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Testing Requirements: Grades 7 and Above

This page outlines eligibility for applicants who are currently enrolled in grades 7 and above or who are homeschooled. Davidson Academy determines eligibility based on grade level, regardless of age.

A complete testing report must be submitted with your application for an application to be complete and considered. Late testing reports will not be accepted or considered.

College Placement or IQ Testing

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

  • College Placement
  • IQ testing

When applying, use only one of these two methods of eligibility.

College Placement and Talent Search Test Requirements

​​College Placement testing scores must be current from tests administered in the past year.

SAT/PSAT

Davidson Academy accepts the following SAT and PSAT tests:

Qualified applicants must provide scores that meet or exceed the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) or Math or Combined scores as indicated in the following tables.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

SATGrade 7Grade 8Grade 9Grade 10
RW670700750780
Math700740770800
Total1370144015201580

PSAT 8/9

PSAT 8/9Grade 7Grade 8
RW640690
Math660710
Total13001400

PSAT 10 & PSAT/NMSQT

PSAT 10 & PSAT/NMSQTGrade 7Grade 8Grade 9
RW640690730
Math660710750
Total130014001480

ACT Assessment (ACT)

Davidson Academy accepts test results from the ACT.

Qualified applicants must provide score reports that meet or exceed at least 3 out of 5 scores of those indicated in the following table.

ACTGrade 7Grade 8Grade 9Grade 10
English31333536
Math30333435
Reading32333536
Science Reasoning28323435
Composite29323435

IQ Testing Requirements

IQ testing must have been completed within the past five years. All of our 3 accepted tests are individually administered.

Test NameMinimum Score Guidelines
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales - Fifth Edition (SB5)Standard score 145+ on at least one of the following:
  • Verbal

  • Nonverbal

  • Full Scale
  • Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - Fifth Edition (WISC-V)Standard score 145+ on at least one of the following:
  • General Ability Index (GAI)

  • Full Scale IQ Score (FSIQ)

  • Nonverbal Index (NVI)

  • Expanded General Ability Index (EGAI)

  • Verbal Expanded Crystallized Index (VECI)

  • Expanded Fluid Index (EFI)


  • OR at least two of the following:
  • Verbal Comprehension

  • Visual Spatial

  • Fluid Reasoning

  • Quantitative Reasoning Index (QRI)
  • Differential Ability Scales - Second Edition (DAS-II)Standard score 145+ on at least one of the following:
  • Verbal Ability

  • Nonverbal Reasoning

  • General Conceptual Ability
  • Previously Applied?

    Applicants who have previously applied, and were declined admission, may reach out to applications@davidsonacademy.unr.edu for instructions about 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.

    Find Testing in your Area

    In addition to these resources, please use How To Get Your Child Tested For Giftedness as a guide to find testing in your area.

    Grades 6 and Below

    If you are looking for eligibility requirements for grades below 7, please refer to the other eligibility requirements listed on the Grades 6 and Below page.

    Contact Us & FAQ

    For testing requirement questions, please contact applications@davidsonacademy.unr.edu.

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