Eligibility
Spectrum courses are specifically designed for academically talented students completing grades 7 and 8.
Admission Criteria
Students enrolling in Spectrum must meet the minimum SAT or ACT requirements as Talent Search participants in grades 6, 7, 8 or 9. Requirements are listed in the course descriptions. Students who have not participated in a talent search or whose talent search scores do not meet the minimum requirements should submit an Admission Portfolio.
An Admission Portfolio includes the following documents:
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. Any student applying to a writing course must submit a graded writing sample.
Prequalified Students
Students previously enrolled and successful in a Center for Talent Development (CTD) Spectrum course are considered prequalified if they are now applying for a course in the same subject, and they are automatically eligible to re-enroll in the subject area of demonstrated strength. Returning 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 Spectrum 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 Spectrum’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 international 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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Spectrum courses are specifically designed for academically talented students completing grades 7 and 8.
Admission Criteria | Tests Accepted | Prerequisites | Prequalified Students | International Applicants
Admission Criteria
Students enrolling in Spectrum must meet the minimum SAT or ACT requirements as Talent Search participants in grades 6, 7, 8 or 9. Requirements are listed in the course descriptions. Students who have not participated in a talent search or whose talent search scores do not meet the minimum requirements should submit an Admission Portfolio.
An Admission Portfolio includes the following documents:
- 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 Spectrum 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 he/she is applying;
- recent graded writing sample if applying for writing-intensive course;
- 250-word essay completely conceived of and written by the applicant on the following topic: What is success? Define success and then describe the qualities which you possess that will help you be successful in the Spectrum Summer Program.
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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/SLEP (required for international applicants)
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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. Any student applying to a writing course must submit a graded writing sample.
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Prequalified Students
Students previously enrolled and successful in a Center for Talent Development (CTD) Spectrum course are considered prequalified if they are now applying for a course in the same subject, and they are automatically eligible to re-enroll in the subject area of demonstrated strength. Returning 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 Apogee, the Saturday Enrichment Program or Gifted LearningLinks (following completion of grade 6) to Spectrum may not apply as prequalified students. Spectrum is an accelerated program requiring specific test scores on above-grade-level tests (ACT or SAT through 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 Spectrum 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 Spectrum’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 international 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
