Young Scholars - Application Process - Testing Requirements

Testing Requirements

The Davidson Institute Review Committee is not able to determine whether a child qualifies for the Young Scholar program without a complete application, as testing information is evaluated in the context of the rest of the application materials.

As part of the application process for the Young Scholar program at least one of the following tests must be submitted:

• Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales – Fifth Edition (SB5)
• Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth or Fifth Edition (WISC-IV or WISC-V)
• Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV)
• Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities – Third Normative Update of Fourth Edition (WJ-III NU or WJ-IV Cog)
• Differential Ability Scales – Second Edition (DAS-II)
• Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement – Second or Third Edition (KTEA – II or KTEA – 3)
• Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Third Edition (WIAT – III)
• Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement – Third Normative Update or Fourth Edition (WJ-III or WJ-IV Ach)
• SAT
• ACT
• PSAT 8/9

The only tests accepted are those listed above.

To be considered, the following testing requirements must be met:

• The official and complete testing report. All individually-administered intelligence and achievement testing reports must include a list of tests administered, the tester’s observations, test scores, explanation of findings, recommendations and the tester’s signature or license number. Talent search and college placement testing reports must include a copy of an official score report (either paper or electronic) from the organization who administered the test. This report must list the student’s testing or member ID number.
• Testing should be less than two years old. Applicants must have been at least four years old when test was administered. If you are submitting testing that is more than two years old, a portfolio is required. For more information about what to include in the portfolio, see our Supplemental Information page.
• Testing over four years old will not be considered. We will consider testing administered up to four years prior to the application if the student was at least six years old at the time of testing. Testing that is over four years old cannot be used to determine program eligibility. 
• Test scores must meet or exceed the qualification criteria listed below.

QUALIFICATION CRITERIA

Individually-Administered Intelligence Tests

Individually-Administered Achievement Tests

Talent Search/College Placement Tests
For tests administered during the summer (May-August), scores are compared to the grade that the student was enrolled in the spring. For example, if a student takes a test in June after completing Grade 6, the scores would be compared to Grade 6. If that same student took a test in August, the scores would still be compared to Grade 6.

FAQs

Q. The intelligence and/or achievement tests I have for my child are not listed here. Can I submit them in place of an accepted test?

No. The Davidson Institute’s Qualification Criteria was developed in coordination with testing professionals to best identify young people on the extreme end of the gifted continuum who are likely to benefit from the services we offer. Intelligence tests (such as the RIAS, CoGAT, WASI or SB-LM) and achievement tests (such as the MAP, SCAT, ITBS, STAR, and Stanford Achievement Test) cannot take the place of the tests listed above under the Qualification Criteria. There are no exceptions. Additional tests may be submitted as PDFs in the Supplemental Information section of the Young Scholar application to further demonstrate precocity. However, these tests do not replace a portfolio; portfolio requirements are outlined on the Supplemental Information page.

Q. Can you review test reports for eligibility prior to the application process?

The Davidson Institute is unable to determine whether or not an applicant will qualify for the Young Scholars program until a complete application has been submitted. If you believe your child may qualify for the Young Scholars program and want a decision regarding their eligibility, it is best to submit an application. After reviewing the application, the committee will decide if the applicant qualifies, does not qualify with the information provided, or if additional information is needed to make a final decision. Please see the Supplemental Information page if you would like to include additional information that you believe may assist the review committee in making a decision.

Q. What constitutes a full report for individually-administered intelligence and achievement tests? What if I did not receive one with my child’s test scores?

Typically, the tester will include a written summary of how the child presented on the day of testing, whether the child gave their best effort on the tests, and if the testing is considered valid. Additionally, we often find that a full report offers valuable additional insights. For example, a full report may discuss child’s learning profile in depth or provide relevant background on a child’s academic or developmental history. A full report can also be a useful advocacy tool for families as some reports include suggestions for educational accommodations or diagnoses that affect a child’s classroom experience.

If a full report is not available, please contact the Application Coordinator at ysapplications@davidsongifted.org.

Q. I don’t have any of the tests listed on your website, where can I find them?

Your school or district may be able to administer the testing we require. You can also make an appointment with a private tester or testing center for individually administered achievement and intelligence testing.

If you are looking for a tester in your area, you may wish to check out Hoagies’ Gifted Page, your state gifted association, a national gifted association such as SENG or 2e Newsletter, or a professional association such as the APA or National Register.

For families seeking a complete assessment that is also cost-effective, some universities with counseling or testing centers offer testing on a sliding or reduced scale for graduate students to gain experience while under close supervision by a licensed psychologist faculty member. You can look at the websites of local colleges or contact them directly to ask about these services.

For more information on assessment you may also read “A Place To Start: Is My Child Gifted?”

Q. What if my child does not meet the minimum qualification criteria?

As we strive to serve the extreme of the gifted population, the scores listed on our website are considered to be the minimum eligibility requirements. However, we recognize that testing is only a snapshot of a whole child and we take the entire application into consideration when determining eligibility. If the tester feels there were extenuating circumstances preventing a child from meeting the minimum criteria, a letter from the tester can be included with the application in the Supplemental Information section. You may also submit a portfolio as part of the Supplemental Information section.

Many very bright students may not meet our qualification criteria for this program, but are likely to benefit from the information and free resources that the Davidson Institute makes available to the public via our websites, including our searchable Davidson Gifted Database, the public Gifted Issues discussion forum, and several guidebooks.

Q. Does the Davidson Institute have a reporting code for the SAT or ACT?

No. Official score reports are submitted by parents once they become available.