Eligibility

Students may participate in the Midwest Academic Talent Search if they are in grades 3 through 9 and they qualify in at least one of the following five ways:

1. State test scores

Students qualify for MATS with at least one (either verbal/reading or math) of the following state test scores:

*Students may use scores from tests taken in previous years.

2. Achievement test scores
Students may use the verbal, math or composite score or subscore from a nationally normed, standardized grade-level achievement, aptitude, or abilities tests, such as the Terra Nova, to qualify for MATS. The following chart shows the verbal, math or composite percentile needed at each grade level:

*Students may use scores from tests taken in previous years.

The following chart indicates categories that qualify students for MATS if they are using a nationally normed achievement test. Score categories have different names on different tests.

3. Past Talent Search participation

Students who qualified for and participated in a Talent Search in a previous year qualify to participate in MATS this year.

4. Qualified for school's gifted program
Students who qualify for the gifted program at their school can participate in MATS.

5. Nomination by a parent or teacher
Students nominated should meet the following criteria:
• demonstrate advanced aptitude in verbal or mathematical reasoning,
• consistently perform in the top 5% of their grade,
• perform exceptionally well in academically demanding course work in school, and
• consistently look for more challenging experiences.