Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search

Register for CTD's Midwest Academic Talent Search

While Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS) is built around testing, it provides opportunities well beyond the testing, including information and resources for appropriate school follow-up, access to Center for Talent Development (CTD) onsite and distance learning programs, and awards and recognition for the highest-scoring students. Plus with the new online NUMATS Toolbox, schools and families have yearlong access to a wealth of resources.

Test dates are available throughout the school year. Testing before March is required for award ceremony consideration by NUMATS and most other organizations.

Early September
Registration begins. See Test Dates and Registration Deadlines for test dates and registration information; see Test Centers for test center locations.

After registration is complete
Access the online NUMATS Toolbox to make use of test preparation materials and other resources. These materials will also be mailed to students.

In the weeks preceding test day
Students prepare for EXPLORE^®, ACT^® or SAT^® using materials provided by NUMATS and the testing agencies.

At least one week before test day
Students receive an admission ticket in the mail directly from the testing agency, which contains information on when and where to go and what to bring on test day.

Test day
Students should arrive at the test center with their test admission ticket and other items by 7:45 or 8:00 a.m., depending on the test. (Test admission ticket will state what time to arrive and what to bring.) If students are taking the ACT or SAT, they should also bring the completed identification form, included with the test preparation materials and downloadable through the NUMATS Toolbox.

Several weeks after testing
Check the online NUMATS Toolbox for access to student test scores, NUMATS percentiles and interpretive information; students and schools have online access to follow-up information as soon as scores are available.

About five weeks after testing
Students receive an official score report in the mail from the testing agency.

March
Eligible students receive information about CTD's summer and online programs.
Visit the online NUMATS Toolbox for a newly updated version of CTD's Educational Program Guide.

April-May
NUMATS recognition certificates are mailed. Schools or districts may recognize NUMATS participants in honors assemblies.

May-August
NUMATS and state award ceremonies are held for top scorers.

	Early September Registration begins. See Test Dates and Registration Deadlines for test dates and registration information; see Test Centers for test center locations.
	After registration is complete Access the online NUMATS Toolbox to make use of test preparation materials and other resources. These materials will also be mailed to students.
	In the weeks preceding test day Students prepare for EXPLORE^®, ACT^® or SAT^® using materials provided by NUMATS and the testing agencies.
	At least one week before test day Students receive an admission ticket in the mail directly from the testing agency, which contains information on when and where to go and what to bring on test day.
	Test day Students should arrive at the test center with their test admission ticket and other items by 7:45 or 8:00 a.m., depending on the test. (Test admission ticket will state what time to arrive and what to bring.) If students are taking the ACT or SAT, they should also bring the completed identification form, included with the test preparation materials and downloadable through the NUMATS Toolbox.
	Several weeks after testing Check the online NUMATS Toolbox for access to student test scores, NUMATS percentiles and interpretive information; students and schools have online access to follow-up information as soon as scores are available.
	About five weeks after testing Students receive an official score report in the mail from the testing agency.
	March Eligible students receive information about CTD's summer and online programs. Visit the online NUMATS Toolbox for a newly updated version of CTD's Educational Program Guide.
	April-May NUMATS recognition certificates are mailed. Schools or districts may recognize NUMATS participants in honors assemblies. May-August NUMATS and state award ceremonies are held for top scorers.