Purpose of Assessment
To help create the best match between a student's academic abilities and the learning environment, some Center for Talent Development (CTD) courses have admission requirements. Standardized test scores are one method families can use to demonstrate readiness to succeed in the selected course. Above-grade-level assessment also helps determine a student's readiness for advanced instruction in school, including acceleration.
CTD's above-grade-level assessments give you insights into your student's academic abilities and compares their performance to other high-achieving students who have taken the same assessment. The testing done by CTD is not a general psychological evaluation. It provides a "snapshot" of a student's academic ability and readiness for advanced instruction.
Students in grades 2 through 9 may register for the CogAT administered above grade level. The test will be administered using the version one-grade-level above the student's enrolled grade in school.
- Students who are most likely to benefit from above-grade-level assessment are those in grades 2 through 9 who meet at least one of the criteria listed below:
- Participation in a school gifted program or advanced academic services;
- Recommendation from a parent or teacher because they demonstrate advanced aptitude in verbal or mathematical reasoning, demonstrate a high level of performance on academically demanding course work, or request more challenging experiences;
- Receive a score at the 90th percentile or above on either verbal/reasoning or math on a nationally normed achievement, ability, or aptitude test or score at the advanced level on a state achievement test; or
- Previously participated in above-grade-level testing through Northwestern University's Midwest Academic Talent Search (NUMATS) or similar Talent Search program (DukeTIP, CTY, CBK, Asset).
For remote testing details, see the Technology Requirements section.
If you are looking for information about your student's abilities that go beyond grade-level measures and that compare your child's performance to other high-achieving peers, above-grade-level assessment is an appropriate choice. Above-grade-level testing is also the preferred method for demonstrating eligibility for CTD's accelerated, credit-bearing courses.
If you are testing for CTD course eligibility, CTD does offer some courses during the academic year and during the summer that that do not require test scores for participation or that accept grade-level test scores, so please check the course description for the course to which you are applying for any eligibility requirements.
Please note that successful completion of an open-enrollment course, such as the Online Family Program, does not qualify a student to enroll in future CTD courses as a pre-qualified participant. Students who complete a CTD open-enrollment course will be required to apply as a new student with test scores or an admission portfolio applicant when applying for courses with eligibility criteria.
Cost for Testing
Cost is $150, which is paid via credit card during the registration process.
To register for CogAT testing, you will need to create a new account in MyCTD, which is CTD's online system, or login to your existing account. After you create a student profile select the “Courses” tab at the top and search for the assessment you want to register for.
The CogAT assessment is administered online using the third-party Riverside Insights platform. Students' individually identifiable information is shared with the required platform for the purpose of providing the assessment. You can view the platform's Terms and Privacy policies online.
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Riverside Insights Terms of Service and Privacy Policy (for CogAT or Iowa Assessments)
If your child has an identified disability that requires accommodation or if you have questions about the test environment and your child's needs, contact CTD for assistance. Please call 847/467-1575 or e-mail ctd-assessment@northwestern.edu to speak with a staff member.
- Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)-Technical Requirements for.docx
- A second device (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.) needs to be available to host the Zoom session.
- This test experience is designed for students who can work independently on the technology with minimal guidance or assistance. Because of the virtual environment, the proctor from CTD will have limited ability to assist students and families with technology issues.
- If the student is not technology proficient or has never participated in an organized school or class environment, this format for testing may not be optimal.
We have updated our refunds and cancellations policy for assessment. See language here we use in emails:
Refund and Cancellation Policy: Because seats are limited, a license and space have been reserved for you. Since you are confirmed into a session, a $25.00 change fee/cancellation fee will be applied to requests made prior to 7 days before the test date. After that point, no changes, cancellations, or refund requests can be made. No shows and test day cancellations are not eligible for any refund.
For more information and assistance with selecting the correct test for your child, contact the CTD admissions and pathways advising office at ctd-assessment@northwestern.edu.
