What to Expect

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.

The schedule below is for students who test in January or February. Dates may vary for students who test on alternate dates.

	Early September Registration begins. See Test Dates and Registration Deadlines for test dates and registration information; see Test Centers for test center locations.
	Late October Paper registration ends. Online registration continues. See Test Dates and Registration Deadlines for online registration deadlines.
	Two to three weeks before the test Students taking the ACT, SAT or EXPLORE receive preparation material.
	One week to ten days before the test Students receive their admission tickets.
	January/February Students take the tests for which they registered.
	March Students receive their scores from the testing agency. They also receive the Educational Program Guide, and qualified students receive invitations to apply to other CTD programs.
	April Students receive follow-up interpretative material from NUMATS. School coordinators receive student scores and follow-up material.
	May/June CTD, state and local award ceremonies are held for highest-scoring students who tested before March.
	Summer and beyond Parents and students can follow up with educators and with NUMATS resources for enrichment in the summer and during the school year - either on site or through Gifted LearningLinks, CTD's online learning program.

next:  Test Dates