High School Entrance Exam Prep for Grades 7–8
Give Your Child a Head Start on High School Success!
High School Entrance Exam Preparation for 7th & 8th Grade Students
Big Dreams Start with Strong Preparation!
Is your child preparing to apply to a private, Catholic, magnet, or specialized high school?
Star Study Buddy can help 7th and 8th grade students build the skills, confidence, and test-taking strategies needed to prepare for competitive high school entrance exams.
Our personalized approach helps students identify their strengths, improve areas of weakness, and prepare for the next exciting chapter of their education.
GET STARTED TODAYYour guide to high school entrance exam preparation
Learn how Star Study Buddy helps students prepare for CPS HSAT / PreACT 9 Secure, Catholic/private-school exams, and other entrance tests.
Download the High School Exam Prep Guide (PDF)Free PDF information guide. Save, print, or share with your family.
Which Entrance Exams Do We Prepare Students For?
Our program provides targeted preparation for:
- Chicago Public Schools — HSAT / PreACT 9 Secure
- ISEE – Independent School Entrance Examination
- SSAT – Secondary School Admission Test
- HSPT – High School Placement Test
- SHSAT – Specialized High Schools Admissions Test
- Private & Catholic High School Entrance Exams
- Magnet & Selective High School Assessments
- School-Specific Entrance and Placement Exams
Preparation is customized to the exam required by your child’s preferred high school.
Chicago Public Schools — HSAT / PreACT 9 Secure
Chicago Public Schools uses the PreACT 9 Secure as its High School Admissions Test (HSAT). Students applying through GoCPS to ninth grade take the test in eighth grade. It covers English, Math, Reading, and Science.
Star Study Buddy can help your child strengthen these skills with original practice questions, step-by-step explanations, and targeted review created as requested. Preparation can include grammar and punctuation, algebra and geometry, reading comprehension, and interpreting scientific graphs and data, along with pacing and test-taking strategies.
After purchasing the program, parents can request a study plan focused on their child’s needs and CPS HSAT / PreACT 9 Secure preparation. Families with students in Catholic or other non-CPS schools who are applying to CPS should check GoCPS for registration requirements.
View official CPS test and registration information.
Study Buddy provides independent preparation using original questions, not official or secure exam questions. Star Learning Systems is not affiliated with or endorsed by CPS or ACT.
What Will Your Child Learn?
Mathematics & Problem-Solving
Pre-algebra, algebra readiness, geometry, fractions, percentages, word problems, and quantitative reasoning.
Reading Comprehension & Vocabulary
Main ideas, inference, critical thinking, verbal reasoning, vocabulary development, and reading strategies.
Grammar, Language & Writing
Grammar rules, punctuation, sentence structure, writing organization, and essay preparation when required.
Test-Taking Skills
Time management, pacing, understanding question formats, eliminating incorrect answers, and developing confidence.
The Star Study Buddy Advantage
We believe successful preparation begins with understanding each student’s individual learning needs.
Study Buddy creates the following as students and parents request them:
- Diagnostic assessments to identify learning strengths and gaps
- Personalized study plans and targeted lessons
- Step-by-step explanations and guided practice
- Practice questions and exam-style assessments
- Progress reviews and targeted skill improvement
- Confidence-building test-taking strategies
We don’t just help students practice. We help them understand, improve, and grow.
Why Start in 7th or 8th Grade?
7th Grade: Build the Foundation
Start early by strengthening essential math, reading, vocabulary, and reasoning skills before the pressure of high school applications.
8th Grade: Prepare for Test Day
Focus on the entrance exam required by your child’s target school, strengthen challenging skills, and practice strategies for exam day.
Your Child’s High School Journey Starts Here!
Every student deserves the opportunity to feel prepared and confident when pursuing their educational goals.
Give your child a stronger start with Star Study Buddy’s High School Entrance Exam Preparation Program.
Ready to Get Started?
Step 1: Ask Study Buddy to create a diagnostic assessment.
Step 2: Identify the skills your child needs to strengthen.
Step 3: Ask Study Buddy to create a personalized exam preparation plan and guide your child through it.
Star Study Buddy
Building Strong Students. Preparing Bright Futures.
START STRONG. AIM HIGH. SHINE BRIGHT!
Preparation supports academic readiness but does not guarantee admission to a particular school.