Academic Approach’s student-centric approach emphasizes skill mastery, critical thinking, and adaptability to prepare students for future challenges and achievements.
Academic Approach achieves remarkable results, boosting scores, scholarships, and college admissions, while fostering critical thinking and academic excellence.
While standardized tests are optional at many universities and colleges, many top schools are still taking test scores into consideration.
Check out our analysis of some top universities from the 2024-25 Common Data Set for college admissions.
The Chicago Public Schools’ High School Admissions Test (CPS HSAT) is required by the Chicago Public Schools’ Selective Enrollment Schools, such as Walter Payton, Northside Prep, Lane Tech, Whitney Young, Jones, Brooks, King, Lindblom, Westinghouse, and South Shore. This test is administered in the fall of the students’ eighth-grade year.
The CPS HSAT is administered at the student’s school and evaluates a student’s reading comprehension and mathematical abilities. It provides a comprehensive measure of a student’s readiness for the rigorous academic environment at these selective high schools. Achieving a high score on the CPS HSAT can considerably increase a student’s chances of being admitted into their preferred selective enrollment school.
Given the critical role that the CPS HSAT plays in the admissions process for these highly competitive schools, it is essential for students to start preparing early. This preparation allows students to become familiar with the test’s format and question types. At Academic Approach, we offer tailored tutoring programs designed to help students excel on the CPS HSAT, significantly enhancing their chances of being accepted into their school of choice.
Stay ahead of the curve with our insightful blog—a treasure trove of expert advice, strategies, and tips to empower your academic journey.
Long-term success—whether in college, a career, or something less traditional—depends on a broader set of skills that often get less attention.
Denmark gets less winter daylight than most of the U.S.—yet they’ve mastered a simple “coziness mindset” that can help your student stay focused, calmer, and mentally steadier all season.

Do you have the ACT/SAT facts?
Whether your student took the PreACT as a sophomore, the ACT as a junior, or is preparing to test soon, this session will help you navigate the new test with confidence.
That tells us you’re serious about your student’s future.
So are we. Let’s stop circling and start a real conversation.