- Grade level testing often does not reveal the upper limits of student abilities. Participants gain early experience taking an above‐level or college entrance test, reporting increased comfort with standardized testing and significant score gains that can make the difference when applying to college. The more times students participate, the more steady increases in success.
- With permission, schools receive information about talent search results. School officials are better able to accommodate students’ course choices or curriculum modifications with this information.
- Scholarship opportunities become available and many gates are opened and qualification requirements met for higher level programming, advanced opportunities, scholarships, grade‐level adjustments, or schools for gifted. Talent Search is an outstanding resume‐builder, especially when 150,000 other very bright students are participating.
- Students are invited to participate in the CBK Summer Programs at the Colorado School of Mines, designed to provide an optimal match and allow students entering 4th-11th grades to develop a socio‐emotional network of peers in a living/learning community. Many students age through these programs with lifelong CBK friends.
- Top scoring participants are invited to a regional Recognition Ceremony, if one is offered in your state.
- During the spring, participants receive the Interpretive Guide, which provides information needed to interpret test scores in relationship to other grade-level Talent Search participants across the Rocky Mountain region.
- Young students are not otherwise able to take these tests.
- Scores are archived by WATS but do not become a part of the student’s permanent academic record (transcript), meaning there is no risk in participating. Older students have the opportunity to access their test company account, and may choose to release scores for early decision purposes or other programs. The goal is a positive student experience, regardless of the final test score. Why not sign up?
