The 2010-2011 WATS Bulletin and Application are now available!
The first deadlines for WATS applications are:
EXPLORE Dec 20th; SAT and ACT Oct 15th
2010-2011 WATS Bulletin and Application (PDF) for new families
2010-2011 WATS Bulletin and Application Past Participant (PDF)
2010-2011 WATS Application only (PDF) for corrections or reprints
2010-2011 Test Dates & Deadlines Table (PDF) for everyone
New This Year - 2010-2011 Line By Line Application Instructions
2010-2011 WATS Coordinators Guide (PDF) for school personnel
Please scroll below for current deadlines information:
SAT You must apply first to WATS in order to receive your SAT registration packet and appropriate codes from us by mail. The first deadline is October 15th for the December 4th test.
ACT You must apply first to WATS in order to receive your ACT registration packet and appropriate codes from us by mail. The first deadline is October 15th for the December 11th test.
EXPLORE is a one-step registration. Upon completion of your WATS application, you will be registered by WATS with the EXPLORE company. The first deadline for your WATS application to be received is December 20th for the January 23rd, 2011, test. EXPLORE does not send out testing confirmations until as late as two weeks prior to the test. Mailings for Feb testing go out from Iowa near the end of January 2011.
Application Process
1) Using the line by line instructions provided to prevent errors (PLEASE READ and REFERENCE this “how to” line by line guide), complete the WATS 2010-2011 Application (application copies from prior years cannot be accepted)
2) Send your completed application to Center for Bright Kids
3) Include a photocopy of proof of eligibility (score report or letter—past participants need to include WATS score reports)
Include check made payable to CNDC CBK. (EXPLORE = $73; SAT = $43; ACT = $43—for multiple tests, pay only $43 ($73 EXP)). Credit card payment with a minor surcharge can be accepted on our website—however, you MUST INCLUDE YOUR PAYPAL RECEIPT now.
4) Three to five weeks following WATS registration, if you are taking the ACT or SAT, you will receive a packet in the mail to self-register for this test—DO NOT DISCARD or IGNORE this packet. Please use the instructions provided in that packet to self-register as a WATS student to take the test and select a testing site—you MUST complete this second application in order to participate and will include the appropriate SAT ($47) or ACT ($33) fees at this time. This includes any SAT or ACT late fee. EXPLORE candidates will receive a testing confirmation from Iowa as late as two weeks prior to the test itself. No additional registration takes place.
Incomplete or illegible applications will not be processed. WATS is not be responsible for errors due to handwritten application clarity. Applications will not be processed without fees or eligibility. Applications MUST be RECEIVED by appropriate deadlines to process. CBK cannot be held responsible for postal service delays or delivery errors—please keep in mind December delays!
If you would like additional copies of the application or would like a copy emailed to you, or if you have any questions, please contact the CBK office at 303.428.2634 or cbk@centerforbrightkids.org
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 showing up on registration forms:
| SAT | Dec 4 | Jan 22 |
| ACT | Dec 11 | Feb 12 |
| EXPLORE | January 22 | February 19 |
Test Center Locations and Codes - please enter your EXPLORE codes directly on your application
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.
- ACT 319.337.1270
(choose state—enter code on ACT app)
- SAT 866.756.7346
(search by test centers—enter code on SAT app)
- EXPLORE 319.337.1369
(choose state—enter site code on WATS application
E-mail Information - PLEASE NOTE*
It is also important to provide a parent or guardian 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. *All Recognition Ceremony information will be sent via e-mail. If you change addresses during the year, you must update with WATS in order to receive ceremony invitations and program information.
Fees
The $43 WATS application fee is non-refundable and does not pay for the tests themselves. This fee covers the cost of postage, printing, and processing of registration, analysis of score data, the Interpretive Guide, the Summer Opportunities Guide, coordination with schools and districts, and participation certificates.
Sign the application, and mail it with the correct payment by check made out to CNDC CBK (please note the student name and test on the info line at the bottom of the check):
| For SAT | One check for $43 (WATS fee) You will send the SAT test fee directly to SAT. |
| For ACT | One check for $43 (WATS fee) You will send the SAT fee directly to ACT. |
| For EXPLORE | One check for $73 (WATS fee + $30 EXPLORE test fee) |
| SAT + ACT | One check for $43 (one WATS fee no matter how many tests) |
| SAT and/or ACT + EXPLORE | One check for $73 (one WATS fee no matter how many tests + EXPLORE test fee) |
Fee Waivers and Special Accommodations
Students who qualify for the free/reduced lunch program at school are eligible for both an ACT 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 with a $25 WATS fee. Only one waiver can be distributed per student. EXPLORE and SAT do not offer test waivers. For special accommodations, forms must be completed through the testing company and documentation provided for necessary accommodations. This is a lengthy process, so please contact us to start now. WATS does not set up these arrangements.
Deadlines
The deadlines for the WATS application vary by chosen test and date.
All deadlines are RECEIPT deadlines, meaning the last day your application can be found in the WATS mailbox or at the testing companies. The WATS window of time prior to the ACT and SAT test company deadlines is due to the two-step application process. Once WATS processes your application, CBK will send you the SAT or ACT registration packet for the test itself and you will need to get that second application in prior to their deadlines. For EXPLORE, additional time is needed not only to process applications, but to hand-register each student for the test with EXPLORE. No second application will be sent to you.
All changes or last minute test site issues must be processed through the testing company, NOT through WATS. SAT (866.756.7346); ACT (319.337.1270); EXPLORE (319.337.1369)
