Center for Bright Kids

Application Process

The 2019-2020 WATS season effectively ended in early March with testing cancellations. CBK hopes to reschedule WATS ceremonies for the fall and the new season to begin in late August.

Create your WATS family portal account. Click "APPLY ONLINE" above - please note, this is NOT the same system as summer enrollments and you will need to create a new WATS account for this year, as we do not retain accounts to protect minors.
DO NOT BEGIN YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION UNTIL YOU HAVE ALL REQUIRED PIECES IN HAND AND UPLOADED AS FILES (PDF, JPG, GIF, PNG)

The following file types are NOT supported and will result in your
application being returned to you for corrections. There may be other
unsupported file types that are not on this list.
Microsoft Office files (doc, docx, xls, xlsx)
HTML or email files (html, msg, ics, eml)
Zipped or packaged files (zip, pages, rtfd)
Any file type which could contain executable code (js, vbs)
Files without file extensions
Upload your proof of eligibility - the system will NOT allow you to SUBMIT your application until this piece has been added.
Select the state and date for your test from the dropdown list. Then select your first choice and second choice locations. If your preferred test site is not in our database, follow the instructions to request that your site be added BEFORE you submit your application. We will be happy to add your preferred location anywhere in the United States.
E-sign your application and hit SUBMIT. WE DO NOT HAVE YOUR APPLICATION until you hit the "SUBMIT" button!
Make the appropriate payment as indicated.

Applications MUST be SUBMITTED by 11:59pm Mountain time on appropriate deadlines to process. If you are applying in the late window, you will automatically be charged the additional $40 late fee.

If you have any questions, please contact the CBK office at 303-428-2634 or cbk@centerforbrightkids.org. Please email webmaster@centerforbrightkids.org for any tech support. Our call center can only refer you to this same resource.

Test Selection

Only the following dates qualify a student for participation in WATS Recognition Ceremonies - no exceptions can be made due to timing of score reports, despite more test date options being available nationally:

Recognition Ceremony score consideration dates	PSAT 8/9	ACT	SAT
Grades Included	3-6	6-9	6-9
Testing Dates	Jan 18 Feb 8 Feb 9	Oct 26 Dec 14 Feb 8	Nov 2 Dec 7 Mar 14
Fees	$50	$55	$55

Test Center Locations

All changes or last minute test site issues must be processed through the testing company, NOT through WATS.

Depending on grade level you can take more than one test-you still pay only one WATS fee. Talent Search testing is available in every service region we serve, though not every community. For some tests and in some rural areas, travel may be required to access a test site.

SAT

For changes in testing date or location or admission ticket or code issues for SAT, please contact College Board directly at 866-756-7346

SAT test site locations (search by date, then state)

ACT

ACT mails admission tickets and testing site confirmations from Iowa closer to testing. For changes in testing date or location or admission ticket or code issues, please contact ACT directly at 319-337-1270

ACT test site locations (choose state)

PSAT 8/9

For changes in testing date or location or admission ticket or code issues, please contact the PSAT 8/9 customer service line directly at 844-806-7817

PSAT test site locations

E-mail Information

It is also critical to provide an adult non-work e-mail address that will be accessible through the Talent Search year. E-mail contact allows us to send important reminders and information in a timely manner. No contact information will be shared with anyone outside of CBK without your consent. *The Interpretive Guide, Participation Certificate, and all Recognition Ceremony information will be released to your online account. Please note that if you use a work email, you will need to watch your SPAM box or enable CBK as a sender, as your workplace may not recognize CBK attachments and trash them. CBK cannot be held responsible for incorrect, changed, lost, or misplaced emails.

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/PSAT 8/9 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.

2019-2020 Western Academic Talent Search Total Fees by Testing Combination

PSAT 8/9	$100
ACT	$105
SAT	$105
ACT + PSAT 8/9	$155
SAT + PSAT 8/9	$155
SAT + ACT	$160
All 3 Tests (6th Graders)	$210

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.

For special accommodations, additional forms must be completed. PSAT 8/9 accommodations may be requested through CBK at application. ACT and SAT acccommodations 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.

Deadlines

	TEST DATE	WATS DEADLINE	LATE DEADLINE (+$40)
ACT	OCT 26	SEPT 20	SEPT 28
Grades 6-9	DEC 14	NOV 8	NOV 15
$55	FEB 8, 2020	JAN 3	JAN 10
	APR 4*	FEB 28	MAR 6
	JUN 13*	APR 24	MAY 1
SAT	NOV 2	SEPT 20	SEPT 27
Grades 6-9	DEC 7	OCT 25	NOV 1
$55	MAR 14, 2020	JAN 31	FEB 7
	MAY 2*	MAR 20	MAR 27
	JUN 6*	APR 24	MAY 1
PSAT 8/9	JAN 18, 2020	NOV 29	DEC 6
Grades 3-6	FEB 8, 2020	DEC 20	JAN 3
$50	FEB 9 (Sunday)	DEC 20	JAN 3

Test dates after March 14 are not eligible for Recognition Ceremony consideration.

Incomplete/unpaid applications will not be processed.

CBK is not responsible for missed deadlines due to incomplete applications.

Deadlines are before 11:59pm Mountain time online submission on that date.