Application Checklist
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Log In or Create Your GoCPS Account
Once the GoCPS application cycle opens, log in to access your GoCPS account or sign up to create a new account. To create an account you’ll need the student applicant's name and date of birth, and a CPS ID number.
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Apply to Your Program Choices
Add your programs selections for selective enrollment and/or choice programs. If you have a priority preference, make sure you check the box — many families miss this step. If you are a non-CPS applicant, you will need to upload a copy of the student's official transcript.
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Mark Important Dates on Your Calendar
Applications for all district-managed GoCPS elementary school programs can be submitted during the fall GoCPS application window or after the rolling waitlist opens. The dates change yearly, so be sure to confirm deadlines for the current application cycle.
Tips for Applying
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Carefully research the available programs and apply to as many programs as you would accept an offer from. Find programs on the CPS School Search.
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Only apply to schools/programs where you would accept an offer if your child receives one.
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Check the maximum number of programs you can apply for. Learn more about applying to Choice programs and Selective Enrollment programs.
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Rank all programs applying for in true order of preference and have your list ready when filling out the application. Learn more about ranking programs.
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For programs that require testing, your child can only be tested in one grade level, so make sure this is decided before submitting your application.
Navigating the Application Process
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Managing Your GoCPS Application
Learn how to create a GoCPS account, start your application, and make any necessary changes.
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Ranking Programs
When you apply to Choice and Selective Enrollment programs through GoCPS, you will rank the programs in order of preference.The GoCPS selection process is designed to offer applicants the highest ranked program on their GoCPS application that they are eligible for and that has available seats.
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Admissions Testing for Selective Enrollment
All Selective Enrollment Elementary School (SEES) programs require admissions testing. Depending on the type of program, students may be required to take more than one test.
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Official Grades for SEES Programs
Grades from the previous school year are used as part of the eligibility process for Classical and Regional Gifted Center programs for grades 5-8 only, and are used for eligibility and in the selection process for Academic Centers. The required grades must be included on the GoCPS application to be considered for any SEES programs.
Next Phase
During the Results Phase, a computerized lottery will randomly fill the available seats at Choice schools, and the application system will try to place the student in the highest-ranked Selective Enrollment school on their application for which they qualify and that has available seats.