Q & A
Frequently Asked Questions
If eligible, should I apply to both of Von Steuben's programs? (Scholar and College Prep)
YES! YES! YES!!
We recommend and encourage students to apply to both programs in order to increase your chances of receiving an offer. For Scholars Program applicants, if you do make it into Scholars, but get selected in the College Prep Program, there are opportunities to move into Scholars.
Do I need to take an entrance exam to apply for Von Steuben's lottery?
No, to be eligible to apply to the freshmen College Prep Magnet lottery, you must have a combined score of the 58 percentile in Reading and Math, on the CPS HSAT. (This is a combined score of 48 percentile for students with IEP's). Student applying to the Scholars program will be selected in descending points score order based on grades, and HSAT scores. HSAT scores and grades are converted into points based on one rubric
Should I apply to both programs if I'm eligible? Does this improve my chance of gaining admission to Von Steuben?
Yes, you will be able to rank both Magnet College Prep and Scholars Programs on your Go CPS application. They are considered two separate programs. Look at your CPS High School Admissions Test scores, and review the requirement for both of our programs. If you meet the requirements for Scholars, we suggest you rank that program #1 and the Magnet College Prep #2!
I have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Am I still eligible to attend Von Steuben?
Yes! Von Steuben accepts students with IEPs. In fact, Von Steuben students receive individualized attention in various forms: co-taught classroom environment, self-contained classroom environment, and modified instruction. Regardless of the specific environment, our students' educational needs come first, and we are here to help all of our students excel. For our College Prep lottery, students with IEP's must have a 48th percentile combination score on the HSAT. Our Scholar applicant's must have a combined 120 on the HSAT.
What if I am from a private school? What do I do?
You must create an account on Go.CPS to apply and you will register to take the CPS High School Admissions Exam on the dates available. Please visit Go.CPS.edu for more information, or click here.
Do I have to live near Von Steuben to apply to the lottery?
No. The only residency requirement is that you live within the City of Chicago boundaries. That's it. Von Steuben's well-known diversity is strengthened by attracting students from just about every neighborhood across the City of Chicago.
My sister/brother attends Von Steuben. Do I still have to apply?
Yes, you still need to apply by selecting one or both of Von's programs, but you need to enter your sibling's name, and ID number on the application. If you forget to indicate a sibling and enter their information, then you will not be considered for the sibling lottery. Your sibling must be either a current Freshmen, Sophomore, or Junior to qualify. If you forget to indicate your sibling, contact gocps immediately.