Academic Readiness Assessment
The Academic Readiness Assessment is a crucial part of determining whether the Academy will be a good fit for assessing students.
Scoring Breakdown
Davidson Academy looks for prospective students to score an 80% or better. Still, the Academy accepts students who score 70% or better if the rest of their application is strong (teacher recommendations, grades, IQ scores, etc.).
Any student who does not score high enough is welcome to apply again the next academic year. It is not unusual (though certainly not guaranteed) for students to get in on their second try.
The Academy has multiple raters scoring every application, and if two raters come up with scores that are different by more than a couple of points, more raters are brought in to discuss that applicant in depth, looking at all of the information in their application.
-
Math
30 Points
-
Science Reasoning
30 Points
-
Language Proficiency Test
10 Points
-
Critical Reading, Academic Discussion, and Abstract Thinking
25 Points
Skills: making logical inferences, ability to think abstractly, reading critically, etc. (rated both before
and after instruction has been given) -
Written Expression
25 Points
Skills: control of conventions, logical and efficient sentences, word choice, clarity of expression, etc.
-
Affective Traits
25 Points
Skills: social-emotional orientation toward schoolwork, remaining on task, receptivity to instruction,
active listening, conscientiousness toward work, attention to detail, following directions, etc.
Assessment Tips
Stay Focused and Work at Own Pace
There is a lot to do on assessment day, so students will need to be focused and work hard, but students may work at their own pace throughout most of the day.
Use Feedback as a Tool for Growth
Just like in actual Davidson Academy classes, students will receive a great deal of feedback to help improve their work. Successful students see feedback as a teacher’s way of helping them write well…not as criticism. Published writers always work with editors; substantially revising work is part of the process of writing.
Maintain Consistent Effort and Conduct
The Academy is looking at not only academic skills but also behavior, attitude, work ethic, and ability to follow directions. Proctors are looking for solid effort and the willingness to ask for help—the Academy wants students to take responsibility for producing the very best work they are able to generate.
Assessment FAQs
Read through some frequently asked questions about the Academic Readiness Assessment to prepare for the important day.