The Davidson Young Scholars Qualification Criteria was developed to identify students at the extreme end of the gifted continuum, which is the population served by theYoung Scholars program. The criteria for individually administered tests typically represent scores in the 99.9th percentile.
The scores listed below represent the minimum eligibility requirements for consideration of admission into the Young Scholars program. Testing information is evaluated in the context of the rest of the application and supporting materials to determine admission eligibility. The Davidson Institute is unable to determine whether or not an applicant will qualify for the Young Scholars program outside the context of a complete application.
For additional details regarding the Young Scholars program and applications process, please visit:
For questions not addressed on these pages, please email ysapplications@davidsongifted.org. Emails will be answered within three to five business days.
Required – At least ONE test listed under Option #1 or Option #2
In efforts to obtain a current snapshot of the applicant’s intellectual and academic abilities, it is preferred that accepted tests be administeredwithin two years of the application. Accepted tests must:
- Be administered when the applicant was at least 4 years old; AND
- Meet or exceed the score guidelines listed; AND
- Include an official, complete report with all pages attached. Reports for individually administered tests often include the tester’s observations, tests administered, test scores, explanation of findings, and recommendations.
Do you have testing administered more than two years ago?
We will consider testing administered up to four years prior to the application on an individual basis if the student was at least 6 years old at the time of testing. The full test report must be accompanied by current academic work samples or videos as described below under Supplemental Information.
Can other tests be accepted in place of the tests listed below?
No. Eligibility can only be determined by submitting one of the accepted tests listed here. If you have an additional test, please review the Supplemental Information section below.
ACCEPTED TESTS
OPTION #1 – INDIVIDUALLY ADMINISTERED IQ TESTS
| Test Name | Minimum Score Guidelines |
| Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales – Fifth Edition (SB5) |
Standard score 145+ on at least one of the following:
|
| Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition (WISC-IV) |
Standard score 145+ on at least one of the following:
|
| Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fifth Edition (WISC-V) |
Standard score 145+ on at least one of the following:
OR at least two of the following:
|
| Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition (WPPSI-IV) |
Standard score 145+ on at least one of the following:
OR at least two of the following:
|
| Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Abilities – Third Normative Update or Fourth Edition (WJ-III NU or WJ-IV Cog) |
Standard score 145+ on
|
| Differential Ability Scales – Second Edition (DAS-II) | Standard Score 145+ on at least one of the following:
|
OPTION #2 – INDIVIDUALLY ADMINISTERED ACHIEVEMENT TESTS
| Test Name | Minimum Score Guidelines |
| Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement – Second or Third Edition (KTEA-II or KTEA-3) |
Standard score 145+ on at least two of the following:
|
| Wechsler Individual Achievement Test – Third Edition (WIAT – III) |
Standard score 145+ on at least two of the following:
|
| Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement – Third Normative Update or Fourth Edition (WJ-III NU or WJ-IV Ach) |
Standard score 145+ on at least two of the following:
|
TALENT SEARCH/COLLEGE PLACEMENT TESTS
| Test Name | Minimum Score Guidelines | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| SAT |
Must meet or exceed on at least two of the scores listed above. The Combined score does not include writing. |
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| ACT |
Must meet or exceed on at least three out of five scores above. **** |
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| Explore |
Must meet or exceed on at least three out of five scores above. |
Not Required – Additional Information
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Information included here will not add substantially to the review committee’s decision, nor override test scores that fall significantly below the Minimum Score Guidelines listed above. However, this additional information may assist the review committee in better understanding the applicant’s abilities.
A maximum of SIX of the following documents may be uploaded in this section of the application. Academic work samples or videos, which MUST include detailed information about each item. For example, the title and grade level of workbooks used, whether a work sample was edited several times or is a first draft, if the work was completed independently or was revised based on parent or teacher feedback, and the age and grade level at the time the work was completed.
Strong work samples include:
- demonstrate abilities in academic areas such as math, writing, reading, science, or social studies
- demonstrate the applicant’s ability to work at least two to three grade levels above age peers
- demonstrate the ability to learn and process complex information rapidly, a need to explore subjects in surprising depth, or an insatiable curiosity
- Other evidence of extreme precocity, as determined by the applicant and family.
- Extenuating circumstances, as determined by the applicant and family.
- Certificates, awards, artwork, music pieces, or other non-academic samples do not add to the review committee’s decision.