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    Game Theory and Practice
    In-person Program

    Game Theory and Practice

    by Northwestern College Prep

    Explore strategic decision-making through classroom games, mathematical modeling and discussion, with applications in economics, politics and biology.

    Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:SSSean Stevens

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    Game Theory and Practice at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Rising sophomores–seniors; GPA 3.0+

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 15-18

    Location / Region

    Evanston, Illinois, United States

    Cost

    $3,625; $5,235

    Duration

    2 weeks

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    Business & EconomicsMathematicsPoliticsBiology
    Accommodation: Assigned double rooms; commuter option
    Meals: Residential: three meals per day
    Certificate / Outcome: Northwestern transcript and certificate
    Sessions / cadence: 10 × 3-hour classes, Monday-Friday
    Tutors / faculty: Prof. Scott Ogawa
    Assessment style: Coursework; Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory grading
    Campus experience: Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series

    Game Theory and Practice summary

    Game Theory and Practice is a Northwestern IN FOCUS seminar about strategic decisions. It connects classic games and mathematical models to economics, politics and biology.

    You play games, solve and present problem sets, create an original game, and analyze classroom data. The central question is whether theoretical predictions match how people actually behave.

    It suits students who enjoy reasoning through incentives and explaining their thinking. Expect active discussion and mathematics rather than lessons in chess or poker.

    What is Game Theory and Practice?

    Game Theory and Practice is an academic seminar in Northwestern University's College Preparation IN FOCUS series. Students investigate how choices depend on other people's decisions, using examples such as the Prisoner's Dilemma, Stag Hunt and Trust Game.

    The seminar combines classroom play, mathematical analysis and structured discussion. Students explore Nash equilibrium, collect data and test how closely theory matches practice, then apply those ideas to questions in economics, politics and biology.

    Why Succeed highlights Game Theory and Practice

    • Playing games before analyzing their equilibria makes abstract strategic ideas easier to question and understand.

    • Collecting classroom data lets students test predictions against actual behavior.

    • Applications across economics, politics and biology show how one analytical framework can connect different subjects.

    • Scott Ogawa brings research in experimental economics and experience teaching mathematics and economics.

    • The original-game activity gives students a concrete way to apply their understanding.

    Who is Game Theory and Practice for?

    Best for

    Students interested in economics, policy, research or analytics who enjoy mathematical reasoning and discussing why people make particular choices.

    Not ideal if

    You mainly want chess or poker instruction, or prefer passive lectures to problem solving, presenting solutions and participating in discussions.

    Is Game Theory and Practice worth it?

    This seminar is a strong option for testing whether strategic reasoning interests you beyond familiar games. Its combination of mathematical models, experiments and an original-game activity offers several ways to demonstrate understanding.

    The value depends on actively completing the work and reflecting on what the models explain. The transcript and certificate recognize successful participation, but College Prep attendance does not guarantee admission to Northwestern.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $3,625; $5,235; includes Seminar tuition and classes., Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series workshops., Official transcript and certificate after successful completion., Residential option: residence-hall accommodation and three daily meals on campus., Access to university libraries and campus resources., Free Writing Place tutoring while enrolled..

    Accommodation

    Assigned double rooms; commuter option

    Meals

    Residential: three meals per day

    Provider details

    Review the Northwestern College Prep provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    2 weeks; Evanston, Illinois, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does Game Theory and Practice need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high.

    Best started

    Six to eight weeks before a future cycle's published application deadline.

    Main challenge

    Explaining equilibrium reasoning and comparing it with observed behavior.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft the two personal-statement answers and build an activities list with dates and roles.

    • Arrange the required English-language transcripts and any applicable proficiency testing early.

    • Review basic algebra and practice explaining a solution aloud before the session.

    Useful if

    You want to test your interest in economics, policy or analytical research.

    What do students do on Game Theory and Practice?

    You alternate between playing strategic games and analyzing why particular choices make sense. Problem sets, discussion and collected data help you evaluate the gap between mathematical predictions and real behavior.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Play and study classic games, including the Prisoner's Dilemma and Trust Game.

    2. 2

      Use mathematics to find equilibria and present problem-set solutions.

    3. 3

      Collect data from classroom games and analyze the results.

    4. 4

      Create an original game with an opportunity to play it in class.

    5. 5

      Apply game-theory models to examples in economics, politics and biology.

    Game Theory and Practice dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    1 April 2026

    On-campus College Prep application deadline for the reference cycle.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    5-17 July 2026

    Reference date

    Check-in and orientation

    5 July 2026

    Residential check-in 3:30 PM; commuter check-in 5-6 PM; orientation 6-7 PM.

    Reference date

    Residential move-out

    17 July 2026

    Leave the residence hall by 7 PM.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Rising high school sophomores, juniors or seniors.

    • Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

    • Domestic and international applicants are eligible.

    • English proficiency scores required when primary language or schooling isn't English.

    • Off-campus students must live with a responsible adult over 18.

    • Medical insurance is required throughout participation.

    How much does Game Theory and Practice cost?

    Commuter program fee

    $3,625 — Includes $2,730 tuition and the $895 program fee.

    Funding or discounts

    • Residential program fee: $5,235 — Includes tuition, program fee, room and board.
    • Application fee: $60 — Nonrefundable; an application fee waiver may apply.
    • Enrollment deposit: $1,000 — Nonrefundable and credited toward the total program cost.
    • Tuition scholarship: Need-based support — Domestic rising seniors must also demonstrate academic and extracurricular achievement.

    What's included

    Seminar tuition and classes., Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series workshops., Official transcript and certificate after successful completion., Residential option: residence-hall accommodation and three daily meals on campus., Access to university libraries and campus resources., Free Writing Place tutoring while enrolled.

    How to apply to Game Theory and Practice

    1. 1

      Use Northwestern's on-campus College Prep admissions process and select Game Theory and Practice.

    2. 2

      Answer both personal-statement questions in approximately 500 words total.

    3. 3

      Provide an extracurricular activity list with dates, descriptions and your roles.

    4. 4

      Submit English-language transcripts covering the required semesters and proficiency scores when applicable.

    5. 5

      Pay the $60 application fee or complete the applicable waiver process.

    6. 6

      After admission, follow the acceptance instructions, pay the deposit and complete SchoolDoc registration.

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    What does Game Theory and Practice cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Classic strategic games

    Study games including the Prisoner's Dilemma, Stag Hunt, Ultimatum Game and Trust Game.

    Nash equilibrium

    Use mathematics to identify equilibria and explain strategic choices.

    Theory and observed behavior

    Collect classroom data and analyze whether game-theory predictions match the results.

    Real-world applications

    Apply strategic models to questions in economics, politics and biology.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Game Theory and Practice?

    A typical day during the program.

    Seminar classes

    Classes run 9:15 AM-12:15 PM Central Time, totaling 30 classroom hours.

    College preparation workshops

    Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series workshops complement seminar study.

    Who teaches on Game Theory and Practice?

    Prof. Scott Ogawa teaches the seminar and researches the economics of education, including experimental approaches to student behavior. His background includes teaching high school mathematics and economics and serving on the AP Microeconomics Development Committee.

    Where do students stay on Game Theory and Practice?

    Residential plan

    • Residence-hall rooms: Share an air-conditioned double room with a participant of the same gender identity.
    • Dining plan: Three daily meals on campus include vegetarian, vegan and low-fat choices.
    • Residential support: Resident Advisors and directors live in the hall and enforce nightly check-in rules.
    • Study and social spaces: Residence halls provide common lounges, quiet study rooms and wireless internet.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter living arrangements: Stay locally with a responsible adult over 18 throughout the program.
    • Activities and workshops: Commuters can join College Prep activities, excursions and the Get Ready Series.
    • Commuter meal access: Meals can be purchased at Norris University Center.

    Roommates are assigned; residents cannot choose their roommate.

    What happens after Game Theory and Practice?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Earn an official Northwestern transcript and certificate after successful completion.

    Create an original game that applies strategic concepts.

    Develop a foundation for further economics, policy or analytical study.

    Practice presenting mathematical solutions and analyzing experimental data.

    Explore college preparation through the Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series.

    College Prep participation does not guarantee undergraduate admission to Northwestern.

    Where does Game Theory and Practice take place?

    Northwestern's College Prep campus experience takes place on its lakefront campus in Evanston, north of Chicago. CTA buses and trains connect Evanston with Chicago, while Metra serves surrounding suburbs.

    Families arrange airport transportation; College Prep does not provide airport transfers.

    Game Theory and Practice FAQs

    You will study strategic games such as the Prisoner's Dilemma, Stag Hunt, Ultimatum Game and Trust Game. The course connects game theory and Nash equilibrium to economics, politics and biology.

    Prof. Scott Ogawa teaches the seminar. His research focuses on the economics of education, and his experience includes experimental economics, high school mathematics and economics teaching, and the AP Microeconomics Development Committee.

    Activities include solving and presenting problem sets, creating a game, participating in structured discussions, collecting and analyzing data, and using mathematics to derive equilibria.

    Successful completion earns an official Northwestern University transcript and certificate. A Satisfactory grade requires attendance, participation and completion of all assigned work.

    Both residential and commuter options are offered. Residents share assigned double rooms; commuters must live with a responsible adult over 18 throughout the program.

    The residential meal plan includes three meals per day on campus, with vegetarian, vegan and low-fat choices. Special dietary needs should be reported through SchoolDoc and to dining staff at least two weeks before the program.

    Tuition scholarships are available to domestic US students entering their senior year who demonstrate financial need and strong academic and extracurricular achievement. Applicants must complete both the program application, including transcripts, and the scholarship application.

    No. College Prep participation can contribute to an application profile, but it does not guarantee acceptance to Northwestern University.

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    Sean Stevens

    Content reviewed by

    Sean Stevens

    Co-founder, Succeed | Founder, Immerse Education (2012–2026)

    Sean works at the intersection of academic enrichment, program quality and university preparation, with expertise in evaluating pre-university experiences for ambitious secondary school students.

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    Sources and verification

    Source types reviewed

    • International Students, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • Campus Life, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • Admission, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • Tuition and Fees, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • Northwestern Pre-College Online Program
    • FAQs, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
    • 2026 Application Fee Waiver Request
    • College Preparation Program Student Handbook — Summer 2026
    • IN FOCUS Seminar Series | Northwestern SPS: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)

    • Course description checked

    • Application requirements reviewed

    • Historical deadline verified

    • Residential and commuter totals checked

    • Housing and meals reviewed

    • Scholarship criteria reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.