Overview, Midwest Academic Talent Search, Center for Talent Development, Northwestern University

Overview of Midwest Academic Talent Search

The Midwest Academic Talent Search is based on the premise that early and accurate assessment of students showing evidence of advanced academic abilities or achievement through out-of-level testing can be useful in designing and obtaining more appropriate academic programs for them.

Eligible Students

Students in grades 3 through 9 (only students in grades 4 through 8 are eligible for both the CTD and the state award ceremonies)

Qualifications Needed

Students in grades 3 through 9 may qualify for MATS in at least one of the following five ways:

1. State test scores

State Tests

State

Test

Grade*

Verbal/Reading

Math

Illinois

ISAT

≥97th percentile

4-8

≥95th percentile

Indiana

ISTEP +

All

Pass + category

Michigan

MEAP (scaled scores)

≥398

≥383

≥477

≥461

≥568

≥564

≥666

≥658

≥766

≥758

≥864

≥846

Minnesota

MCA or MCA II or NWEA-MAP

≥97th percentile

4-8

≥95th percentile

Ohio

Ohio Achievement Test

All

Advanced level

Wisconsin

WKCE

≥513

≥499

≥539

≥531

≥550

≥547

≥567

≥570

≥576

≥591

≥596

≥610

*Students may use scores from tests taken in previous years.

2. Achievement test scores

Students may use the verbal, math or composite score or subscore from a nationally normed, standardized, grade-level achievement, aptitude or abilities test, such as the Terra Nova, to qualify for MATS. The following chart shows the verbal, math or composite percentile needed at each grade level:

Nationally Normed Achievement Tests

Students in grade*

Whose achievement test scores are

Qualify to take

≥97th percentile

EXPLORE

4 or 5

≥95th percentile

EXPLORE

≥95th percentile

EXPLORE

≥97th percentile

ACT or SAT

7 or 8

≥95th percentile

ACT or SAT

≥95th percentile

ACT only

*Students may use scores from tests taken in previous years.

3. Past Talent Search participation
4. Nomination by a parent or teacher (read more)
5. Qualifying for school's gifted program

Which Test Should
You Take?

EXPLORE for students in grades 3 to 6 (read more)

ACT for students in grades 6 to 9 (read more)

SAT for students in grades 6 to 8 (read more)

When Are the Tests Given?

EXPLORE is given on January 26 or February 23, 2008. These are the only test dates available for EXPLORE.

ACT is given on February 9, 2008.
SAT is given on January 26, 2008.

Later dates are available for ACT (April 12) and SAT (March 1). Online registration for these dates will begin on December 14, 2007.

Note: Scores from tests taken after February will NOT be considered for CTD, state and local award ceremonies.

2008 Fees

EXPLORE

ACT

SAT

Test Fee

$27.00

$30.00

$43.00

MATS Fee

$29.00

$32.00

Total Fee

$56.00*

$62.00

$75.00

*Starting December 14, 2007, an $18.00 late fee will be added to the EXPLORE test fee, making the total fee $74.00.

Financial Aid

MATS fee waivers and a limited number of test fee rebates are available for EXPLORE, ACT and SAT test-takers who qualify. Eligible students may receive only one fee waiver/rebate per academic year.
(read more)

Midwest Academic Talent Search

Overview of Midwest Academic Talent Search

Begin the online registration.