Who Can Apply?

Students qualify for Summer Challenge by scoring in the 95th percentile or higher on the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) or a recent (September 1, 2011 or later) nationally normed standardized aptitude or achievement test. Students may use verbal, math or composite scores to qualify.  Please note that students planning to take Math Topics must have a qualifying Math score.

All students new to the program must submit current qualifying scores.  (Students who qualified last year do not need to re-submit test scores for Summer Challenge).  The minimum scores for the most commonly submitted tests are posted below. 

Participation in a nationally recognized talent search (such as the Johns Hopkins Talent Search) or placement in a recognized gifted school program will also serve to qualify a student for our program.

  • 5th grade MSP (taken in 4th grade):  440 Reading or 495 Math
  • 6th grade MSP (taken in 5th grade):  449 Reading or 484 Math
  • Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) – Verbal 95% or Quantitative 95%
  • Educational Records Bureau (ERB) – Verbal Reasoning 95%, Reading Comprehension 95%, or Quantitative Reasoning 95%
  • Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) – Reading Total 95% or Mathematics Total 95%
  • School and College Ability Test (SCAT) (5th or 6th grade) – Verbal or Quantitative - 95th percentile
  • Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) – Total Reading 95% or Total Math 95%
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    Enrollment Considerations

    In considering application to this program, parents need to consider their child’s willingness to participate. There is a fine line between encouraging children to overcome natural and normal apprehensions about a new experience and forcing them into a situation for which they are not yet ready. No matter how enthusiastic parents may be about the program, we do not recommend enrolling children who are strongly reluctant to attend.

    News

    This year’s graduation ceremony will take place on June 4th at the Ethnic Cultural Center, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Come see your friends and fellow RCers leave the UW, triumphant! RSVP here.

    Important Dates

    March 25: First day to apply to Saturday Program Spring Quarter

    April 26: UW Academy decision letters mailed

    May 1: Last day to apply for Summer financial aid and deadline to turn in financial aid documentation

    May 13: Last day to withdraw from Summer Programs with a refund

    May 31: Summer Programs registration closes

    June 24-July 26: Summer Stretch

    July 8-26: Summer Challenge