Qualifying for Selective Pre-College Programs and Above-Grade-Level Testing
The world of college entrance testing is changing. As of just a few years ago, SAT and ACT scores were of paramount concern to students and families as they looked to the college application process. The SAT and ACT are important, but the picture is changing. Some colleges still require SAT or ACT scores as part of the admissions process, just as in the past. One change is that over the past number of years, some schools that used to accept only the SAT now accept the ACT equally. An even bigger change is that now some colleges accept SAT and ACT test scores for admission but do not require them; the scores are seen as optional data. That is a big change from the past. One thing remains constant, however. A robust high school transcript showing excellent grades in Honors and AP courses in area(s) of interest and a co-curricular resume showing in-depth involvement in some activities are strong factors in the college admissions process.
Admission to Selective Pre-College Enrichment Programs Previously, admission to selective programs such as WCATY (Wisconsin Center for Academically Talented Youth run through UW-Madison). the Center for Talent Development at Northwestern and others required SAT and ACT scores for the pre-college age students. That is no longer necessarily the case as you will see with the two examples below.
WCATY (Programs LInk for WCATY): Information is copied from the WCATY website.
For ALP (the Accelerated Learner Program for high school students), the following is required:
Eligibility for the 2021 Online ALP program will be demonstrated through submission of a current grade report and a completed statement answering the following questions:
Why do you want to attend the program?
How will this program and experience benefit you now and in future growth?
What are one or two activities, memberships, clubs, responsibilities, etc. outside of school that you are involved with, and why are they important to you?
For PACE (Grades 5-8) and STEP (Grades 7-8)
The 2021 online PACE program is open to all applicants. No supporting documents are required.
For the 2021 online STEP program, you will be asked to show general eligibility through the submission of a short statement answering the following prompts:
Why are you interested in your chosen course topic?
Choose an intellectual challenge, an ethical problem, a research question, or another societal issue that holds some significance to you. Describe what drew you to the issue and why it is significant to you.
CTD at Northwestern University (Programs Link for CTD) Information is copied from the CTD website.
Northwestern has a Tiered Eligibility System
Amber Tier courses are open enrollment. No test scores or portfolio are needed.
Emerald Tier courses require any one of the following (please note the OR for each bullet). Qualifying MAP scores are enough.
90th percentile or above on a nationally normed, standardized grade-level achievement test (e.g., MAP, STAR, etc.), or
Participation in above-grade-level testing through NUMATS [Please note: the program does not exist anymore but this is quoted text.] or similar program, or
Successful completion, within the past two years, of a previous CTD course at the same or higher admission tier and in the qualifying subject area, or
Admission portfolio (report card or transcript, teacher recommendation, and test scores, if available).
Magenta Tier courses require any one of the following (please note the OR for each bullet). Qualifying MAP scores are enough.
95th percentile or above on a nationally normed, standardized grade-level achievement test (e.g. MAP, STAR, etc.), or
Participation in above-grade-level testing through NUMATS [Please note: the program does not exist anymore but this is quoted text.] or similar program, or
or similar program, or
Successful completion, within the past two years, of a previous CTD course at the same or higher admission tier and in the qualifying subject area, or
Admission portfolio (report card or transcript, teacher recommendation, and test scores, if available).
What if parents still wish their middle school child to take above-grade-level tests?
The Mequon-Thiensville School District provides a number of practice ACT experiences through our standardized testing program. The Aspire is a pre-ACT assessment; students in grades 9 and 10 take that exam each year. Students take the actual ACT during their junior year.
If parents wish their middle school child to take the SAT or ACT for practice, they may register their child directly with the testing agency. When registering, please do not enter any school code.
If you would like your child to take the Iowa Assessment or the SAT online through Northwestern University, please check the link below for information. Northwestern no longer offers the NUMATS program.
Above-Grade-Level Assessment through Northwestern University.
Last update: 4/7/22