Western Academic Talent Search

Program Policies

  • We advise that you register with WATS before registering with the test company, regardless of whether you are returning students. This is critical in ensuring that WATS receives test scores to allow students full program benefits. If a student learns of WATS late or is able to access earlier testing rescheduled due to COVID, we can accommodate participation in WATS after testing reports have been received.
  • SUBMIT your completed WATS application and make payment by the appropriate deadline. If your application has been submitted and you still have not made payment or are missing correct eligibility, your application is NOT complete and a $40 late fee may still be assessed. Test site locations are selected from a drop-down menu by state – no code lookup is required.
  • There is a critical second step to all registrations. Please follow directions provided by WATS carefully. You are not registered to test until you have completed BOTH WATS and test company registration processes!
  • An admission ticket confirming the test date and location will be mailed to the student’s home, sometimes as late as one week prior to the test. If you have not received a ticket two weeks before the test, CALL WATS. Sometimes this information is not sent until much closer to testing, so watch your email and mail for both a confirmation and an admission ticket. If no space was available at your first choice location, you may have been assigned to an alternate test site. READ YOUR ADMISSION TICKET CAREFULLY so you will know where to go on test day.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to review the test format, time limits, and sample questions, included in the preparation info links provided by the testing companies, but we do not encourage heavy practice – this IS a practice opportunity.
  • On the test day, ACT and SAT students will not be admitted for testing without an admission ticket and ID.  Students in grades 6-8 will need the Talent Search Valid ID Form (CBK provides a link to the form in the reminder email sent on Monday before your test date).  Ninth graders must bring a photo ID (school ID or passport).  Students taking the ITBS should bring the admission letter but they do not need any form of ID.
  • Test results are sent to both the student and the talent search office approximately 5-8 weeks after the test.
  • In early summer, students will find the WATS Interpretive Guide in their family accounts. Qualifying students will also find a special top scorer certificate in their family account. If you change your email address, update it with WATS so you don’t miss this important information and be sure to have Center for Bright Kids listed in your account as a known email address. Please provide adult personal emails only – we discourage using work emails. You can test delivery of CBK emails at any time using the link on the Update Account Info tab of your WATS account.

Program Fees

The $50 WATS application fee is non-refundable and does not pay for the tests themselves. The WATS fee covers: the cost of printing and distributing program materials; mailing costs for SAT/ACT/ITBS score reports and data files; printing envelopes and paper for the program materials themselves; access to CBK staff for assistance on completing the application; processing registrations; working with the testing companies to coordinate student files transfer and establish testing sites; working with school districts to identify and recruit students; development of the website resource page; data processing of all scores; student file information; recognition ceremony qualifying criteria; and Interpretive Guide data collection, aggregation, and assessment. The cost of Recognition Ceremonies or materials is not covered by WATS family fees.

2021-2022 Western Academic Talent Search Fees

 ITBS $45
 ACT $60
 SAT $55
 WATS $50
 SAT + ACT $165 
   
   
“My family learned about WATS from my son's GT teacher when he was in the third grade. All three of my kids are now active WATS (and CBK Summer!) participants, and they all appreciate the opportunity to take a test that truly challenges the limits of their abilities. There is value in taking a test where you DON'T already know all the answers. We have seen steady growth in both test scores and confidence, and I know my kids will be unfazed when they are taking the test as a high school graduation requirement or for college admission and National Merit recognition. We have WATS to thank for that.”
The Mitchell Family

Fee Waivers and Special Accommodations

Students who qualify for the free/reduced lunch program at school are eligible for one test fee waiver and WATS reduced fee, available based upon date of registration. To qualify, documentation of free/reduced lunch program eligibility must accompany the WATS application at least two weeks before the registration deadline. Payment of the $25 WATS fee is made after your waiver is approved. Only one waiver can be distributed per student. Fee waivers do not cover late fees, and CBK is unable to refund any overpayment for invoices paid before waivers were applied.

For special accommodations, additional forms must be completed. ITBS accommodations may be requested through CBK at application, although will not be offered during the Spring 2022 pilot. ACT and SAT accommodations must be requested through the testing company and documentation provided. This is a lengthy process we recommend beginning at least 7 weeks before your testing date. WATS does not set up any arrangements with schools.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

CBK collects a WATS fee that covers the administrative costs of providing above-level testing and is not refundable under any circumstances. ACT and SAT fees are paid to the test companies for your registration and we are not able to offer a refund – you must contact the test company if there has been a cancellation or withdrawal. WATS fees are nonrefundable for any reason.

IF YOUR TEST IS CANCELLED FOR WEATHER OR COVID-19 CONCERNS, the test company will offer the test on an alternate day. If you are unable to test on the alternate day, you will need to call the test company support line to reschedule your test for a more convenient date or forfeit your test registration fee. There may be an additional fee charged by the test company for rescheduling your test. If the test company is unable to offer a make-up date for a missed test, you will be eligible to reschedule your test with no change fee by contacting the test company support line. In most cases, you can reschedule your test for up to one year after your original test date. CBK will not issue refunds for missed or cancelled tests. In all cases, you will need to work with the test company to reschedule your test for a future date or forfeit your test registration fee.