The Center for Talent Development's Midwest Academic Talent Search
CTD's Midwest Academic Talent Search
Register for CTD's Midwest Academic Talent Search
FAQs

Eligibility

Financial Aid

Information for Accepted Students

Logistics

NUMATS ACT registrants

NUMATS FAQs about the EXPLORE test (grades 3 to 6)

NUMATS SAT registrants

NUMATS students in grades 6 to 9

Program Benefits

Program Policies

The Program

The Tests

Eligibility

  • Can homeschooled students participate in NUMATS?

    Absolutely. The resources we provide help all students plan for the future. Homeschooled students with few opportunities for formal assessment of their abilities can particularly benefit from participation in NUMATS.




  • My child's school does not offer gifted programming; can my child participate in NUMATS?
    Students can qualify using state standardized test scores, or with parent/teacher recommendation if the student is decidedly within the top 5% to 10% of their class in either verbal/reading OR math.


  • Who is eligible for NUMATS?
    Students in grades 3 through 9 who meet one or more of the following criteria:

    • Participated previously in NUMATS or another talent search program
    • Qualify for their school’s gifted program
    • Receive a teacher or parent nomination because they demonstrate advanced aptitude in verbal or mathematical reasoning or consistently demonstrate a high level of performance on demanding coursework or often request more challenging academic experiences
    • Meet grade-level assessment criteria on a nationally normed or state achievement test (See charts below – test scores from previous years may be used.)



  • Will my child be nervous about the testing environment?
    At many test centers, the testing room may serve both NUMATS participants and older students. While a few younger students may be bothered by sitting next to high schoolers, most do just fine. Test proctors ensure a quiet, respectful test environment where all students can do their best work.



  • Will my child be overwhelmed?
    Researchers have found that most participants score above the chance level (the score they would receive if they just guessed on every question) on the tests taken through NUMATS. In addition, the percentage of students scoring at the low end of these tests is about the same for both academic talent search students and high school students, showing that younger students are not overwhelmed by the test. In other words, tests taken through NUMATS are not too difficult for most middle school students who qualify for NUMATS.


  • Can my child participate in NUMATS if his or her school does not administer achievement tests?

    Yes. Parents or teachers can recommend participation if the student is decidedly within the top 5% to 10% of their class in either verbal/reading OR math.




  • Must my child's school recommend him or her for participation in this program?
    No, students may sign up for Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search either individually or through their schools.


  • What if I feel that my child's achievement test scores do not accurately reflect his or her true abilities?
    Parents or teachers may nominate eligible students to participate in NUMATS.

    NUMATS offers you information about many gifted programs throughout our eight-state region, including our own courses and classes at CTD, designed for gifted students. Through these resources, you will be able to see what opportunities for gifted students may be available locally or virtually for your child.




Financial Aid

Information for Accepted Students

  • Are other award ceremonies planned?
    Yes, educators and gifted associations in several individual states conduct award ceremonies in which they recognize high-scoring students from their states. Eligibility criteria for these local or state award ceremonies may differ from the criteria for the CTD Award Ceremony. Some students may be invited to more than one ceremony. Students will be notified by mail if they have been invited to participate in any of these award ceremonies.
    In addition, many schools have their own award ceremonies during which their NUMATS participants receive their certificate of participation.





  • How do students prepare for the test?
    Students should become familiar with the types of questions asked on each test and with the pace and time limits associated with each test. All students receive test preparation materials that explain each test and offer test-taking tips. Students should read the material for the test they plan to take and complete the sample test or sample questions well before the anticipated testing date.


  • Who is invited to participate in the CTD Award Ceremony at Northwestern University?
    After we analyze the test scores for all NUMATS participants who test before March, we establish the criteria for award ceremony eligibility. Invitations are mailed in late April to the highest-scoring students in grades 4 to 8, usually those who score in the top 1% for ACT and SAT and the top 2% for EXPLORE.



  • Why was I assigned to a different test center from the one I chose?
    There are a limited number of seats available at each test center. If all the seats at the test center you chose are filled, the testing agency will assign you to a nearby test center. You increase the chance of getting the test center you chose by registering early and by choosing two test centers.



Logistics

  • Is identification time consuming for schools?
    • Having students participate in NUMATS actually saves time for school staff.
    • Staff can avoid making time-consuming guesses about gifted students' real abilities.
    • Staff can spend less time locating resources for each individual gifted student.





NUMATS ACT registrants

  • Can I go to another test center instead of the one to which I was assigned?
    You may try to change your test center on the day of the test by taking your ACT admission ticket and your completed ACT student ID form to the center where you want to test. If space and materials are available you will be admitted before standby candidates. ACT will bill you $20 for the test center change, but there is a good chance you will get in.



  • How do I prepare for the test?
    Read the test preparation material that we send you: Preparing for the ACT and the Student Guide. You should also take the practice test that is enclosed in Preparing for the ACT.



  • How long is the test?
    The total time for ACT is about four hours, including time for a break and for distribution of materials. Arrive at the assigned test center by 8 a.m. The test starts at 8:30 a.m. The test is over around 12:15 p.m.



  • What should I do if I do not have an admission ticket for testing?
    Call ACT at 319-337-1270. They will confirm your registration number, your test center location and that your name will appear on the roster at that site. If you experience a problem at the test center, instruct the testing supervisor to call ACT to make the same confirmation.



  • What should I do if the weather is bad?
    Listen to your local radio or TV station for an announcement concerning the status of your test center. If the center closes, ACT will notify you about a rescheduled test date. If you do not receive a reschedule letter by the Thursday after the original test date, please call ACT at 319-337-1270. If the test center is open but you are unable to get to it safely, call ACT as soon as possible to see if you can reschedule (see below).



  • What should I take with me to the test center on the day of the test?
    Take your ACT admission ticket, your completed ACT student ID form, calculator, two #2 pencils and a watch if you want to pace yourself.



  • Why was I assigned to a different test center from the one I chose?
    There are a limited number of seats available at each test center. If all the seats at the test center you chose are filled, the testing agency will assign you to a nearby test center. You increase the chance of being assigned to the test center you chose by registering early and by choosing two test centers.



NUMATS FAQs about the EXPLORE test (grades 3 to 6)

  • How do I prepare for the EXPLORE test?
    Read the booklet Getting Ready for EXPLORE, which is sent to students who register for EXPLORE.



  • How long is the EXPLORE test?
    The EXPLORE test is 2 1/2 to 3 hours total, including time for a break and for distribution of materials. Arrive at your assigned test center by 8:00 a.m. The test starts at 8:30 a.m. The test is over between 11:15 and 11:45 a.m.



  • What happens after I register for the EXPLORE test?
    We send a record of your registration to the testing agency. At least two to three weeks before the test, you will receive an admission ticket and test preparation material. On the day of the test, you must take your admission ticket to the test center where you have been assigned.



  • What happens if I miss the test date?
    If you are registered for the January test, call EXPLORE at 319-337-1369 to see if you can reschedule for the February test date. You will be charged $18 for rescheduling the test. There may be limited sites available for the later test date. There are no tests available after the February test.



  • What should I do if I do not have an admission ticket for the upcoming EXPLORE testing?
    Call EXPLORE at 319-337-1369 to confirm you are registered and to find out where you are testing.



  • What should I do if the weather is bad?
    Listen to your local radio or TV station for an announcement. If the center closes, EXPLORE will notify you about a rescheduled test date. If you do not receive a reschedule letter by the Thursday after the original test date, please call EXPLORE at 319-337-1369. If the test center remains open but you are unable to get to it safely, call EXPLORE to see if you can reschedule (see below).



  • What should I take with me to the test center on the day of the test?
    Take your EXPLORE admission ticket, a calculator, two #2 pencils and a snack.



  • Why should I take the EXPLORE test?
    Not every student should take the EXPLORE test. NUMATS uses this test because it is more challenging for academically talented students in grades 3 to 6 than standardized tests designed for their age group. Students who qualify to take the EXPLORE test through NUMATS will get a more detailed picture of their true abilities compared with other students at their grade level who test through NUMATS. In addition, taking the EXPLORE test allows students a “practice run” to become familiar with the test that many high schools use as an entrance exam or placement exam.



NUMATS SAT registrants

  • Can I go to another test center instead of the one to which I was assigned?
    You may try to change your test center on the day of the test by taking your SAT admission ticket and your completed SAT student ID form to the center where you want to test. If space and materials are available you will be admitted before standby candidates. SAT will bill you $22 for the test center change, but there is a good chance you will get in.



  • How do I prepare for the test?
    Read the test preparation material that we send you: the SAT Preparation Booklet and the Student Guide. You should also take the practice test that is enclosed in the SAT Preparation Booklet.



  • How long is the test?
    The total time for the SAT is about five hours, including time for a break and for distribution of materials. Arrive at the assigned test center by 7:45 a.m. The test begins around 8:15 a.m. The test is over around 1:00 p.m.




  • What happens after I register?
    We send a record of your registration to the testing agency. At least two to three weeks before the test, you will receive an admission ticket and test preparation material (in separate mailings), including an SAT student ID form for you to complete. On the day of the test you must take your admission ticket and your completed SAT student ID form to the test center where you have been assigned.



  • What happens if I miss the test date?
    You should call SAT at 866-756-7346 to reschedule for a later test date. You will be charged $22 to make this change. Do not reregister for a new test date.



  • What should I do if I do not have an admission ticket for testing?
    Call SAT at 866-756-7346. They will confirm your testing location and that your name will appear on the roster at that site. They will also give you a registration number.



  • What should I do if the weather is bad?
    Listen to your local radio or TV station for an announcement concerning the status of your test center or go to SAT Test Center Closings. If the center closes, SAT will notify you about a rescheduled test date. If you have not received a reschedule letter by the Thursday after the original test date, please call SAT at 866-756-7346. If the test center remains open but you are unable to get to it safely, call SAT to see if you can reschedule (see below).



  • What should I take with me to the test center on the day of the test?
    Take the SAT admission ticket (or registration number), your completed SAT student ID form, calculator, two #2 pencils and a watch if you want to pace yourself.



  • Why was I assigned to a different test center from the one I chose?
    There are a limited number of seats available at each test site. If all the seats at the test center you chose are filled, the testing agency will assign you to a nearby test center. You increase the change of getting the test center you chose by registering early and by choosing two test centers.



NUMATS students in grades 6 to 9

  • What happens after I register?
    We send a record of your registration to the testing agency. At least two to three weeks before the test, you will receive an admission ticket and test preparation material (in separate mailings), including an ACT student ID form for you to complete. On the day of the test you must take your admission ticket and your completed ACT student ID form to the test center where you have been assigned.



  • Which test should my child take?
    WHICH TEST SHOULD STUDENTS IN GRADES 3 THROUGH 5 TAKE?

    Students currently in grades 3-5 should take the EXPLORE test.

    WHICH TEST SHOULD A STUDENT IN GRADE 6 TAKE?

    Students in grade 6 who score at the 90th or 91st percentile in reading/verbal or math on grade-level achievement tests in school should take the EXPLORE test.

    Students who score at the 92nd percentile or higher may take either ACT and/or SAT.

    FOR QUALIFYING STUDENTS IN GRADE 6, AND FOR STUDENTS IN GRADES 7 THROUGH 9, WHICH TEST SHOULD THEY TAKE, ACT OR SAT?

    CTD does not recommend one test over the other, since research has shown that the majority of NUMATS students have comparable scores on the two tests. Also, your child will most likely take both ACT and SAT in high school to broaden options for college application. Practice and early exposure builds confidence when testing for college admission.

    The majority of students take one test per year, but some students do choose to take both tests (one time each) within one academic year. Many students also choose to alternate the exam they take each year. This allows for repeated practice on the tests and good tracking of academic growth.





  • Why should I take the SAT or ACT test?
    Not every middle school student should take the ACT or the SAT, but these tests have a long track record as good measures of academic talent. NUMATS uses these tests because they are often more challenging, and thus more appropriate, for academically talented middle school students than standardized tests designed for their age group. In fact, between a quarter and a third of NUMATS students score as well as or better than the average college-bound high school senior. By taking the ACT or SAT test, NUMATS students get a more detailed picture of their abilities compared with other students at their grade level who test through NUMATS. In addition, most college-bound students will take the ACT or SAT as part of the college admission process, and participating in NUMATS allows students a “practice run” to become familiar with the test format before scores are recorded for college admission use.



  • Will ACT and SAT test scores from tests taken through NUMATS be reported to colleges when students apply to college later?
    The testing agencies (ACT and SAT/College Board) do not retain test scores achieved through NUMATS participation prior to grade 9, and thus these scores are never reported to colleges. Starting in grade 9, the scores are retained and may be reported for college admission. However, when students ask the testing agencies to send ACT and SAT scores to colleges (usually in grade 11 or 12), they may withhold their grade 9 scores if they wish. While ACT has long held this policy, it is a change for SAT, starting with the class of 2010. Please check with the testing agencies for more information.



  • Will I take the ACT Writing Test?
    NUMATS does not require that students take the optional ACT Writing Test, nor is this option available on the NUMATS registration at this time. If you have registered for ACT through NUMATS and wish to take the ACT Writing Test, please call ACT at 319-337-1270 after you have received the ACT admission ticket.




Program Benefits

  • How do MATS students perform on these tests?
    Most participants perform above the level of chance; the tests are NOT too difficult or frustrating for qualified students. As a group, MATS students perform about as well as the older students on the ACT and SAT and even better than the older students on EXPLORE.


  • How do NUMATS students perform on these tests?
    Most participants perform above the level of chance; the tests are NOT too difficult or frustrating for qualified students. As a group, NUMATS students perform about as well as the older students on the ACT and SAT and even better than the older students on EXPLORE.


  • Our students are not interested in applying for out-of-town programs, so why test?
    See Benefits.
    • To receive test scores, interpretive material and information about academic planning
    • To practice taking tests used for high school entrance (EXPLORE) and college entrance (ACT and SAT)
    • To receive




  • Since students can take the ACT and SAT tests on their own, why pay to register with NUMATS?
    The score reports that students receive from ACT and SAT show their scores in relation to all the students who took the test, including the high school students. Because this information can be confusing when viewed out of context, NUMATS provides easy-to-understand material to help young students interpret scores and plan their educational futures with the help of their parents.




  • What will I receive from NUMATS?

    All students receive the following items in a spring mailing:

    • A Long-Range Academic Plan,
    • A Planning & Resource Guide,
    • A Statistical Summary of all participants' scores,
    • Talent newsletter,
    • The Educational Program Guide (sent separately).

    A certificate of participation is sent to the student's school (or to the student's home for students in grade 9 or for those who give no school name or NUMATS ID number when they register).


    In addition, students receive practice taking tests for high school and college admission. They will also continue to receive information about gifted programs through grade 12.




  • Which students benefit from participating in Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search?
    Go to Eligibility.


  • Why should a gifted student enroll in Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search?
    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 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.



  • Why should a gifted student enroll in Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search?
    Go to Benefits.


Program Policies

  • When do test results arrive?
    The testing agencies send a score report to students four to five weeks after the test.


The Program

  • What does NUMATS provide?
    • Talent identification using above-grade-level testing through EXPLORE, ACT and SAT
    • Test preparation materials
    • Statistics comparing your child’s scores with those of other gifted students
    • Tailored academic planning
    • Instructional resources for use at home and in the classroom
    • Onsite and online learning opportunities
    • Current articles on parenting gifted students
    • Recognition of your child’s achievement




  • What is above-grade-level testing and why is it important for your gifted child?
    Gifted children often hit the ceiling on grade-level achievement tests. Your child may earn top scores, but these tests are not able to measure the full extent of ability. Also, they do not provide a comparison with the scores achieved by other gifted students at the same grade level.

    A better tool is needed to accurately assess your child’s knowledge, skills and understanding and to gauge how your child’s scores compare with those of other academically talented students. Your gifted child requires a more challenging test, one designed for higher grade levels that includes advanced content.

    NUMATS allows eligible students to take the internationally recognized EXPLORE, ACT and SAT before the grade levels at which they are normally administered.



  • Why doesn’t NUMATS offer IQ tests?

    IQ tests do not include verbal/reading assessment, and they are not tied to subject-specific content, so teachers cannot use them to design learning experiences that develop your child’s talent.




  • What is NUMATS or Northwestern University's Academic Talent Search?
    NUMATS is a research-validated program that utilizes above-grade-level testing to identify the ability and educational needs of students who score high on grade-level tests at their schools.

    Students who participate in NUMATS take the EXPLORE® test if they are in grades 3 through 6, or the ACT® or SAT® tests if they are in grades 6 through 9. NUMATS also provides help to families and educators to interpret students' scores and to choose academic programs that work best for these students.




The Tests

  • How much do these tests cost?

    The total cost ranges from $60 to $85, depending on which test a student takes. This is a significant savings over a typical individual educational assessment which can cost anywhere from $400 to $600! The information gained is comparable, but NUMATS offers added value in that students are able to connect to a community of other gifted students, track their academic growth year to year, and continue to receive information about gifted programs from CTD throughout high school. In addition, financial aid is available to qualifying students.




  • Since students can take the ACT and SAT on their own, why take these tests through NUMATS?
    • Above-grade-level testing is the practice of using tests designed for older students with younger, advanced students. Your gifted child has above-grade-level ability, and grade-level tests cannot adequately assess that ability.
    • Unlike state achievement tests, above-grade-level testing offered through NUMATS is nationally normed and provides a stable measure of gifted students’ growth.
    • Only NUMATS supplies an accurate comparison to other gifted students at each grade level.
    • You can ensure your child is receiving the differentiated instruction needed to keep pace with gifted peers.
    • Scores may qualify your child for other challenging CTD programs as well as for significant opportunities that will open up an exciting world.
    • Your child will most likely take both ACT and SAT in high school to broaden options for college application. Practice and early exposure builds confidence when testing for college admission.



  • What is the ACT?
    The ACT focuses directly on academic skills taught as part of the standard college preparatory curriculum in English, math, reading and science. Students take all four sections.

    The ACT is offered at more centers in the Midwest than the SAT and more of these centers are in small towns and rural areas.

    Please note: The ACT test also has an optional Writing Test that is not available on the NUMATS registration. Students who register for the ACT test through NUMATS and who wish to add the Writing Test may call ACT directly (319/337-1270) to request the Writing Test option for an additional fee. Please allow two weeks for NUMATS to process your registration before calling ACT.

    The total time for the ACT test is about four hours, including time for a break and for distribution of materials. Arrive at the assigned test center by 8 a.m. The test starts at 8:30 a.m. The test is over around 12:15 p.m.



  • What is the EXPLORE test?
    The EXPLORE test was originally developed for students in grade 8 to measure educational achievement in English, mathematics, reading and science. It is currently used by many high schools as a placement exam. It is a multiple-choice test, and NUMATS students take all four sections: English, mathematics, reading and science.

    The English test measures understanding of standard written English and rhetorical skills; the mathematics test measures mathematical reasoning; the reading test measures reading comprehension; and the science test measures scientific reasoning skills.

    The EXPLORE test is about 3 hours total, including time for a break and for distribution of materials. Students must arrive at their assigned test center by 8:00 a.m. The test starts at 8:30 a.m. The test is over around 11:30 a.m.



  • What is the SAT?
    The SAT is a measure of the critical-thinking skills that students need for academic success in college. The SAT assesses how well students analyze and solve problems – skills they are learning in school that they will need in college. Students take all three sections of the test: critical reading, math and writing.

    The total time for the SAT is about five hours, including time for a break and for distribution of materials. Arrive at the assigned test center by 7:45 a.m. The test begins around 8:15 a.m. The test is over around 1:00 p.m.