To prevent elite schools from drawing exclusively from high-income neighborhoods, CPS utilizes a specialized equity algorithm to distribute available seats. Every residential address in Chicago is classified into one of four socioeconomic tiers (Tier 1 through Tier 4) based on census data parameters such as median family income, adult education levels, and neighborhood homeownership rates.
Point totals are calculated by mapping raw national percentile ranks against standard scoring rubrics to ensure citywide parity. 2. How the Socio-Economic Tier System Affects Cutoffs Selective Enrollment High School Cut Off Scores Rise
Divided equally among four socioeconomic tiers (17.5% each). Students compete only against others in the same tier. cps selective enrollment cutoff scores 20242024 updated
. Defined by a 900-point rubric and a socioeconomic tiering system, cutoff scores serve as the final barrier between thousands of applicants and a seat at one of Chicago’s 11 elite Selective Enrollment High Schools (SEHS). Understanding these scores requires examining the metrics that form them, the tiered distribution that allocates them, and the evolving administrative policies that influence their annual volatility. The 900-Point Scoring Rubric
Cutoff scores fluctuate annually based on test difficulty, applicant pool strength, and changes to grading policies. Tier 4 cutoffs consistently demand near-perfection, while Tier 1 scores offer a more flexible entry point. To prevent elite schools from drawing exclusively from
Note: While "2024 updated" is a common search term, these are the cut scores for the academic year 2024-2025 (admissions round completed in Spring 2024).
Key 2024 changes and trends
Note: The General Rank score represents the citywide top 30% cutoff for schools like Payton and Northside, which historically require a perfect or near-perfect score to be considered for general admission seats .
CPS does not publish them on the main dashboard to avoid discouraging applicants. However, under Illinois FOIA law, the data is public. These numbers are compiled from FOIA requests submitted by local school advocacy groups (e.g., Raise Your Hand, Northside Parents Network). Raise Your Hand