives a golden ticket to Chicago’s most competitive high schools. A: Cutoffs for the 2025-2026 cycle will be