Eligibility
Equinox courses are specifically designed for academically talented students completing grades 9 through 12.
Admission Criteria
Test score requirements are listed in the course descriptions. Students applying to Equinox should have participated in above-grade-level testing through Midwest Academic Talent Search or other similar programs. 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 must submit an admission portfolio.
An admission portfolio includes the following
Tests Accepted
Prerequisites
Some 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.
Prequalified Students
Students previously enrolled and successful in the Center for Talent Development (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.
Applications from International Students
CTD welcomes applications from international students.
Admission Requirements
International students applying for Equinox should have taken the SAT or ACT test and need to submit TOEFL or SLEP scores if English is not their first language. Students need a good command of written and spoken English to participate successfully in Equinox’s fast-paced, intensive courses. To help the admission committee fully evaluate a student’s competence in English and readiness for the program, the TOEFL or SLEP is an important tool.
Visa and Passport Requirements for International Students
International students are required to have the appropriate student visa. We encourage applicants to apply by April 1 as it may take eight to ten weeks to secure a visa. All international students are also 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.
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Equinox courses are specifically designed for academically talented students completing grades 9 through 12.
Admission Criteria | Tests Accepted | Prerequisites | Prequalified Students | International Applicants
Admission Criteria
Test score requirements are listed in the course descriptions. Students applying to Equinox should have participated in above-grade-level testing through Midwest Academic Talent Search or other similar programs. 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 must submit an admission portfolio.
An admission portfolio includes the following
- most recent test scores (if available) on a nationally normed, grade-level achievement test for the academic area for which student is applying;
- copy of the current/most recent report card, indicating high achievement in the relevant subject area;
- evidence that prerequisite(s) for the chosen class have been completed, if applicable (see Equinox course descriptions);
- two Teacher Recommendations from teachers who are familiar with the student's work and can speak to his/her ability to complete an intensive enrichment, honors or Advanced Placement course in the subject for which s/he is applying;
- 250-word essay completely conceived of and written by the applicant on the following topic: Nelson Mandela stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” Respond to this statement, including whether you agree or disagree and why. How will your participation in the Equinox program help you attain your educational goals?
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Tests Accepted
- Above-level SAT (through the Midwest Academic Talent Search or another Talent Search)
- Above-level ACT (through the Midwest Academic Talent Search or another Talent Search)
- TOEFL or SLEP scores (required for non-U.S. citizens whose first language is not English)
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Prerequisites
Some 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.
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Prequalified Students
Students previously enrolled and successful in the Center for Talent Development (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 trhough Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search or similar service) or submission of an admission portfolio. |
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Applications from International Students
CTD welcomes applications from international students.
Admission Requirements
International students applying for Equinox should have taken the SAT or ACT test and need to submit TOEFL or SLEP scores if English is not their first language. Students need a good command of written and spoken English to participate successfully in Equinox’s fast-paced, intensive courses. To help the admission committee fully evaluate a student’s competence in English and readiness for the program, the TOEFL or SLEP is an important tool.
Visa and Passport Requirements for International Students
International students are required to have the appropriate student visa. We encourage applicants to apply by April 1 as it may take eight to ten weeks to secure a visa. All international students are also 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.
next: Tuition
