Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search
Imagine that you’re measuring a roomful of kids with a yardstick. That’s fine for the kids who are shorter than three feet, but for those who are taller, the yardstick is an inadequate tool. The same is true for gifted kids—to measure their abilities, you need a better tool than a grade-level test, one that can measure above that 99th percentile where the yardstick ends.
That better tool is Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS). Started in 1982, NUMATS is a program of the Center for Talent Development (CTD) that offers above grade-level testing for high-performing students in grades 3 through 9. This Talent Search approach is an extremely well-researched and respected program model in gifted education.
NUMATS uses tests intended for older students to provide a more accurate measurement of aptitude, because studies show that students who score in the top 10% on school achievement tests differ widely from average students in their abilities and educational needs. In-grade achievement tests just don’t accurately represent these gifted students’ potential.
NUMATS uses the EXPLORE test—developed by ACT and normally given to students in grade 8—to determine the abilities of students in grades 3 through 6. The ACT and the SAT tests, typically used for college admissions, provide a more accurate picture of the mathematical and verbal reasoning abilities of students in grades 6 through 9.
More than 30,000 families each year turn to NUMATS for this kind of insight.
next: Our Program
Imagine that you’re measuring a roomful of kids with a yardstick. That’s fine for the kids who are shorter than three feet, but for those who are taller, the yardstick is an inadequate tool. The same is true for gifted kids—to measure their abilities, you need a better tool than a grade-level test, one that can measure above that 99th percentile where the yardstick ends.
That better tool is Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS). Started in 1982, NUMATS is a program of the Center for Talent Development (CTD) that offers above grade-level testing for high-performing students in grades 3 through 9. This Talent Search approach is an extremely well-researched and respected program model in gifted education.
NUMATS uses tests intended for older students to provide a more accurate measurement of aptitude, because studies show that students who score in the top 10% on school achievement tests differ widely from average students in their abilities and educational needs. In-grade achievement tests just don’t accurately represent these gifted students’ potential.
NUMATS uses the EXPLORE test—developed by ACT and normally given to students in grade 8—to determine the abilities of students in grades 3 through 6. The ACT and the SAT tests, typically used for college admissions, provide a more accurate picture of the mathematical and verbal reasoning abilities of students in grades 6 through 9.
After students test, parents receive comprehensive information about how their student measures up to other gifted students. This valuable feedback helps families plan for the future.
More than 30,000 families each year turn to NUMATS for this kind of insight.
Announcements:
Events: [view all Events]
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Registration reminders
NUMATS registration deadlines are approaching for the SAT®, ACT® and EXPLORE® tests. Register today!
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NUMATS Webinar
Listen to a recent webinar and hear answers to your questions about NUMATS.
Events: [view all Events]
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SAT test date for NUMATS students
December 5
Registrant Info
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Registration deadline for January SAT
December 10
Final day to register for January 23 SAT
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Registration for May SAT begins
December 11
First day to register for May 1 SAT
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ACT test date for NUMATS students
December 12
Registrant Info
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Registration deadline for February ACT
December 15
Final day to register for February 6 ACT
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Registration for June ACT begins
December 16
First day to register for June 12 ACT
