High School Information Page
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NEW Updates 5/3/18
Round 2 High School Applications are Available
This week, the Round 2 high school application process began and will run from April 30 - May 4.
What is Round 2?
Round 2 is a new application period where only the high school programs that still have available seats after Round 1 will be available. Families can select and rank up to 20 Non-Selective Enrollment programs and up to 2 Selective Enrollment schools (if the student took the Selective Enrollment High Schools admissions exam AND received a total point score of 600 or higher). The student could receive a single best offer to one school in each category if they are matched.
For full instructions on this round, please download our Round 2 Application Guide.
Round 2 High School Application Guide
You can also view a list of all the high school programs available in Round 2 here.
List of High School Programs Available in Round 2
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT MESSAGE
PLEASE NOTE: If you accepted a first-round offer, you should ONLY apply to programs in the second round if you want them MORE than the first-round offer that you accepted. If you receive a second-round offer, you will AUTOMATICALLY forfeit the first-round offer you accepted. Do not apply to programs in the second round unless you are certain that you want each of them MORE than the first-round offer you accepted. If you accept/accepted a waitlist offer, this will not be affected by the second round application. If you submit a second-round application, be sure to rank your choices in the order of your preference (put the program you want MOST as number 1, the program you want next as number 2, etc.).
When Should You Consider Round 2?
Round 2 is ONLY recommended for families that:
· Moved to Chicago after the Round 1 application deadline.
· Did not participate in Round 1 and would like to try to be matched with a high school program of their choosing.
· Declined their Round 1 offer and found program(s) they would prefer to attend available in Round 2.
· Accepted a Round 1 offer, but found program(s) they would prefer to attend available in Round 2.
· Were ruled ineligible to apply to a program in Round 1, but are now eligible to apply to that program in Round 2.
Can I Re-Apply to Round 1 Programs that I Did Not Get Into?
You cannot re-apply in Round 2 to any programs where you are already on a waitlist. Round 1 applicants have been automatically added to the waitlist for all programs that they were (1) eligible for selection in Round 1 and (2) were ranked higher than the one they received an offer from. If you are on a waitlist and a seat becomes available for you, you will be notified by the school.
You can, however, reapply to any programs ranked lower than the Round 1 offer you received. And in certain cases where a student is now eligible to apply to programs they were not eligible to apply to in Round 1, they can apply in Round 2.
Are You Ready to Apply?
If you have read through all the background information on Round 2, have thoroughly evaluated all your options, and feel that participating in Round 2 is the right thing for your family, log into your GoCPS account to start applying today.
Log into Account
Application Timeline
April 30, 2018
Round 2 Application Process Opens
May 4, 2018
Round 2 Application Deadline
June 1, 2018
Round 2 Application Results Released
June 8, 2018
Round 2 – Accept/Decline Deadline
June 13, 2018
Round 2 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
Web Browsers
GoCPS is optimized for view on Chrome and Safari web browsers. We recommend using one of these to access the site.
Need Help?
If you have any questions, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
This week, the Round 2 high school application process began and will run from April 30 - May 4.
What is Round 2?
Round 2 is a new application period where only the high school programs that still have available seats after Round 1 will be available. Families can select and rank up to 20 Non-Selective Enrollment programs and up to 2 Selective Enrollment schools (if the student took the Selective Enrollment High Schools admissions exam AND received a total point score of 600 or higher). The student could receive a single best offer to one school in each category if they are matched.
For full instructions on this round, please download our Round 2 Application Guide.
Round 2 High School Application Guide
You can also view a list of all the high school programs available in Round 2 here.
List of High School Programs Available in Round 2
EXTREMELY IMPORTANT MESSAGE
PLEASE NOTE: If you accepted a first-round offer, you should ONLY apply to programs in the second round if you want them MORE than the first-round offer that you accepted. If you receive a second-round offer, you will AUTOMATICALLY forfeit the first-round offer you accepted. Do not apply to programs in the second round unless you are certain that you want each of them MORE than the first-round offer you accepted. If you accept/accepted a waitlist offer, this will not be affected by the second round application. If you submit a second-round application, be sure to rank your choices in the order of your preference (put the program you want MOST as number 1, the program you want next as number 2, etc.).
When Should You Consider Round 2?
Round 2 is ONLY recommended for families that:
· Moved to Chicago after the Round 1 application deadline.
· Did not participate in Round 1 and would like to try to be matched with a high school program of their choosing.
· Declined their Round 1 offer and found program(s) they would prefer to attend available in Round 2.
· Accepted a Round 1 offer, but found program(s) they would prefer to attend available in Round 2.
· Were ruled ineligible to apply to a program in Round 1, but are now eligible to apply to that program in Round 2.
Can I Re-Apply to Round 1 Programs that I Did Not Get Into?
You cannot re-apply in Round 2 to any programs where you are already on a waitlist. Round 1 applicants have been automatically added to the waitlist for all programs that they were (1) eligible for selection in Round 1 and (2) were ranked higher than the one they received an offer from. If you are on a waitlist and a seat becomes available for you, you will be notified by the school.
You can, however, reapply to any programs ranked lower than the Round 1 offer you received. And in certain cases where a student is now eligible to apply to programs they were not eligible to apply to in Round 1, they can apply in Round 2.
Are You Ready to Apply?
If you have read through all the background information on Round 2, have thoroughly evaluated all your options, and feel that participating in Round 2 is the right thing for your family, log into your GoCPS account to start applying today.
Log into Account
Application Timeline
April 30, 2018
Round 2 Application Process Opens
May 4, 2018
Round 2 Application Deadline
June 1, 2018
Round 2 Application Results Released
June 8, 2018
Round 2 – Accept/Decline Deadline
June 13, 2018
Round 2 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
Web Browsers
GoCPS is optimized for view on Chrome and Safari web browsers. We recommend using one of these to access the site.
Need Help?
If you have any questions, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
Understanding Round 1 Waitlists
Students who applied in Round 1 were automatically waitlisted for each Non-Selective Enrollment program they were eligible for and ranked higher than the one they received an offer from. Beginning on April 18, 2018, schools that still had available seats began issuing Round 1 waitlist offers. Here are a few important things to understand about this process:
Only for Non-Selective Enrollment Programs
Waitlists only apply to Non-Selective Enrollment programs. Selective Enrollment schools do not have waitlists. You can find out if your student is on a waitlist by logging into your GoCPS account and reviewing the Non-Selective Enrollment section of your high school offer page.
Sign In
48 Hours to Accept or Decline
When a school issues a waitlist offer, they will mark it in the system and contact the family via phone and/or email. The following morning at 8 a.m., the offer will be displayed in the student’s GoCPS account and they will receive a robocall, email, and text, if applicable. Families have 48 business hours from the time the waitlist offer posts in their account to accept or decline it, or it will be forfeited. For example, if your waitlist offer posts at 8 a.m. on Friday, you would have until 8 a.m. the following Tuesday to accept or decline.
Waitlist Categories
Each Non-Selective Enrollment program has different waitlist categories that correspond with the program’s admissions process. There are nine possible waitlist categories. Waitlisted students are offered a seat based on the category in which the seat is available. For example, if an offer was declined in the first round by a student in a program’s proximity category, the seat will be offered to the students in the proximity category on the waitlist, beginning with the student who is first on that waitlist and continuing in chronological order until the seat is filled. Login to your online account or see your notification letter to view your student’s category for each waitlisted program.
Sign In
Waitlist Numbers
Within each waitlist category, students are given a waitlist number based on that program’s admissions process and priority preferences, and offers are extended in the order of the waitlist numbers, from lowest to highest. If the program uses a lottery-based admissions process, students were randomly assigned a waitlist number. If the program uses a points-based admissions process, students were assigned a waitlist number based on their total point score. Login to your online account or see your notification letter to view the number that your student has been assigned for each waitlisted program.
Sign In
Waitlist Process
If a student receives a waitlist offer for a program, the student will automatically be removed from the waitlists for any programs that were ranked lower than the offered program, but will remain on the waitlists for any programs that were ranked higher than the offered program. For example, if a student is waitlisted for five programs and receives an offer from his/her second-ranked program, the student will automatically be removed from the waitlists of programs ranked 3-5. However, the student will remain waitlisted for the program ranked number 1, and can still possibly receive an offer for that program.
Waitlist Timeline
Students will remain on the Round 1 waitlist for any given program until the end of their freshman year unless they (1) receive a Round 1 waitlist offer for a program, (2) receive a Round 1 waitlist offer from a higher-ranked program on their application, or (3) remove themselves from a Round 1 waitlist. Waitlists are automatically generated for each school in real time as students across the system accept or decline offers and schools can only issue offers in the order the waitlist displays them. Because of this, there is no guarantee that a student will receive a waitlist offer or that a waitlist offer will be received by a certain time.
If you have additional questions about Round 1 waitlists or how to accept or decline an offer, please watch this video.
Watch Video
Application Timeline
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
April 30, 2018
Round 2 Application Process Opens
May 4, 2018
Round 2 Application Deadline
June 1, 2018
Round 2 Application Results Released
June 8, 2018
Round 2 – Accept/Decline Deadline
June 13, 2018
Round 2 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
Students who applied in Round 1 were automatically waitlisted for each Non-Selective Enrollment program they were eligible for and ranked higher than the one they received an offer from. Beginning on April 18, 2018, schools that still had available seats began issuing Round 1 waitlist offers. Here are a few important things to understand about this process:
Only for Non-Selective Enrollment Programs
Waitlists only apply to Non-Selective Enrollment programs. Selective Enrollment schools do not have waitlists. You can find out if your student is on a waitlist by logging into your GoCPS account and reviewing the Non-Selective Enrollment section of your high school offer page.
Sign In
48 Hours to Accept or Decline
When a school issues a waitlist offer, they will mark it in the system and contact the family via phone and/or email. The following morning at 8 a.m., the offer will be displayed in the student’s GoCPS account and they will receive a robocall, email, and text, if applicable. Families have 48 business hours from the time the waitlist offer posts in their account to accept or decline it, or it will be forfeited. For example, if your waitlist offer posts at 8 a.m. on Friday, you would have until 8 a.m. the following Tuesday to accept or decline.
Waitlist Categories
Each Non-Selective Enrollment program has different waitlist categories that correspond with the program’s admissions process. There are nine possible waitlist categories. Waitlisted students are offered a seat based on the category in which the seat is available. For example, if an offer was declined in the first round by a student in a program’s proximity category, the seat will be offered to the students in the proximity category on the waitlist, beginning with the student who is first on that waitlist and continuing in chronological order until the seat is filled. Login to your online account or see your notification letter to view your student’s category for each waitlisted program.
Sign In
Waitlist Numbers
Within each waitlist category, students are given a waitlist number based on that program’s admissions process and priority preferences, and offers are extended in the order of the waitlist numbers, from lowest to highest. If the program uses a lottery-based admissions process, students were randomly assigned a waitlist number. If the program uses a points-based admissions process, students were assigned a waitlist number based on their total point score. Login to your online account or see your notification letter to view the number that your student has been assigned for each waitlisted program.
Sign In
Waitlist Process
If a student receives a waitlist offer for a program, the student will automatically be removed from the waitlists for any programs that were ranked lower than the offered program, but will remain on the waitlists for any programs that were ranked higher than the offered program. For example, if a student is waitlisted for five programs and receives an offer from his/her second-ranked program, the student will automatically be removed from the waitlists of programs ranked 3-5. However, the student will remain waitlisted for the program ranked number 1, and can still possibly receive an offer for that program.
Waitlist Timeline
Students will remain on the Round 1 waitlist for any given program until the end of their freshman year unless they (1) receive a Round 1 waitlist offer for a program, (2) receive a Round 1 waitlist offer from a higher-ranked program on their application, or (3) remove themselves from a Round 1 waitlist. Waitlists are automatically generated for each school in real time as students across the system accept or decline offers and schools can only issue offers in the order the waitlist displays them. Because of this, there is no guarantee that a student will receive a waitlist offer or that a waitlist offer will be received by a certain time.
If you have additional questions about Round 1 waitlists or how to accept or decline an offer, please watch this video.
Watch Video
Application Timeline
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
April 30, 2018
Round 2 Application Process Opens
May 4, 2018
Round 2 Application Deadline
June 1, 2018
Round 2 Application Results Released
June 8, 2018
Round 2 – Accept/Decline Deadline
June 13, 2018
Round 2 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
Last Week to Accept a Round 1 Offer
The deadline to accept or decline your Round 1 high school offers is quickly approaching!
Make sure to get your confirmations in on time so your offers will not be forfeited. Please note that Friday, April 13th is a day of non-attendance for CPS students.
Deadline
April 13, 2018
11:59 p.m. CST – Online / 6:00 p.m. CST – Paper
Here are some of the questions we have received most frequently regarding the process of accepting and declining offers:
Should I Accept My Round 1 Offer?
1.It is recommended that you accept a Round 1 offer in case you do not receive a waitlist offer or you are not interested in the programs available in Round 2.
What about Waitlists & Round 2?
2.You do not need to decline a Round 1 offer to remain on any waitlists or submit an application in Round 2, but if you accepted a Round 1 offer, you should only submit a Round 2 application for programs that you prefer to the offer you accepted.
When are Offers Automatically Declined?
3.Receiving a Round 2 offer will automatically forfeit any Round 1 offer you may have accepted. However, if you receive a waitlist offer, you will then choose between that offer and the offer you already accepted.
Principal Discretion
The Principal Discretion application for Selective Enrollment High Schools is now available. Applicants to ninth grade can apply to a Selective Enrollment school through the Principal Discretion process if they took the Selective Enrollment admissions exam, applied to a Selective Enrollment school in Round 1, and (1) did not receive a Selective Enrollment offer, or (2) received a Selective Enrollment offer but would like to be considered for a different Selective Enrollment school. You do not need to decline a first-round offer in order to participate in the Principal Discretion process. All Principal Discretion applications must be received by the Office of Access and Enrollment no later than Friday, April 20, 2018 at 6 p.m. CST.
To apply through the Principal Discretion process, please review this handbook and FAQ.
Application Timeline
March 30, 2018
Round 1 Offers Posted
April 13, 2018
Round 1 – Accept/Decline Deadline
April 18, 2018
Round 1 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
April 30, 2018
Round 2 Application Process Opens
May 4, 2018
Round 2 Application Deadline
June 1, 2018
Round 2 Application Results Released
June 8, 2018
Round 2 – Accept/Decline Deadline
June 13, 2018
Round 2 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
The deadline to accept or decline your Round 1 high school offers is quickly approaching!
Make sure to get your confirmations in on time so your offers will not be forfeited. Please note that Friday, April 13th is a day of non-attendance for CPS students.
Deadline
April 13, 2018
11:59 p.m. CST – Online / 6:00 p.m. CST – Paper
Here are some of the questions we have received most frequently regarding the process of accepting and declining offers:
Should I Accept My Round 1 Offer?
1.It is recommended that you accept a Round 1 offer in case you do not receive a waitlist offer or you are not interested in the programs available in Round 2.
What about Waitlists & Round 2?
2.You do not need to decline a Round 1 offer to remain on any waitlists or submit an application in Round 2, but if you accepted a Round 1 offer, you should only submit a Round 2 application for programs that you prefer to the offer you accepted.
When are Offers Automatically Declined?
3.Receiving a Round 2 offer will automatically forfeit any Round 1 offer you may have accepted. However, if you receive a waitlist offer, you will then choose between that offer and the offer you already accepted.
Principal Discretion
The Principal Discretion application for Selective Enrollment High Schools is now available. Applicants to ninth grade can apply to a Selective Enrollment school through the Principal Discretion process if they took the Selective Enrollment admissions exam, applied to a Selective Enrollment school in Round 1, and (1) did not receive a Selective Enrollment offer, or (2) received a Selective Enrollment offer but would like to be considered for a different Selective Enrollment school. You do not need to decline a first-round offer in order to participate in the Principal Discretion process. All Principal Discretion applications must be received by the Office of Access and Enrollment no later than Friday, April 20, 2018 at 6 p.m. CST.
To apply through the Principal Discretion process, please review this handbook and FAQ.
Application Timeline
March 30, 2018
Round 1 Offers Posted
April 13, 2018
Round 1 – Accept/Decline Deadline
April 18, 2018
Round 1 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
April 30, 2018
Round 2 Application Process Opens
May 4, 2018
Round 2 Application Deadline
June 1, 2018
Round 2 Application Results Released
June 8, 2018
Round 2 – Accept/Decline Deadline
June 13, 2018
Round 2 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
4/4/18
Managing Your Offers
Last Friday, March 30th, we released Round 1 high school application results. Now that you know your application status, what should you do?
Accept or Decline an Offer
If you received an offer(s) in the first round, you can either accept or decline the offer(s). If you decline your offer(s), there is no guarantee that you will receive any other seats other than your neighborhood school. Note that you can accept an offer and still apply for programs in Round 2 as well as remain on any waitlists that you are on.
Round 1 Waitlists
Applicants were waitlisted for any Non-Selective Enrollment programs for which they were eligible and that they ranked higher than the program from which they received an offer (if applicable). Beginning April 18th, schools can start filling any remaining seats by offering them to waitlisted students, in the order of the waitlist. In your GoCPS account, you can expand the Non-Selective Enrollment section of the View Results page to see if you are on a waitlist. You will also be able to see what waitlist category you are in and what your waitlist number is in that category. If a seat becomes available for a program where you are waitlisted, and your waitlist number is reached, the school will contact you to extend an offer. You will have 48 hours to accept or decline a waitlist offer.
Principal Discretion
The Principal Discretion Process allows principals of Selective Enrollment High Schools to fill a small percentage of seats, outside of the regular selection process, based on information provided through application packages submitted by students. Applicants to ninth grade can apply to a Selective Enrollment school through the Principal Discretion process if they took the Selective Enrollment admissions exam and applied to a Selective Enrollment school in Round 1. These students can apply if they did not receive a Selective Enrollment offer, or if they received a Selective Enrollment offer but would like to be considered for a different Selective Enrollment school. Students do not need to decline a first round offer in order to participate in the Principal Discretion process. To learn more about the Principal Discretion process, please review this handbook and FAQs.
Round 2 Applications
The Round 2 application process will open on April 30, 2018. During Round 2, students will be able to apply to Non-Selective Enrollment or Selective Enrollment programs that still have available seats. (Note that students must meet any minimum eligibility requirements.) However, it is very important for families to understand that if you accepted a Round 1 offer but apply in Round 2 and receive an offer, your Round 1 offer will automatically be forfeited. Because of this, participation in Round 2 is only recommended for families that: (1) did not apply in Round 1 or moved to Chicago after Round 1, (2) did not receive a Round 1 offer but see programs in Round 2 that they want to attend more than their neighborhood school, or (3) received and accepted a Round 1 offer but see programs in Round 2 that they want to attend more than the Round 1 offer that they accepted.
Application Timeline
March 30, 2018
Round 1 Offers Posted
April 13, 2018
Round 1 – Accept/Decline Deadline
April 18, 2018
Round 1 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
April 30, 2018
Round 2 Application Process Opens
May 4, 2018
Round 2 Application Deadline
June 1, 2018
Round 2 Application Results Released
June 8, 2018
Round 2 – Accept/Decline Deadline
June 13, 2018
Round 2 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
High School Offer Highlights
We are excited to report that in our first year of GoCPS:
Managing Your Offers
Last Friday, March 30th, we released Round 1 high school application results. Now that you know your application status, what should you do?
Accept or Decline an Offer
If you received an offer(s) in the first round, you can either accept or decline the offer(s). If you decline your offer(s), there is no guarantee that you will receive any other seats other than your neighborhood school. Note that you can accept an offer and still apply for programs in Round 2 as well as remain on any waitlists that you are on.
Round 1 Waitlists
Applicants were waitlisted for any Non-Selective Enrollment programs for which they were eligible and that they ranked higher than the program from which they received an offer (if applicable). Beginning April 18th, schools can start filling any remaining seats by offering them to waitlisted students, in the order of the waitlist. In your GoCPS account, you can expand the Non-Selective Enrollment section of the View Results page to see if you are on a waitlist. You will also be able to see what waitlist category you are in and what your waitlist number is in that category. If a seat becomes available for a program where you are waitlisted, and your waitlist number is reached, the school will contact you to extend an offer. You will have 48 hours to accept or decline a waitlist offer.
Principal Discretion
The Principal Discretion Process allows principals of Selective Enrollment High Schools to fill a small percentage of seats, outside of the regular selection process, based on information provided through application packages submitted by students. Applicants to ninth grade can apply to a Selective Enrollment school through the Principal Discretion process if they took the Selective Enrollment admissions exam and applied to a Selective Enrollment school in Round 1. These students can apply if they did not receive a Selective Enrollment offer, or if they received a Selective Enrollment offer but would like to be considered for a different Selective Enrollment school. Students do not need to decline a first round offer in order to participate in the Principal Discretion process. To learn more about the Principal Discretion process, please review this handbook and FAQs.
Round 2 Applications
The Round 2 application process will open on April 30, 2018. During Round 2, students will be able to apply to Non-Selective Enrollment or Selective Enrollment programs that still have available seats. (Note that students must meet any minimum eligibility requirements.) However, it is very important for families to understand that if you accepted a Round 1 offer but apply in Round 2 and receive an offer, your Round 1 offer will automatically be forfeited. Because of this, participation in Round 2 is only recommended for families that: (1) did not apply in Round 1 or moved to Chicago after Round 1, (2) did not receive a Round 1 offer but see programs in Round 2 that they want to attend more than their neighborhood school, or (3) received and accepted a Round 1 offer but see programs in Round 2 that they want to attend more than the Round 1 offer that they accepted.
Application Timeline
March 30, 2018
Round 1 Offers Posted
April 13, 2018
Round 1 – Accept/Decline Deadline
April 18, 2018
Round 1 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
April 30, 2018
Round 2 Application Process Opens
May 4, 2018
Round 2 Application Deadline
June 1, 2018
Round 2 Application Results Released
June 8, 2018
Round 2 – Accept/Decline Deadline
June 13, 2018
Round 2 Waitlist Process Opens
48 Hrs after Offer Posts
Waitlist Accept/Decline Deadline
High School Offer Highlights
We are excited to report that in our first year of GoCPS:
- 93 percent of all 8th graders applied,
- 92 percent of these applicants received an offer from at least one of their choices, and
- 81 percent of these applicants received an offer from one of their top three choices.
Resources to Help You Manage High School Results
High school results will be released on 3/30/18. Check out the new High School Selection page to learn how to manage your options.
High School Results Released on Friday, March 30, 2018
Round 1 high school results will be released on Friday, March 30, 2018. If the student applied online, results will be posted on their online GoCPS account. If they applied with a paper application, a notification letter will be sent to the primary address on their application via U.S. mail. In addition, an online GoCPS account has been opened for each paper applicant, and their results will be posted there as well.
Families will have until April 13, 2018, to accept or decline offers. To view a full timeline of high school results notifications and processes, visit the GoCPS home page and view our updated Important Dates section.
View Detailed High School Offer Timeline
Understanding High School Results
GoCPS has a new page called High School Selection that was created to help you understand the processes behind high school selections and notifications. This page includes a series of videos and illustrated guides that will walk you through important topics like high school matching factors and program admissions processes. Take some time to review this content before you leave for Spring Break so you can start understanding your options.
View High School Selection Page
High school results will be released on 3/30/18. Check out the new High School Selection page to learn how to manage your options.
High School Results Released on Friday, March 30, 2018
Round 1 high school results will be released on Friday, March 30, 2018. If the student applied online, results will be posted on their online GoCPS account. If they applied with a paper application, a notification letter will be sent to the primary address on their application via U.S. mail. In addition, an online GoCPS account has been opened for each paper applicant, and their results will be posted there as well.
Families will have until April 13, 2018, to accept or decline offers. To view a full timeline of high school results notifications and processes, visit the GoCPS home page and view our updated Important Dates section.
View Detailed High School Offer Timeline
Understanding High School Results
GoCPS has a new page called High School Selection that was created to help you understand the processes behind high school selections and notifications. This page includes a series of videos and illustrated guides that will walk you through important topics like high school matching factors and program admissions processes. Take some time to review this content before you leave for Spring Break so you can start understanding your options.
View High School Selection Page
Final Week of High School Applications
All applications due by December 22, 2017
Online applications accepted until 11:59 p.m.
Paper/hand delivered applications accepted until 5:00 p.m.
Single Best Offer
A core component of GoCPS is our new single best offer model. Students will receive a single offer to a non-selective enrollment program, if they match, and an additional offer to a selective enrollment program, if they match. This is different than in past years where there was no limit to the number of offers a student could receive, and makes it really important that you: 1.) only apply to programs that you would accept an offer from, and 2.) rank your selected programs according to your true preferences. This will increase your chances of getting an offer from a school you want to attend. To learn more about this, please view the “How it Works” section on the “How to Apply” page. How to Apply
Maximize Your Chances of Matching
When choosing which high school programs to apply to, make sure you are comfortable with your chances of getting a seat. Students are only guaranteed a seat in the general education program of their neighborhood school, so depending on how competitive it is to get into a different program, there is a chance that you may not match with the ones you apply to. In order to maximize your chances of matching with a program you selected, make sure you follow these steps: 1.) review the admissions criteria of each high school program you are applying to and get a sense of your student’s qualifications against these criteria, 2.) use the Selective Enrollment Point Calculation Tool to assist in identifying Selective Enrollment schools you are well qualified for, and 3.) select as many programs as you would accept an offer from so you have back up choices to your top ranked ones.
Review School Admissions Criteria
Last Chance to Make Changes
Applications can be modified online until 11:59 p.m. on December 22. You may want to add or delete a program on your list, or you may want to change the ranking of the programs to which you’ve applied. If you applied using the online application site, you can simply log into your account and make those changes. If you applied via paper application, you will need to request an Application Modification Form from the Office of Access and Enrollment. Contact them at 773-553-2060 or gocps@cps.edu.
Contact Access & Enrollment
Don’t Forget to RSVP for Admissions Screenings
Certain programs require you to attend admissions screenings. You will be prompted during the application process to schedule your appointment(s) via the RSVP function, so make sure you don’t skip this important step.
Important Steps to Take before December 22:
Apply if You Have Not Applied!
Even if you’re just getting started in these final two weeks, you can still apply! Everyone who submits an application by the December 22 deadline is considered at the same time, so applying now does not affect your chances of receiving an offer. Visit go.cps.edu today to activate your online application account, create your family profile and start selecting programs. If you prefer to apply via paper application, you can download and print it from go.cps.edu. Here are some useful quick links to help you get started:
Activation Guide
Application Guide
Learn How to Apply
Make Sure You Are Comfortable with your Selections
With our new application process, families will receive a single best offer to a non-selective enrollment program if they match, and an additional offer to a selective enrollment high school if they are eligible and they match. There won’t be an opportunity to choose between numerous offers like in years past, so you need to be very comfortable with the programs you’ve selected. Only select programs you would accept an offer from and make sure your rankings reflect your true preferences.
Review Applications
Maximize Your Chances of Matching
We want as many students as possible to match with a high school program they selected. In order to maximize your chances of this, it is very important that you apply to as many programs as you would accept an offer from. You potentially have 20 non-selective and 6 selective program options to use, so the more programs you select that you both qualify for and would accept an offer from, the higher your chances are of matching with a program you selected.
Be sure that you consider non-selective enrollment programs as well as selective enrollment schools -- don't put all your eggs in one basket. You may wish to consult the Selective Enrollment Point Calculation Tool to assist you in identifying the Selective Enrollment schools you want to apply to.
Use Your Available Program Options
Families can select and rank up to 20 non-selective enrollment programs and, if they are eligible, up to 6 selective enrollment programs. Be sure to apply to as many programs as you would accept an offer from, as this will maximize your chances of receiving an offer. Search Schools
There’s Still Time to Make Changes
Applications can be modified up until the December 22 deadline. You may want to add a program to your list, or you may want to change the ranking of the programs to which you’ve applied. If you applied using the online application site, you can simply log into your account and make those changes. If you applied via paper application, you will need to request an Application Modification Form from the Office of Access and Enrollment. Contact them at 773-553-2060 or gocps@cps.edu.
Contact Access & Enrollment
Research Schools & Programs Using Our New Advanced Search
GoCPS just launched a new advanced search engine that makes it easier for families to find schools and programs to apply to. With our advanced search, you can locate schools by name, zip code, and your home address; as well as use a variety of filters to sort these results by the categories of programs available. We’ve also added a map view to the search tool so you can see where schools are located and get directions with estimated travel times. There is also a comparison tool that allows site visitors to select up to four schools and compare them side-by-side. So if you are still trying to decide which high school programs to apply to, take a few moments to check out this great new site feature on GoCPS. Search Schools
Consider Your Neighborhood School
Neighborhood schools offer great options for CPS students. And even though each student is guaranteed a spot in the general education program at their neighborhood school, regardless of whether they apply; we are still encouraging all students to select and rank their neighborhood school along with all their other program selections. So take some time to get familiar with your neighborhood school options and the programs they offer. You can find your neighborhood school by typing your home address into the search field of our new advanced school finder. Find My Neighborhood School
Review the Application Guide
There are a large number of very helpful guides and documents on GoCPS to help you through the process. One of the most popular ones is the High School Application guide. This detailed booklet includes step-by-step screenshots and instructions covering the entire application process. It’s a great place to start getting familiar with how things work before applying, and you can also print it and use it as a reference piece while completing your applications. View Application Guide
Find Events to Attend
Each week, there are a variety of high school open houses, fairs and other application related events happening all across the district. These events are a great place to get in person information about the application process and talk directly with the staff of schools you may be interested in. You can find the dates, time and details of these events in the online calendar on GoCPS. You can even add the events you are interested in to your personal calendar. Take a look and see if any of the schools on your application list are hosting applications events. View Calendar
Link to the webinar recording: GROWCommunity Enrollment Policy Webinar Recording
GROWCommunity Enrollment Policy Webinar Recording Available
With the GROWCommunity Enrollment Policy, 8th grade students from any of the GROW elementary schools who apply to Amundsen or Lake View through GoCPS will be guaranteed admission, regardless of where they live. GROWCommunity hosted a webinar that walks prospective 8th grade families through the process of accessing these seats through the GoCPS application. Watch the webinar recording here anytime. Further details of how to access those seats are here.
All applications due by December 22, 2017
Online applications accepted until 11:59 p.m.
Paper/hand delivered applications accepted until 5:00 p.m.
Single Best Offer
A core component of GoCPS is our new single best offer model. Students will receive a single offer to a non-selective enrollment program, if they match, and an additional offer to a selective enrollment program, if they match. This is different than in past years where there was no limit to the number of offers a student could receive, and makes it really important that you: 1.) only apply to programs that you would accept an offer from, and 2.) rank your selected programs according to your true preferences. This will increase your chances of getting an offer from a school you want to attend. To learn more about this, please view the “How it Works” section on the “How to Apply” page. How to Apply
Maximize Your Chances of Matching
When choosing which high school programs to apply to, make sure you are comfortable with your chances of getting a seat. Students are only guaranteed a seat in the general education program of their neighborhood school, so depending on how competitive it is to get into a different program, there is a chance that you may not match with the ones you apply to. In order to maximize your chances of matching with a program you selected, make sure you follow these steps: 1.) review the admissions criteria of each high school program you are applying to and get a sense of your student’s qualifications against these criteria, 2.) use the Selective Enrollment Point Calculation Tool to assist in identifying Selective Enrollment schools you are well qualified for, and 3.) select as many programs as you would accept an offer from so you have back up choices to your top ranked ones.
Review School Admissions Criteria
Last Chance to Make Changes
Applications can be modified online until 11:59 p.m. on December 22. You may want to add or delete a program on your list, or you may want to change the ranking of the programs to which you’ve applied. If you applied using the online application site, you can simply log into your account and make those changes. If you applied via paper application, you will need to request an Application Modification Form from the Office of Access and Enrollment. Contact them at 773-553-2060 or gocps@cps.edu.
Contact Access & Enrollment
Don’t Forget to RSVP for Admissions Screenings
Certain programs require you to attend admissions screenings. You will be prompted during the application process to schedule your appointment(s) via the RSVP function, so make sure you don’t skip this important step.
Important Steps to Take before December 22:
Apply if You Have Not Applied!
Even if you’re just getting started in these final two weeks, you can still apply! Everyone who submits an application by the December 22 deadline is considered at the same time, so applying now does not affect your chances of receiving an offer. Visit go.cps.edu today to activate your online application account, create your family profile and start selecting programs. If you prefer to apply via paper application, you can download and print it from go.cps.edu. Here are some useful quick links to help you get started:
Activation Guide
Application Guide
Learn How to Apply
Make Sure You Are Comfortable with your Selections
With our new application process, families will receive a single best offer to a non-selective enrollment program if they match, and an additional offer to a selective enrollment high school if they are eligible and they match. There won’t be an opportunity to choose between numerous offers like in years past, so you need to be very comfortable with the programs you’ve selected. Only select programs you would accept an offer from and make sure your rankings reflect your true preferences.
Review Applications
Maximize Your Chances of Matching
We want as many students as possible to match with a high school program they selected. In order to maximize your chances of this, it is very important that you apply to as many programs as you would accept an offer from. You potentially have 20 non-selective and 6 selective program options to use, so the more programs you select that you both qualify for and would accept an offer from, the higher your chances are of matching with a program you selected.
Be sure that you consider non-selective enrollment programs as well as selective enrollment schools -- don't put all your eggs in one basket. You may wish to consult the Selective Enrollment Point Calculation Tool to assist you in identifying the Selective Enrollment schools you want to apply to.
Use Your Available Program Options
Families can select and rank up to 20 non-selective enrollment programs and, if they are eligible, up to 6 selective enrollment programs. Be sure to apply to as many programs as you would accept an offer from, as this will maximize your chances of receiving an offer. Search Schools
There’s Still Time to Make Changes
Applications can be modified up until the December 22 deadline. You may want to add a program to your list, or you may want to change the ranking of the programs to which you’ve applied. If you applied using the online application site, you can simply log into your account and make those changes. If you applied via paper application, you will need to request an Application Modification Form from the Office of Access and Enrollment. Contact them at 773-553-2060 or gocps@cps.edu.
Contact Access & Enrollment
Research Schools & Programs Using Our New Advanced Search
GoCPS just launched a new advanced search engine that makes it easier for families to find schools and programs to apply to. With our advanced search, you can locate schools by name, zip code, and your home address; as well as use a variety of filters to sort these results by the categories of programs available. We’ve also added a map view to the search tool so you can see where schools are located and get directions with estimated travel times. There is also a comparison tool that allows site visitors to select up to four schools and compare them side-by-side. So if you are still trying to decide which high school programs to apply to, take a few moments to check out this great new site feature on GoCPS. Search Schools
Consider Your Neighborhood School
Neighborhood schools offer great options for CPS students. And even though each student is guaranteed a spot in the general education program at their neighborhood school, regardless of whether they apply; we are still encouraging all students to select and rank their neighborhood school along with all their other program selections. So take some time to get familiar with your neighborhood school options and the programs they offer. You can find your neighborhood school by typing your home address into the search field of our new advanced school finder. Find My Neighborhood School
Review the Application Guide
There are a large number of very helpful guides and documents on GoCPS to help you through the process. One of the most popular ones is the High School Application guide. This detailed booklet includes step-by-step screenshots and instructions covering the entire application process. It’s a great place to start getting familiar with how things work before applying, and you can also print it and use it as a reference piece while completing your applications. View Application Guide
Find Events to Attend
Each week, there are a variety of high school open houses, fairs and other application related events happening all across the district. These events are a great place to get in person information about the application process and talk directly with the staff of schools you may be interested in. You can find the dates, time and details of these events in the online calendar on GoCPS. You can even add the events you are interested in to your personal calendar. Take a look and see if any of the schools on your application list are hosting applications events. View Calendar
Link to the webinar recording: GROWCommunity Enrollment Policy Webinar Recording
GROWCommunity Enrollment Policy Webinar Recording Available
With the GROWCommunity Enrollment Policy, 8th grade students from any of the GROW elementary schools who apply to Amundsen or Lake View through GoCPS will be guaranteed admission, regardless of where they live. GROWCommunity hosted a webinar that walks prospective 8th grade families through the process of accessing these seats through the GoCPS application. Watch the webinar recording here anytime. Further details of how to access those seats are here.
Make sure to schedule events and use the calculation tool if you’re applying to a Selective Enrollment school.
Schedule Events
If you have used the online application site to apply to programs that require admissions screenings (admissions exams, auditions/portfolio reviews, information sessions, or interviews), you will need to schedule these events through your GoCPS account. You will be prompted to do this after you submit your application. Any program with a required admissions screening will have a green “RSVP” button next to it on your account. By clicking RSVP, you will be shown all of the available times, locations, and dates for each required event. For step-by-step instructions, please review pages 27-33 of our Application Guide.
Application Guide
If you have applied via paper application to programs that require admissions screenings, please see page 57 of the Elementary and High School Guide for information on scheduling appointments for these events. Elementary and High School Guide
Selective Enrollment Calculation Tool
If your student is applying to one or more Selective Enrollment schools, the Selective Enrollment Point Calculation Tool can help. This tool was created to assist with your decision as to which schools you may wish to apply to, based on your student’s skills and achievements. Using this tool, you can enter the seventh grade test scores and grades of your student, as well as the tier in which your home address is located. (Note that the figures are based on last year's data and do not offer a guarantee of admission or rejection.) The tool will then display the range of points that the student may need to score on the admissions exam in order to receive an offer from that school. You can also see the minimum and maximum scores of the students that were selected in the most recent selection process. Calculation Tool
SQRP School Ratings Data
CPS recently released new SQRP school ratings data for the 2017-18 school year. SQRP is used to provide an overview of school quality by analyzing a comprehensive set of data encompassing student growth, performance, school culture and climate, graduation rates and attendance rates (among other criteria). This uniform rating system provides families with a clear way to evaluate potential school options and is a great resource to refer to during application season. This year, 80 percent of CPS schools achieved the highest school quality levels. If you want to see how the schools are rated, use the search function on GoCPS to view the profiles for those schools.
Here are some important pointers to keep in mind while applying.
Editing Applications
After you submit your application, you still have the opportunity to re-rank, add, or remove programs until the deadline on December 22. To edit an online application, login to your GoCPS account and click “Edit Application.” To modify a paper application, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 or gocps@cps.edu to request an Application Modification Form. Learn More
Events
Open houses and network fairs are important opportunities to learn more about the schools and programs in which you are interested. They provide a chance to interact directly with leaders and receive answers to questions in person. There are a wide variety of events happening all across the district, and you can find out which ones you may want to attend by utilizing the GoCPS calendar. We’re adding new events each week, so check back frequently or add events from the website directly to your computer or smartphone’s calendar. View Calendar
Explore Various Options
Be sure to consider applying to a wide range of programs -- explore programs without eligibility requirements as well as those that have eligibility requirements. You should only apply to programs where you would accept an offer if you receive one, but the more programs you apply to, the better your chances of receiving an offer.
Schedule Events
If you have used the online application site to apply to programs that require admissions screenings (admissions exams, auditions/portfolio reviews, information sessions, or interviews), you will need to schedule these events through your GoCPS account. You will be prompted to do this after you submit your application. Any program with a required admissions screening will have a green “RSVP” button next to it on your account. By clicking RSVP, you will be shown all of the available times, locations, and dates for each required event. For step-by-step instructions, please review pages 27-33 of our Application Guide.
Application Guide
If you have applied via paper application to programs that require admissions screenings, please see page 57 of the Elementary and High School Guide for information on scheduling appointments for these events. Elementary and High School Guide
Selective Enrollment Calculation Tool
If your student is applying to one or more Selective Enrollment schools, the Selective Enrollment Point Calculation Tool can help. This tool was created to assist with your decision as to which schools you may wish to apply to, based on your student’s skills and achievements. Using this tool, you can enter the seventh grade test scores and grades of your student, as well as the tier in which your home address is located. (Note that the figures are based on last year's data and do not offer a guarantee of admission or rejection.) The tool will then display the range of points that the student may need to score on the admissions exam in order to receive an offer from that school. You can also see the minimum and maximum scores of the students that were selected in the most recent selection process. Calculation Tool
SQRP School Ratings Data
CPS recently released new SQRP school ratings data for the 2017-18 school year. SQRP is used to provide an overview of school quality by analyzing a comprehensive set of data encompassing student growth, performance, school culture and climate, graduation rates and attendance rates (among other criteria). This uniform rating system provides families with a clear way to evaluate potential school options and is a great resource to refer to during application season. This year, 80 percent of CPS schools achieved the highest school quality levels. If you want to see how the schools are rated, use the search function on GoCPS to view the profiles for those schools.
Here are some important pointers to keep in mind while applying.
Editing Applications
After you submit your application, you still have the opportunity to re-rank, add, or remove programs until the deadline on December 22. To edit an online application, login to your GoCPS account and click “Edit Application.” To modify a paper application, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 or gocps@cps.edu to request an Application Modification Form. Learn More
Events
Open houses and network fairs are important opportunities to learn more about the schools and programs in which you are interested. They provide a chance to interact directly with leaders and receive answers to questions in person. There are a wide variety of events happening all across the district, and you can find out which ones you may want to attend by utilizing the GoCPS calendar. We’re adding new events each week, so check back frequently or add events from the website directly to your computer or smartphone’s calendar. View Calendar
Explore Various Options
Be sure to consider applying to a wide range of programs -- explore programs without eligibility requirements as well as those that have eligibility requirements. You should only apply to programs where you would accept an offer if you receive one, but the more programs you apply to, the better your chances of receiving an offer.
Important information regarding admission to Lake View and Amundsen:
GROWCommunity Enrollment Policy Webinar, November 6, 7pm
With the GROWCommunity Enrollment Policy, 8th grade students from any of the GROW elementary schools who apply to Amundsen or Lake View through GoCPS will be guaranteed admission, regardless of where they live. Details of how to access those seats are here. GROWCommunity is also hosting a webinar on the process on Monday, November 6, at 7pm.Webinar registration here.
GROW high schools open house information:
GROWCommunity Enrollment Policy Webinar, November 6, 7pm
With the GROWCommunity Enrollment Policy, 8th grade students from any of the GROW elementary schools who apply to Amundsen or Lake View through GoCPS will be guaranteed admission, regardless of where they live. Details of how to access those seats are here. GROWCommunity is also hosting a webinar on the process on Monday, November 6, at 7pm.Webinar registration here.
GROW high schools open house information:
- Amundsen's open house is this Saturday, November 4, 10am-1pm. Hope to see you there! AHS Open House flyer
- Here's a wrap-up with lots of photos of Lake View's open house this past Saturday! http://www.growcommunitychicago.org/blog/2017/10/31/wrap-up-lake-view-open-house
Activation Guide
The first step in submitting an application is to activate an account. This will create your family’s profile where you can add any students who are applying and view the programs to which they are eligible to apply. There are lots of important steps to follow in this process, especially when adding addresses for the primary parent/guardian and creating current vs. new CPS students. The GoCPS Activation guide is a great resource to help you complete these steps correctly.
Activation Guide
Application Guide
Once you are ready to apply, the GoCPS Application Guide is one of your best resources for understanding all the steps required to select and rank programs/schools, submit the application and schedule required events. Covering both non-selective enrollment and selective enrollment programs, this step-by-step instruction manual is perfect to print or view from a mobile device and use as a reference guide while completing the application process.
Application Guide
Elementary & High School Guide
This is one of the most extensive and detailed documents on the GoCPS site. The Elementary and High School Guide covers everything from application process, selection and notification details, to eligibility requirement breakdowns and a list of high schools by program. The guide also contains a glossary and FAQs to provide definitions and answers to common questions. By putting all of this information in one place, the goal is to have this single guide replace both the High School Guide and the Options for Knowledge Guide.
Elementary & High School Guide
Web Browsers
GoCPS is optimized for view on Chrome and Safari web browsers. We recommend using one of these to access the site.
Need Help?
If you have any questions, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
GoCPS Calendar
One of the best ways to learn about schools and programs is to visit them. Each year, our high schools and community partners host a large number of events including open houses, district high school fairs and application preparation sessions. These free events serve as invaluable resources when determining where to apply.
You can find out when and where each event is happening by visiting our new GoCPS calendar. This comprehensive resource allows you to track and add events you are interested in to your smartphone or computer.
View Calendar
Glossary
Selecting the right high school can be challenging, but so can figuring out all the new words and acronyms you’ll encounter along the way. What’s the difference between a magnet cluster, a magnet high school program and a magnet high school? Are STEM and ECSS the same thing?
To help you find your way through this, we’ve created an online glossary filled with many of these key words and the definitions for each. View Glossary
Make Sure to Enter Your Activation Code
If you are applying for a current 8th grade CPS student, you should come to a screen that asks you to enter the student’s activation code when adding them to your GoCPS account. If you don’t see this screen before you apply, stop and go back (see pg. 22 of the Activation Guide for a screenshot)!
One of the most common mistakes families are making on the application is selecting the wrong student pathway and entering the wrong information. If you chose the wrong path, you’ll be entered as a Non-CPS student; and if you enter student information that does not match our records, it can cause delays in processing your application.
Make sure to read each screen prompt correctly, use this detailed Activation Guide for reference or call the Office of Access and Enrollment if you have any questions.
High School Applications are Now Available on GoCPS
High school applications for the 2018-19 school year at Chicago Public Schools are now available on GoCPS!
This year we are making it easier to apply to every CPS high school with one site, one application and one deadline at go.cps.edu. Applications will be accepted from October 10 through December 22, and students and families should take their time to carefully evaluate the best options for them.
Through the application process, students can apply to up to 20 Non-Selective Enrollment programs and six Selective Enrollment programs. As part of the process, you will rank your choices in order of preference and then in March of 2018, you’ll receive a single best offer to your highest ranked program with available seats.
We know this is both an exciting and stressful time for 8th grade families and a lot of big decisions lie ahead, but the entire Chicago Public Schools team is here to support you through every step of the process. Your elementary school counselors, your principals, your teachers, the Office of Access and Enrollment and a wide variety of community partners are all here to answer questions and help you think about your decisions.
We will be providing more information in the coming weeks, including events and activities where you can learn more about schools and the GoCPS platform. So we encourage you to use these next two and a half months to ask questions, research, plan, and make thoughtful application decisions. There’s no need to rush.
Best wishes for a great application season!
Need Help? If you have any questions, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
The first step in submitting an application is to activate an account. This will create your family’s profile where you can add any students who are applying and view the programs to which they are eligible to apply. There are lots of important steps to follow in this process, especially when adding addresses for the primary parent/guardian and creating current vs. new CPS students. The GoCPS Activation guide is a great resource to help you complete these steps correctly.
Activation Guide
Application Guide
Once you are ready to apply, the GoCPS Application Guide is one of your best resources for understanding all the steps required to select and rank programs/schools, submit the application and schedule required events. Covering both non-selective enrollment and selective enrollment programs, this step-by-step instruction manual is perfect to print or view from a mobile device and use as a reference guide while completing the application process.
Application Guide
Elementary & High School Guide
This is one of the most extensive and detailed documents on the GoCPS site. The Elementary and High School Guide covers everything from application process, selection and notification details, to eligibility requirement breakdowns and a list of high schools by program. The guide also contains a glossary and FAQs to provide definitions and answers to common questions. By putting all of this information in one place, the goal is to have this single guide replace both the High School Guide and the Options for Knowledge Guide.
Elementary & High School Guide
Web Browsers
GoCPS is optimized for view on Chrome and Safari web browsers. We recommend using one of these to access the site.
Need Help?
If you have any questions, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
GoCPS Calendar
One of the best ways to learn about schools and programs is to visit them. Each year, our high schools and community partners host a large number of events including open houses, district high school fairs and application preparation sessions. These free events serve as invaluable resources when determining where to apply.
You can find out when and where each event is happening by visiting our new GoCPS calendar. This comprehensive resource allows you to track and add events you are interested in to your smartphone or computer.
View Calendar
Glossary
Selecting the right high school can be challenging, but so can figuring out all the new words and acronyms you’ll encounter along the way. What’s the difference between a magnet cluster, a magnet high school program and a magnet high school? Are STEM and ECSS the same thing?
To help you find your way through this, we’ve created an online glossary filled with many of these key words and the definitions for each. View Glossary
Make Sure to Enter Your Activation Code
If you are applying for a current 8th grade CPS student, you should come to a screen that asks you to enter the student’s activation code when adding them to your GoCPS account. If you don’t see this screen before you apply, stop and go back (see pg. 22 of the Activation Guide for a screenshot)!
One of the most common mistakes families are making on the application is selecting the wrong student pathway and entering the wrong information. If you chose the wrong path, you’ll be entered as a Non-CPS student; and if you enter student information that does not match our records, it can cause delays in processing your application.
Make sure to read each screen prompt correctly, use this detailed Activation Guide for reference or call the Office of Access and Enrollment if you have any questions.
High School Applications are Now Available on GoCPS
High school applications for the 2018-19 school year at Chicago Public Schools are now available on GoCPS!
This year we are making it easier to apply to every CPS high school with one site, one application and one deadline at go.cps.edu. Applications will be accepted from October 10 through December 22, and students and families should take their time to carefully evaluate the best options for them.
Through the application process, students can apply to up to 20 Non-Selective Enrollment programs and six Selective Enrollment programs. As part of the process, you will rank your choices in order of preference and then in March of 2018, you’ll receive a single best offer to your highest ranked program with available seats.
We know this is both an exciting and stressful time for 8th grade families and a lot of big decisions lie ahead, but the entire Chicago Public Schools team is here to support you through every step of the process. Your elementary school counselors, your principals, your teachers, the Office of Access and Enrollment and a wide variety of community partners are all here to answer questions and help you think about your decisions.
We will be providing more information in the coming weeks, including events and activities where you can learn more about schools and the GoCPS platform. So we encourage you to use these next two and a half months to ask questions, research, plan, and make thoughtful application decisions. There’s no need to rush.
Best wishes for a great application season!
Need Help? If you have any questions, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
Don’t Rush. Take Your Time.
http://go.cps.edu/how-to-apply/high-schools
Things to Do Before Applying
There are a lot of things to do before submitting your application. Here are some of the most important ones.
Changing Your Program Rankings
On the application, you will be able to select and rank up to 20 Non-Selective Enrollment programs and, if you’re eligible, up to 6 Selective Enrollment programs. Even after you submit your application, you can still make changes up to the December 15 deadline. So make sure to keep researching, attending open houses, and talking to school leaders after you submit to make sure you’ve made the best selection and ranking choices.
Need Help?
If you have any questions, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
http://go.cps.edu/how-to-apply/high-schools
Things to Do Before Applying
There are a lot of things to do before submitting your application. Here are some of the most important ones.
- Activate Your Account
- Review Your Eligibility
- Understand the New Application Process
- Research High School Programs
- Talk to Your Counselor
- Attend Open House Events
Changing Your Program Rankings
On the application, you will be able to select and rank up to 20 Non-Selective Enrollment programs and, if you’re eligible, up to 6 Selective Enrollment programs. Even after you submit your application, you can still make changes up to the December 15 deadline. So make sure to keep researching, attending open houses, and talking to school leaders after you submit to make sure you’ve made the best selection and ranking choices.
Need Help?
If you have any questions, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
Understanding the GoCPS high school application: Important things to know before you apply
Program Options and Selections
Once a family activates their account, they will see a list of all the high school programs to which they can apply using GoCPS. Many schools offer multiple program options. In most cases, students will apply to individual programs within a school vs. applying to the school in general.
To apply to ninth grade, students will submit only ONE application for the programs in which they are interested. Programs are categorized in two groups: Selective Enrollment High Schools and Non-Selective Enrollment programs. (A Non-Selective program is any program that is not one of the 11 Selective Enrollment High Schools.)
Learn More
Select & Rank
Families can apply to up to 20 non-selective enrollment programs, and if students are eligible, up to 6 selective enrollment programs. (Note that non-Selective Enrollment programs can also have minimum eligibility requirements.)
During the application period, families will select all the programs they will apply to, rank them in order of preference, provide any supplemental information required for the programs selected, and schedule and participate in any required admissions screenings (e.g., testing, information sessions, auditions, etc.).
Learn More
Single Best Offer
Students can receive one Selective Enrollment offer and one Non-Selective Enrollment offer. If they do not qualify for a Selective Enrollment offer, they can only receive one Non-Selective Enrollment offer. The offer will be to the highest-ranked school/program on their application for which they qualify and for which seats are available. If they do not qualify for a Selective Enrollment or Non-Selective Enrollment offer, they are guaranteed a seat in the general education program of their neighborhood school.
Need Help? If you have any questions about the activation process, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
Program Options and Selections
Once a family activates their account, they will see a list of all the high school programs to which they can apply using GoCPS. Many schools offer multiple program options. In most cases, students will apply to individual programs within a school vs. applying to the school in general.
To apply to ninth grade, students will submit only ONE application for the programs in which they are interested. Programs are categorized in two groups: Selective Enrollment High Schools and Non-Selective Enrollment programs. (A Non-Selective program is any program that is not one of the 11 Selective Enrollment High Schools.)
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Select & Rank
Families can apply to up to 20 non-selective enrollment programs, and if students are eligible, up to 6 selective enrollment programs. (Note that non-Selective Enrollment programs can also have minimum eligibility requirements.)
During the application period, families will select all the programs they will apply to, rank them in order of preference, provide any supplemental information required for the programs selected, and schedule and participate in any required admissions screenings (e.g., testing, information sessions, auditions, etc.).
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Single Best Offer
Students can receive one Selective Enrollment offer and one Non-Selective Enrollment offer. If they do not qualify for a Selective Enrollment offer, they can only receive one Non-Selective Enrollment offer. The offer will be to the highest-ranked school/program on their application for which they qualify and for which seats are available. If they do not qualify for a Selective Enrollment or Non-Selective Enrollment offer, they are guaranteed a seat in the general education program of their neighborhood school.
Need Help? If you have any questions about the activation process, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
Important Tips for setting up your GoCPS account
High School applications for Chicago Public Schools will open soon, so it’s important that you activate your application account as soon as possible. This step only takes a few minutes to complete and will allow you to create your family profile and view the programs to which you are eligible to apply. Here are some important tips to make sure you complete this process correctly.
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Primary Parent Guardian
No matter who is completing the form, be sure to enter the name and address of the parent/guardian with whom the student resides. This is extremely important because the address provided here will be used for determining tiers, proximity boundaries, and attendance and overlay boundaries.
There will be an option on a later screen to provide the names of additional parents/guardians or others that you want included as contacts. Students in temporary living situations can enter the address where they sleep at night or the address of their current school.
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Are You New to Chicago Public Schools?
Make sure to follow the correct path when adding students to your account based on whether they are a new or current CPS student.
● If your student DID attend a CPS school in the 2016-17 school year, click NO on this screen.
● If your student DID NOT attend a CPS school in the 2016-17 school year, click YES on this screen.
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Apply to High School
Everyone on this mailing list is interested in applying to CPS for high school, so it is important that you follow the high school application pathway when activating your account. When asked if the student is applying to the 9th grade for fall 2018, make sure you select YES on this screen.
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Activation Codes
If the student attended a Chicago public school in the 2016-17 school year, you will be asked to enter their Activation Code. The Activation Code letter was sent home with students at the end of the 2016-17 school year. Non-CPS students do not need an Activation Code.
If the student’s Activation Code was misplaced or not received, families can call the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from a number on their child’s CPS Student Information file to have it retrieved. Activation Codes will also be delivered to schools again in late September for distribution by counselors to students.
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Do Not Create Duplicate Students
If you create a student incorrectly, call the Office of Access and Enrollment rather than trying to create the student again. Duplicate students create exceptions that can slow down the application process.
It is also important that families only add students they are applying for, not every student in their family.
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Web Browsers
GoCPS is optimized for view on Chrome and Safari web browsers. We recommend using one of these to access the site.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about the activation process, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
High School applications for Chicago Public Schools will open soon, so it’s important that you activate your application account as soon as possible. This step only takes a few minutes to complete and will allow you to create your family profile and view the programs to which you are eligible to apply. Here are some important tips to make sure you complete this process correctly.
Learn More
Primary Parent Guardian
No matter who is completing the form, be sure to enter the name and address of the parent/guardian with whom the student resides. This is extremely important because the address provided here will be used for determining tiers, proximity boundaries, and attendance and overlay boundaries.
There will be an option on a later screen to provide the names of additional parents/guardians or others that you want included as contacts. Students in temporary living situations can enter the address where they sleep at night or the address of their current school.
Learn More
Are You New to Chicago Public Schools?
Make sure to follow the correct path when adding students to your account based on whether they are a new or current CPS student.
● If your student DID attend a CPS school in the 2016-17 school year, click NO on this screen.
● If your student DID NOT attend a CPS school in the 2016-17 school year, click YES on this screen.
Learn More
Apply to High School
Everyone on this mailing list is interested in applying to CPS for high school, so it is important that you follow the high school application pathway when activating your account. When asked if the student is applying to the 9th grade for fall 2018, make sure you select YES on this screen.
Learn More
Activation Codes
If the student attended a Chicago public school in the 2016-17 school year, you will be asked to enter their Activation Code. The Activation Code letter was sent home with students at the end of the 2016-17 school year. Non-CPS students do not need an Activation Code.
If the student’s Activation Code was misplaced or not received, families can call the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from a number on their child’s CPS Student Information file to have it retrieved. Activation Codes will also be delivered to schools again in late September for distribution by counselors to students.
Learn More
Do Not Create Duplicate Students
If you create a student incorrectly, call the Office of Access and Enrollment rather than trying to create the student again. Duplicate students create exceptions that can slow down the application process.
It is also important that families only add students they are applying for, not every student in their family.
Learn More
Web Browsers
GoCPS is optimized for view on Chrome and Safari web browsers. We recommend using one of these to access the site.
Need Help?
If you have any questions about the activation process, contact the Office of Access and Enrollment at 773-553-2060 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email gocps@cps.edu.
