@knowstuff we are in Chicago as well and I went to NU. Both of our kids tested into those gifted programs at NU but I honestly don’t consider either of them gifted, just bright and hard working students. The way I read the opening question made me think that the OP is now asking these questions because of the ACT score his S just received. Now he thinks he can shoot for elite schools. If the student has been having problems in a traditional high school and the only response was to move to CC classes, I feel like they’ve left so many options on the table. Posters above suggest that the student be tested for an IEP. Sounds like the OP knew early on that his S might learn differently than other kids and I’m surprised he didn’t have that investigated way before high school. Of course they can try to find summer type classes that appeal to his S but that’s not going to solve the problem as to what approach to use for college admissions.