Application deadline
1 April 2026
Final application cutoff for the 2026 on-campus cycle.
In-person Program
Time, Space, and the Future: Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
Explore quantum mechanics, relativity and the paradoxes of modern physics through Northwestern’s discussion-based summer seminar.
Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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Time Space and the Future at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Rising sophomores, juniors, 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
Space & physicsScience
Accommodation: Residence hall or commuter option
Meals: Residential dining; commuter meals purchasable
Certificate / Outcome: Northwestern transcript and certificate
Campus experience: Wildcat Connect college-preparation workshops
Tutors / faculty: Dr. Andrew Rivers
Sessions / cadence: 9 × 3.5-hour classes, Monday-Friday mornings
Assessment style: Attendance, participation and assignments
Time Space and the Future summary
Northwestern’s seminar explores how quantum mechanics and relativity challenge everyday ideas about time, cause and effect, and physical reality.
Students examine scientific paradoxes, discuss unresolved questions and learn through a college-style mix of readings, study and discussion.
It suits students who want to test their interest in the conceptual questions behind modern physics.
What is Time, Space, and the Future: Quantum Mechanics and Relativity?
Time, Space, and the Future: Quantum Mechanics and Relativity is a Northwestern University IN FOCUS seminar about the foundations of modern physics. Dr. Andrew Rivers guides students through theories that challenge familiar assumptions about time and predictable cause and effect.
The course examines relativity, quantum mechanics and paradoxes involving wave-particle duality, entanglement and measurement. Students explore the questions that remain unresolved and debate where scientific understanding may go next, within a college-style environment of readings, study and discussion.
Why Succeed highlights Time Space and the Future
The curriculum connects established physical theories with unresolved questions, giving students a reason to question their assumptions.
Dr. Andrew Rivers brings extensive Northwestern physics and astronomy teaching experience and a distinguished teaching award.
Successful completion produces an official Northwestern transcript and certificate tied to attendance, participation and assignments.
Wildcat Connect workshops add college preparation alongside the academic seminar.
Who is Time Space and the Future for?
Best for
Students fascinated by space, time and scientific paradoxes who enjoy questioning explanations and discussing competing ideas.
Not ideal if
Your main goal is a practical engineering build or guaranteed university admission; this seminar emphasizes physics ideas, and participation does not guarantee admission.
Is Time Space and the Future worth it?
This seminar is worth considering if you want to explore the questions behind modern physics rather than simply add another subject to your summer. Its combination of conceptual debate, experienced teaching and a college-style learning environment can help you judge whether deeper physics study appeals to you.
The strongest value comes from participating thoughtfully and reflecting on what challenges your understanding. The certificate records successful completion, but College Prep participation alone does not guarantee Northwestern admission, so weigh the educational experience against the full family budget.
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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, Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series workshops, Official Northwestern transcript and certificate upon successful completion, Residence-hall accommodation and room and board with the residential option.
Accommodation
Residence hall or commuter option
Meals
Residential dining; commuter meals purchasable
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.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does Time Space and the Future need?
Effort level
Moderate to high academic engagement.
Best started
Begin six to eight weeks before a future application deadline, allowing longer for English testing or international travel planning.
Main challenge
Explaining ideas that contradict everyday intuition.
Typical preparation
Review introductory explanations of relativity and quantum mechanics, and write down questions you would like to discuss.
Draft the approximately 500-word personal statement around a rewarding academic experience and your reasons for choosing this seminar.
Gather the required grade history, extracurricular details and any English proficiency score.
Compare residential and commuter arrangements with your family, including supervision, travel and additional charges.
Useful if
You want to explore whether conceptual physics motivates further study.
What do students do on Time Space and the Future?
You examine the development of modern physics and explore why its theories challenge ordinary assumptions about reality. Readings, study and discussion support an investigation of scientific paradoxes and unresolved questions.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Trace the ideas that led to a new scientific view of the world.
- 2
Examine relativity and quantum mechanics as foundational theories.
- 3
Explore paradoxes that expose conflicts between intuition and physical theory.
- 4
Debate unresolved questions and possible directions for future science.
- 5
Participate in classes and complete assignments to meet the seminar’s completion requirements.
Time Space and the Future dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
21 June-3 July 2026
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 1 April 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 21 June-3 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Complete freshman, sophomore or junior year of high school.
Hold a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0/4.0.
US and international students may apply.
Provide an English proficiency score when required.
Live with a responsible adult over 18 when staying off campus.
How much does Time Space and the Future cost?
Commuter program fee
$3,625 — Includes $2,730 tuition and $895 program fee.
Funding or discounts
- Residential program fee: $5,235 — Includes tuition, program fee and $1,610 room and board.
- Application fee: $60 — Nonrefundable.
- Enrollment deposit: $1,000 — Nonrefundable; applied to the total and due three weeks after acceptance.
- Tuition scholarship: Domestic US rising seniors with financial need and strong achievement may qualify.
- Conditional insurance: $134 — Two-week total for international students without US-based medical insurance.
- Returning-student fee waiver: Former College Prep students can complete the application fee waiver form.
What's included
Seminar tuition, Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series workshops, Official Northwestern transcript and certificate upon successful completion, Residence-hall accommodation and room and board with the residential option
How to apply to Time Space and the Future
- 1
Use Northwestern’s College Prep admissions destination to review the on-campus IN FOCUS requirements.
- 2
Select this seminar and prepare a personal statement answering both required questions in approximately 500 words total.
- 3
List extracurricular activities with dates, descriptions and your role.
- 4
Submit the required high school grade history in English and any required TOEFL, IELTS or DET score.
- 5
Pay the $60 application fee or complete an eligible fee waiver.
- 6
After acceptance, submit the $1,000 deposit to secure enrollment.
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What does Time Space and the Future cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Relativity and time
Examine how relativity challenges the idea of a shared universal time.
Quantum mechanics
Explore wave-particle duality, entanglement and the measurement paradox.
Testing general relativity
Consider how black holes and gravitational waves help test physical theories.
Unresolved foundations
Debate disagreements about reality and the incompatibility of quantum mechanics and general relativity.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on Time Space and the Future?
A typical day during the program.
Physics seminar
Monday-Friday, 9:15 AM-12:45 PM Central Time, with no class July 3.
Wildcat Connect workshops
Interactive Get Ready Series workshops support college preparation and connection to the university community.
Who teaches on Time Space and the Future?
Dr. Andrew Rivers has taught physics and astronomy at Northwestern since 1999, including introductory physics, Modern Cosmology and Highlights of Astronomy. He received the Weinberg College Distinguished Teaching Award and has been named to the student-government faculty-administrator honor roll six times.
Where do students stay on Time Space and the Future?
Residential plan
- University residence hall: Students stay in a Northwestern residence hall with common areas and quiet study rooms.
- Dining and dietary support: University dining includes vegan options and dietician support for special dietary requirements.
- Residential support: Experienced Resident Directors and trained Residential Advisors support academic and social adjustment.
- Campus resources and activities: Students can use libraries, computer labs and beaches and join campus activities.
Non-residential plan
- Off-campus housing: Commuters must live with a responsible adult over 18 throughout the program.
- Shared activities: Commuters can participate in the Get Ready Series, excursions and academic and social activities.
- Meal access: Commuters may purchase meals at Norris University Center.
Residential students may explore on and off campus without staff after checking out and must return by the specified check-in time.
What happens after Time Space and the Future?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn an official Northwestern transcript upon successful completion.
Receive a Northwestern University certificate upon successful completion.
Build understanding of relativity and quantum mechanics.
Develop questions for further study of modern physics.
Practice college-style discussion and academic participation.
College Prep participation alone does not guarantee admission to Northwestern University.
Where does Time Space and the Future take place?
Northwestern’s 240-acre campus is in Evanston, the first suburb north of Chicago, beside Lake Michigan. The College Prep experience combines academic study with access to university resources and campus cultural and recreational activities.
Time Space and the Future FAQs
You will examine quantum mechanics and relativity, including wave-particle duality, entanglement and the measurement paradox. The seminar also considers black holes, gravitational waves and unresolved disagreements about physical reality.
Dr. Andrew Rivers teaches the course. He has taught physics and astronomy at Northwestern since 1999 and received the Weinberg College Distinguished Teaching Award.
Successful completion requires attending and participating in all classes and completing all assignments. Students meeting these requirements earn a Satisfactory grade, an official Northwestern transcript and a certificate.
Yes. IN FOCUS students can stay in a Northwestern residence hall or commute from home or a relative’s residence. Off-campus students must live with a responsible adult over 18 throughout the program.
Experienced Resident Directors and trained Residential Advisors support students’ academic and social adjustment. Residential students may explore without staff after checking out and must return by the required check-in time.
The tuition scholarship is for domestic US rising seniors with financial need and strong academic and extracurricular achievement. Applicants must complete both the program and scholarship applications and submit transcripts.
No. Participation can be one part of your application profile, but it does not guarantee admission to Northwestern University.
Northwestern advises international IN FOCUS students to obtain a visitor visa and confirm the required visa type with their US embassy or consulate. Visiting students must maintain adequate health insurance.
Alternatives to Time Space and the Future
Compare a dedicated physics course with broader science and engineering programs to decide which subject direction fits your interests.
Alternatives to Time Space and the Future
Physics summer study in Cambridge
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Deadline: Not announced
From £5495
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Best for
Students comparing dedicated physics programs
Canford Future Scientists (STEM)
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Introduces the methods and questions of modern science
Science
29 Jun 2026
From £4795
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In-person
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Students exploring science before narrowing their focus
Engineering academic study in Cambridge
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Deadline: Not announced
From £5995
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Best for
Students weighing engineering against physics
Save this program in Succeed to compare it with similar programs, dates, costs and formats in one place.
Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources & 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
- 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 content reviewed
Instructor credentials checked
Eligibility requirements reviewed
Application deadline checked
Residential and commuter totals checked
Housing and supervision 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.
Time, Space, and the Future: Quantum Mechanics and Relativity
by Northwestern College Prep
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May qualify for the £300 Succeed Programme Award.
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