UC Irvine - Academic Talent Search

ATS 2007-2008 Brochure

We invite you to participate in the annual Academic Talent Search (ATS) conducted by the University of California, Irvine. This brochure explains the purpose of the program, eligibility requirements, application procedures, test selection guidelines, and test registration procedures.

The UCI Academic Talent Search (ATS) is a two-fold testing program designed primarily for students in grades six through ten. It identifies students with extraordinary mathematical and/or verbal reasoning abilities, assists participants in their placement in pre-college programs, and offers information and materials which will aid parents and educators of high-ability students. By participating in ATS, you will gain valuable information about your mathematical and verbal abilities early in your academic career, enabling you to plan the most appropriate college-preparatory program.

The Academic Talent Search also offers you an opportunity to sharpen your test-taking skills in preparation for the PSAT and SAT Reasoning Test, which is the basis for National Merit Scholarship awards. You will have the opportunity to become familiar with these reasoning-ability tests and learn strategies for taking them well in advance of your crucial junior and senior years of high school.

Please review the information in this brochure with your parent(s) or guardian(s) before you complete your ATS application. ATS applications are accepted at UCI between September 14, 2007 and March 26, 2008. Early registration is recommended.

ATS Home

Benefits

You will receive:

A score report that compares by grade level your verbal, mathematical, and general reasoning ability (as measured by the PSAT or SAT) with those of other students in the UCI Academic Talent Search program
A certificate from UCI recognizing your exceptional ability
Recognition at an Academic Talent Search ceremony, if you are among the top-scoring participants
Information describing educational programs available to academically superior students, including the UCI Gifted Students Academy and other University of California academic enrichment programs
Consideration for scholarships to UCI summer academic enrichment programs
Information regarding academic preparation and planning for college

Eligibility Requirements

The UCI Academic Talent Search is open to students who meet one of the following criteria:

You must be in the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth grade as of January 2008, and you must be identified as eligible for GATE (or gifted and talented education) services by your school, or
You must have scored at least at the 90th percentile on a standardized achievement or aptitude test of mathematical or verbal reasoning ability in either (a), (b), or (c) below:
(a) a mathematics subtest, such as computation, logic, etc.; or
(b) a verbal subtest, such as comprehension, spelling, etc.; or
(c) the total composite score in any one area: reading, math, science, etc., or
A score of "Advanced" in at least one area of the California Standards Test, or
You may qualify through being nominated by your teacher, counselor or principal.

To Apply

To be considered for participation in the Academic Talent Search, you must complete the following steps:

Complete the Academic Talent Search application form. You may complete either a paper form or an electronic form. The electronic form is the most efficient way to apply. It is available at the ATS Website: http://www.admissions.uci.edu/ats/
Online application available beginning September 14, 2007.
Paper application forms may be downloaded from the ATS Website (Application PDF - Brochure PDF), and are also available from the GATE contact person at participating schools, or from the UCI Academic Talent Search Office; telephone (949) 824-5822. You may also request an application form online: Click here
Register to take either the PSAT or SAT. See chart for test locations, dates, and times.
You may use your completed ATS application form to register for the PSAT when you apply for the Academic Talent Search. However, to take the SAT, you must register for it separately through the College Board at www.collegeboard.com.
Mail your completed application, fees, and all required enclosures to UCI between September 14, 2007 and March 26, 2008. Complete all required items on your application in order to avoid a delay in processing.
Send all nonrefundable ATS Registration and PSAT fees to (make checks payable to UC Regents):
Academic Talent Search
204 Aldrich Hall
University of California
Irvine, CA 92697-1075

ATS accepts Visa and MasterCard when you apply online. All fees are nonrefundable.
When your application and fee payment are received (no later than two weeks prior to your chosen test date), you will be sent a confirmation and a campus map. If you submit an online application, your confirmation and campus map information will be displayed for you at the end of your application submission. You may return to the ATS application website and review your online application, test/seminar selections, and campus map information at any time.

Which Test Should You Take - the PSAT or the SAT Reasoning Test (SAT)?

Academic Talent Search participants must select one of two "out of grade-level" tests to take: the PSAT or the SAT Reasoning Test (SAT). Both tests are rigorous and usually are taken by high school juniors and seniors. Each test will present you with unfamiliar concepts and is designed to measure your critical reasoning skills.

The UCI Academic Talent Search recommends the PSAT for most students because this test:

is 95 minutes shorter than the SAT
provides an estimated SAT score derived from your PSAT results,
provides you with a far more extensive score report than does the SAT
does not become part of your permanent record

The results you'll receive from your PSAT include a four-page informative report on your math, verbal, and writing performance, which will provide recommendations on areas for future improvement. The SAT results provide only a one-page report that does not include specific suggestions for improvement.

The PSAT

The PSAT is a 2-hour and 10-minute multiple choice standardized test that measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning and writing skills. It was revised in fall 2005 to reflect the changes in the new SAT, and now both the PSAT and the SAT are better aligned with current curricular and institutional practices in high school and college.

Although it is not generally used for college admission decisions, the PSAT is used by the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) to identify potential recipients for prestigious National Merit Scholarships.

PSAT testing is conducted on selected Saturdays and Sundays from January 19 to March 29, 2008 at UC Irvine and other campuses of the University of California. ATS administers an archived version of the PSAT by permission of the College Board. Testing is conducted in the company of students in grades 6 through 10. The nonrefundable fee for the PSAT is $25.

SAT

The SAT is a three-hour and 45 minute test that measures critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills, and is used by many colleges and universities for college admission decisions. It is administered throughout California at a number of locations. ATS participants should plan on taking ONLY the Saturday, January 26, 2008 test.

In addition to the ATS application form (submitted to UCI), a separate SAT application and $43.00 registration fee must be mailed directly to the College Board in Princeton, New Jersey. Indicate the UCI school code (Code Number 4859) on the College Board SAT registration form so that your scores will be sent directly to UCI. SAT registration forms may be obtained at www.collegeboard.com.

Test Preparation Seminars

The seminars help familiarize you with the formats of the PSAT and SAT and discuss such topics as test-taking strategies, problem-solving skills, and the interpretation of test results. The Test Preparation Seminar is recommended for students who have not previously taken the PSAT or SAT, or who have experienced test anxiety in the past. Seminars are held on selected Saturday mornings (9:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon) at UC Irvine and other University of California campuses (see chart). Registration is required and space is limited. You may register for a seminar by completing item 15 on the UCI Academic Talent Search application. The nonrefundable fee for each seminar is $55. PSAT/SAT preparation seminars are optional.

2007-2008 ATS Calendar

September - January: Step 1: Schools distribute UCI Academic Talent Search information to eligible students and their families.; Step 2: Students Register for the PSAT or SAT.; Step 3: Students receive fee statement and confirmation letter in the mail or online if application was submitted online.
January - April: Step 4: Students take the PSAT or the SAT (see chart "2007-2008 UCI ATS Seminar and Test Schedule" for dates and locations).; Step 5: Students receive information regarding the UCI Gifted Students Academy and other UCI summer programs.
May: Step 6: Individual student score reports are made available online.; Step 7: Top-scoring participants are invited to a UCI ATS Awards Ceremony.

Student Application Instructions

Student's Full Name
Fill out your name as you would like it to appear on all ATS correspondence and on your award certificate.
Complete Address
Your confirmation of registration and other important information will be sent to you at the address you indicate here.
Telephone Number
Indicate the telephone number at which you or your parent/guardian can be reached between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
E-mail Address
Indicate parent/guardian e-mail address. You must supply an e-mail address to participate in the Academic Talent Search. Your confirmation, instructions for participation, and Spring Newsletter will be sent to you via e-mail. For a free e-mail address, click here.
Grade in School
Indicate your grade level in school as of January 1, 2008.
Gender (optional)
Indicate whether you are male or female.
This information is used for statistical purposes only.
Date of Birth
Indicate the month, day, and year of your birth.
Ethnic Description (optional)
This information is used for statistical purposes only.
Annual Family Income (optional)
This information is used for statistical purposes only.
Parents' or Legal Guardians' Names
Include the first and last names of at least one parent or legal guardian. This name should match the signature required on item 17 of the ATS application.
School Information
Please provide your school name, its complete address, your school district's name (public schools only), county, and school type (public or private)
Qualifying Information
1. If you check "yes," you are eligible to participate in the UCI Academic Talent Search and it will not be necessary for you to send UCI a copy of your test results. If you mark "no," please complete item "d" below regarding qualifying test scores.
2. Checking "yes" or "no" provides UCI with helpful information but does not affect your eligibility for the UCI Academic Talent Search.
3. If you have participated in the Academic Talent Search in past years, you are automatically eligible to participate again. A copy of your most recent test results will not be required.
4. Indicate the name of your school's standardized grade-level achievement test. Attach a copy of your qualifying test scores to your application. Copies of test scores may be requested at your school office.
5. In the absence of grade-level achievement test scores, you may qualify to participate in the UCI Academic Talent Search through nomination by a school official. To request consideration by nomination, attach to your application a brief letter of recommendation from your principal, counselor, or teacher.
  Letters of recommendation must:
  (1) be typed on official school letterhead;
  (2) be signed by your principal, counselor, or teacher; and
  (3) explain why your principal, counselor, or teacher believes you qualify for participation in the UCI ATS program.
Choice of Test
Indicate your choice of test.
Registration deadlines for PSAT testing vary by test date, and the registration deadline for the SAT is December 26, 2007 for the January 26, 2008 test. Please check the chart in this brochure for codes, dates, locations, and deadlines for testing and seminar sessions.
PSAT
If you have chosen to take the PSAT, please refer to the test schedule for specific test times and dates. Place the appropriate five-digit code of your test choice in the boxes. Also indicate the test location and your choice of time. At most locations the PSAT is administered at 9:00 a.m. or at 1:00 p.m. Sunday test times are at 9:00 a.m. only. Choose the time that is best for you.
PSAT/SAT Preparation Seminar
Please refer to the seminar schedule chart for specific seminar information. Indicate the code and location for the seminar date of your choice. All seminars are held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Participants will be given one rest break. You may take the PSAT on the same day as your seminar IF you register for a 1:00 p.m. test time. If you prefer to take the PSAT in the morning, you should register for a test date that is later than the date you selected for your seminar. If you are taking the preparation seminar and PSAT on the same day, plan to bring your lunch for the one hour break between the seminar and the test.
Release of Information
UCI will not release student information and test results to appropriate persons and institutions unless we have your parent's/guardian's permission to do so. Leaving an item blank indicates that their permission has not been granted.
Parent/Guardian Permission
Parent/Guardian permission is required. Indication of parent/guardian certifies your application is true and that your parents/guardians give permission for you to participate in the UCI Academic Talent Search.

How much does it cost to participate in the Talent Search?

The cost varies and depends upon which test you select and upon whether you choose to attend a seminar. Fees are nonrefundable.

For the ATS Registration Fee and only the PSAT
$30 (ATS Registration Fee)
$25 (PSAT fee)
$55 Total

For the ATS Registration Fee, PSAT, and Preparation Seminar
$30 (ATS Registration Fee)
$25 (PSAT Fee)
$55 (Seminar Fee)
$110 Total

For the ATS Registration Fee and Printed SAT
$30 (ATS Registration Fee)
$43.00 (SAT College Board Testing Fee)
$73.00 Total (Send two different checks, one for $30 to UCI and the other for $43.00 to the College Board)

For the ATS Registration Fee, SAT, and Preparation Seminar
$30 (ATS Registration Fee)
$55 (Seminar Fee)
$43.00 (SAT College Board Testing Fee)
$128.00 Total (send two different checks, one for $85 to UCI and the other for $43.00 to the College Board)

NOTE:
All fees are nonrefundable.
Make checks sent to UCI payable to: UC Regents
SAT application and testing fee must be sent directly to the College Board (www.collegeboard.com).

Commonly Asked Questions

If I lack recent grade-level achievement test scores or if my school does not have a GATE program, can I still become eligible to participate in the UCI Academic Talent Search?
Yes. You may become eligible by teacher, counselor or principal nomination. To gain eligibility by nomination, ask your teacher, school counselor, or principal to write a letter recommending you for the ATS program. The letter must be on school letterhead and include the school official's signature. Attach the letter to your ATS application.
Can I use my SAT score from an earlier testing to participate in the UCI Academic Talent Search?
Yes, if the test date is not earlier than March, 2007. SAT results may be used one time only.
Do I send payment with my Academic Talent Search application?
Yes. If you have used a paper application, include your registration fee with your application. (See the section above, "How much does it cost to participate" to determine your fee amount.) If you have applied electronically over the Web and did not pay by credit card, send the amount indicated on the Application summary page of the online application. This fee must be received by the ATS Office no later than two weeks prior to your selected test date.
After your ATS application has been processed, you will be sent a confirmation and a campus map via e-mail.
May I use a calculator for the PSAT or SAT?
Yes. Calculators are allowed in testing rooms.
What should I bring to the preparation seminar?
Bring a pen or pencil and notepaper. Calculators are allowed. If you are taking the PSAT on the same day, plan to bring a lunch.
Are scholarships and financial aid available?
Yes. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of exceptional achievement on the PSAT or SAT for participants in each grade level. Recipients of these scholarships may apply them to the costs of the UCI Gifted Students Academy, should they wish to.
Students who are eligible for reduced or free lunch programs may request a waiver of the $25 PSAT fee. (Fee waivers may not be applied to the test fees required for the SAT.) The request must be signed by a school official on school letterhead and must verify that the student is on a reduced or free lunch program. If a waiver of the ATS registration fee is required, also enclose a copy of your most recent IRS 1040 tax form with a letter stating your request. All forms must accompany your ATS application.
When will I receive my test scores?
Student score reports will be available in late May 2008.
How may I obtain directions to the test site and parking information?
After your application has been processed, you will be sent confirmation materials, directions to your test site, and the location of where to park. You may need to purchase a parking permit from a campus parking attendant. Directions and instructions are also available online as part of your confirmation when submitting your application using our online application.
How should I prepare for the PSAT or SAT?
Refer to an SAT preparation book such as The Official SAT Study Guide: For the New SAT, published by the College Board. It is available at most bookstores.
You also may wish to consider registering for one of the PSAT/SAT Preparation Seminars available to all ATS participants.
May I change my test or seminar date?
Yes. Just call the UCI ATS office at (949) 824-5822. Have your student ID number and choice of new date ready when you call. The fee to change the date of a test or seminar is $10.
Can a school or school district request its own test date in addition to the published test dates and locations listed in this brochure?
Yes, a limited number of additional test and seminar administrations will be conducted by special arrangement. You may request that an ATS staff member come to your school and conduct a special test and/or seminar. The GATE Coordinator or Principal from your school should contact the ATS Program Director directly to make this request (jwaldron@uci.edu). Test and seminar administrations by special arrangement are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and depend on staff availability for the date requested.

For additional information, brochures, and applications, please contact:

UCI Academic Talent Search
204 Aldrich Hall
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, CA 92697-1075

Telephone: (949) 824-5822
Fax: (949) 824-9695
E-mail: ATS@uci.edu

Web: www.admissions.uci.edu/ats/

UCI uses the information requested on the application form to process your application for admission to the UCI Academic Talent Search. Unless otherwise stated, response to the questions is mandatory. If you do not supply all of the mandatory information, processing of your application will be delayed and possibly even prevented. The UCI Office of Admissions and Relations with Schools is responsible for maintaining the information you provide on your application. The information will be provided to the state and federal governments if required by law. You have the right, according to law, to access this information.

Nondiscrimination Statement:

The University of California, Irvine, provides equal access to and equal opportunity in its admissions, employment, programs, and services in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws.

ADA Statement:

The information in this publication will be made available in alternative formats for people with disabilities, upon request. Requests should be directed to Disability Services; telephone (949) 824-7494, TDD (949) 824-6272.

Campus Safety:

Pursuant to the Federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1999, UCI annually makes available to all students, faculty, and staff (at www.police.uci.edu/studentright.html) statistics on reported crimes that occur on campus and at UCI Medical Center.

Published September 2007 (UEO).

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