Benefits

NUMATS provides students with test scores that reflect a more accurate assessment of their abilities. They get valuable practice taking the same tests used for high school placement and college admissions. A student guide sent prior to the test offers test-taking strategies, test information, and career planning suggestions.

But beyond testing, participants reap many other benefits. They gain self-confidence. They’re more willing to take on challenges. And they start to think more about what they can achieve not only in school, but in life.

Research shows that participation in talent searches such as Northwestern University’s Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS) benefits gifted students in a number of ways. Participants continue their achievement into high school, college and beyond, receiving more awards and honors than academically talented non-participants. They take more accelerated and advanced courses than other students, and they tend to excel, not burn out.

Just as important, research shows that schools tend to follow up on the results of their students’ testing, with everything from certificates of accomplishment to individual meetings with parents and students for assistance in interpreting their scores. School coordinators report that NUMATS not only helps them determine academic programs commensurate with students’ abilities, but also helps their students find program options not available through their schools.

Participants receive these benefits:

	Statistical Summary, which summarizes the scores of all students who participated in NUMATS so students can compare their scores to those of other NUMATS participants at their grade level and older students who typically take the tests
	Long-Range Academic Plan, a record of the student's scores and NUMATS percentile that will help students and families plan their coursework through the end of high school
	Planning and Resource Guide, with suggestions for selecting coursework and extracurricular activities in math, science, social science and the humanities matched to students' scores
	Educational Program Guide, a listing of schools and programs for academically talented students throughout the United States
	Certificate of participation
	Invitation for highest scorers to attend award ceremony held at Northwestern University, with scholarships for CTD programs for first-place scorers; additional invitations to state and local award ceremonies
	Invitation to participate in future talent searches
	Invitation to apply for CTD's Summer Program and online learning program as well as other programs, depending on individual qualifications
	Mailings from time of registration through high school from summer programs and special schools
	Talent, a Center for Talent Development (CTD) newsletter that contains articles and research geared toward gifted students, their parents, and teachers
	The College Guide, featuring articles on college admissions to help students get started with college planning when NUMATS participants are in grade 10

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