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Eligibility Testing Requirements

Testing eligibility criteria for all applicants.

This page outlines the testing eligibility criteria for all applicants. To ensure continuity across applications, students’ eligibility is based on their age-based grade level (without grade skips). In the state of Nevada, the cutoff for kindergarten is based on students turning 5 by August 1st.  

A complete testing report must be submitted with your application for it to be complete and considered. ALL test scores are considered when deciding to move an application forward; students whose scores just meet the minimum requirements may not be invited to the readiness assessment as we look for strong applicants who show overall readiness. Late testing reports will not be accepted or considered.

Davidson Academy determines eligibility based on a result from one of two tests

  • Achievement Testing (SAT or ACT)
  • IQ testing

There are different testing requirements based on the age-based grade level of applicants:

  • Applicants in 9th grade and up at the time of application may submit IQ, the SAT, OR the ACT.
  • Applicants in 8th grade at the time of application must submit the SAT OR ACT.
  • Applicants in 7th grade must submit the SAT OR ACT.
  • Applicants in 6th or 5th grade and below at the time of application must submit the SAT OR ACT. IQ scores for these grades will be used as supplementary information if provided.
  • Applicants in 5th grade and below at the time of application have additional achievement testing options, which are highlighted below.

Achievement Testing

SAT

ACT

IQ Testing Requirements

Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales - Fifth Edition (SB5)

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition (WISC-V)

Differential Ability Scales - Second Edition (DAS-II)

Additional Testing Options for 5th Grade and Below

PSAT 8/9

PreACT

Previously Applied?

Applicants who have previously applied and completed the in-person readiness assessment, but were declined admission, MUST reach out to applications@davidsonacademy.unr.edu for instructions about the necessary documentation and testing needed to reapply.

Step-by-Step Guide on Testing

If this is your first time testing for giftedness, we have many resources available through the Davidson Institute that will help prepare you for the process.

Learn more

Testing in your Area

Finding someone or somewhere to evaluate your child for gifted identification can be difficult. However, you may be able to locate options in your area through a variety of channels.

Find testing in your area

Questions?

Find answers to common eligibility questions on the Application + Admission FAQs page.

Application & Admissions FAQs