Admission Criteria
Test score requirements are listed in the description for each course. These scores refer to SAT or ACT tests taken in grades 6 through 9, not in grades 10 to 12. Students without above-grade-level scores may certainly still apply, but must submit an admission portfolio application.
Tests Accepted
- For pre-qualified and new students applying with test scores:
- Above-level SAT® (through Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search or another Talent Search) taken in grades 6-9
- Above-level ACT® (through Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search or another Talent Search) taken in grades 6-9
- For students applying with a portfolio:
- SAT or ACT scores taken in grades 10-12
- TOEFL or SLEP scores (required for non-U.S. citizens whose first language is not English)
Prerequisites
Most courses require that students complete prerequisites in order to qualify for admission. Prerequisites are listed at the beginning of each course description. Any student applying to a course with a prerequisite must submit a report card, letter or transcript showing that the prerequisite has been met prior to the start of the program. Any student applying to a writing-intensive course must submit a graded writing sample. See Equinox course descriptions for further information.
Prequalified Students
Students previously enrolled and successful in Center for Talent Development's (CTD) Spectrum or Equinox programs, or Gifted LearningLinks honors or AP® courses are automatically eligible to re-enroll in the subject area of demonstrated strength. Students who wish to take a class in a subject different from that which they initially qualified must submit new test scores or an admission portfolio.
| Please note: Students moving from the Saturday Enrichment program to Equinox may not apply as prequalified students. Equinox is an accelerated program requiring specific test scores on above grade-level tests (ACT or SAT through Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search or similar service) or submission of an admission portfolio. |
Applications from International Students
CTD welcomes applications from international students (non-U.S. citizens). Please follow the guidelines for new students with qualifying test scores, prequalified students, or admission portfolio applicants as described in the section entitled Domestic Applicants. In addition, if English is not the first language, students need to submit TOEFL or SLEP scores. Students need a good command of written and spoken English to succeed in the fast-paced, intensive courses. For information about TOEFL or SLEP tests, contact TOEFL/TSE services at www.ets.org. CTD strongly recommends students who require visa sponsorship apply before April 1, 2012 as it may take 8 to 10 weeks to secure a student visa. CTD is not responsible for an accepted student's inability to secure a student visa.
Visa & Passport Requirements for International Applicants (non-U.S. citizens)
The CTD Summer Program has been identified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and Northwestern University as academic programs that require a student visa for any non-U.S. citizen/permanent resident. Any admitted student who is not a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or in another visa category that allows for study, requires sponsorship for a student visa. Failure to comply may negatively impact a student’s ability to secure another non-immigrant visa in the future.
- Non-U.S. citizens are required to have the appropriate student visa (for more information visit www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html).
- All non-U.S. citizens are required to have a passport to attend summer programs in the U.S. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after the completion of the program.
- Accepted students who require visa sponsorship may incur additional fees to cover processing and mailing costs.
