Multi-subject pre-college
CTD (Northwestern Center for Talent Development Academic Summer Day and Residential Camps)
CTD is a 1 or 3 weeks residential or commuter program run by Northwestern University Center for Talent Development. Open to: students entering grades 6 to 12 in the fall.
- Last cycle's deadline
- One week before each sessi
- 2027 date not posted yet
- Cost
- Paid, aid available
- Who can apply
- Grades 5 to 11
- current grade when applying
- Length
- 1 or 3 weeks
- Residential or commuter
What students do
Students take one fast-paced course in math, science, writing, technology or leadership on Northwestern's Evanston campus. Residential students also have weekend trips and evening programming.
- Math
- Science
- Writing
- Technology
- Leadership
Key facts
- Run by
- Northwestern University Center for Talent Development
- Where
- Evanston, IL (residential or commuter)
- Who can apply
- Students entering grades 6 to 12 in the fallCourses are assigned eligibility tiers that require either qualifying test scores (for example 95th percentile for enrichment courses) or a portfolio of grades and a teacher recommendation.
- Dates
- Session 1: June 28 to July 17, 2026; Session 2: July 19 to August 7, 2026These are the 2026 dates. 2027 dates are not posted yet.
- Cost
- 2026: 3-week residential $5,430 or day $3,025; 1-week residential $1,830 or day $1,005; includes lunch, plus breakfast and dinner for residential students
- Deadline
- One week before each session starts; tuition rises $100 after May 31, 2026This was last cycle’s deadline. The 2027 date is not posted yet.
Official program siteOfficial application pageNorthwestern University admissions profile
What the application asks for
- Transcript
- Teacher recommendation
- Test scores
Applicants qualify with either standardized test scores or an admission portfolio of a report card or transcript plus a teacher recommendation; full tuition is due at application.
How a mentor helps with your CTD application
- Decide whether CTD fits, and which similar programs to apply to alongside it.
- Work backward from the deadline so essays, recommendations, and forms are not left to the last week.
- Draft and revise the essays or short answers with one-on-one feedback.
Email me the CTD deadlines and requirements
A link to this page, plus our list of similar programs.
Similar programs
| Program | Where | Who can apply | Cost | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UChicago ImmersionUniversity of Chicago Summer Session | Chicago, ILResidential or commuter | Current 9th, 10th and 11th graders | Paid, aid available | Priority February 11, 2026; regular March 12, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| ATDPUC Berkeley School of Education | Berkeley, CAHybrid | Currently in grades 7 to 11 | Paid, aid available | Early February 25, 2026; standard March 23, 2026; extended May 29, 2026Last cycle’s date |
| Columbia Summer ImmersionColumbia University School of Professional Studies | New York, NYResidential or commuter | Rising 9th through current 12th graders; residential students must be 15 or older | Paid | Early registration February 1, 2027; general deadline March 1, 2027 (residential) or April 1, 2027 (commuter) |
| Cornell PrecollegeCornell University School of Continuing Education | Ithaca, NYResidential | Students who have completed 10th grade, ages 16 to 18 | Paid | May 14, 2026 (rolling admission)Last cycle’s date |
| CTYJohns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth | Multiple locationsResidential or commuter | Grades 2 to 12 | Paid, aid available | Registration deadline May 10, 2027 (Summer A) and June 7, 2027 (Summer B) |
| Duke Pre-CollegeDuke University | Durham, NCResidential | Current 9th to 12th graders | Paid | Not posted |
All multi-subject pre-college programsPrograms in IllinoisEvery program
Frequently asked questions
When is the CTD application deadline?
The 2027 deadline has not been posted. Last cycle's deadline was One week before each session starts; tuition rises $100 after May 31, 2026, and most programs keep a similar date from year to year.
How much does CTD cost?
2026: 3-week residential $5,430 or day $3,025; 1-week residential $1,830 or day $1,005; includes lunch, plus breakfast and dinner for residential students. Financial aid is available.
Who can apply to CTD?
Students entering grades 6 to 12 in the fall. Courses are assigned eligibility tiers that require either qualifying test scores (for example 95th percentile for enrichment courses) or a portfolio of grades and a teacher recommendation.
What does the CTD application require?
Transcript, Teacher recommendation, Test scores. Applicants qualify with either standardized test scores or an admission portfolio of a report card or transcript plus a teacher recommendation; full tuition is due at application.
Read from the program’s own site and last checked 2026-10-09. Programs change dates, fees, and requirements each year, so confirm on the official site before you apply. Dewey Smart is not affiliated with this program.
