If you are in need of testing scores for your GATE application, the CogAT is administered by MSU GATE online. We are accepting the CogAT in lieu of the SAT or ACT for all GATE programs. The CogAT is available for 4-10 grade students. We will add additional testing dates as needed.

TEST DATES - Limited spaces available for each grade (Online via zoom unless otherwise indicated).

ONLINE TEST DATES: By grade

  • Tuesday, December 17 3:30pm (Grades 4-8)​

Register Here

  • Tuesday, January 14, 2025 (grades 6-10) 3:30pm
  • Tuesday, January 21, 2025 (grades 4-8) 3:30pm
  • Tuesday, February 4, 2025 (grades 6-10) 3:30pm
  • Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (grades 4-8) 3:30pm
  • Tuesday, March 25, 2025 (grades 4-8) 3:30pm
  • Tuesday, April 8, 2025 (grades 6-10) 3:30pm
  • Thursday, April 10, 2025 (grades 4-8) 3:30pm
  • Thursday, May 8, 2025 (grades 4-8) 3:30pm
  • Tuesday, May 13, 2025 (grades 6-10) 3:30pm - For Academic Year Programs Only

Register Here for 2025 CogAT dates 

IN-PERSON DATES: By grade 

  • Saturday, March 22, 2025 (grades 7-10) 9:00am
  • Saturday, March 22, 2025 (grades 4-6) 1:00pm

Register Here for 2025 CogAT dates

For online testing, please login to Zoom at least 15 minutes before the start of the test. You will receive login details at least one day prior to the testing day.

**CogAT exams administered at the MSU Testing Center are computer based examinations and available to families that may not have the proper technical requirements to complete the online testing process at home.

Please note: Registration and payment are completed separately. Please make sure both are completed in order for registration to go through.

Testing Information

  1. The CogAT test will take approximately 2.5-3 hours. There will be nine sections. Each section is timed at 10 minutes each. There will be one break in the test.
  2. To register for the online CogAT, you must have the following technology requirements. Please note: no IPad minis allowed for the CogAT.
  3. When will I receive my test scores? Test scores will be emailed to the parent email on the registration form within 14 business days.
  4. During the online testing session, you will need to be in a quiet place, with a computer, webcam and microphone and access to the Zoom platform.
  5. You will need to be logged into the CogAT site and Zoom at least 15 minutes prior to the testing time.
  6. For in-person testing, you will need to arrive 15 minutes prior to the testing time. If you arrive after the scheduled testing time, you will need to reschedule.
  7. If you are disconnected or having technology issues on the test date, GATE will offer you to reschedule you for the next testing date (one time) at no additional cost.
  8. During the online testing session, you will need to be in a quiet place, with a computer, webcam and microphone. Because this is a standardized test, students MUST HAVE CAMERA ON 100% of the time.
  9. The CogAT testing fee is $89.00 before March 1. After March 1, the testing fee increases to $125. All CogAT fees are non-refundable. If you need assistance with the testing fee, please email GATE at gifted@msu.edu.
  10. Once registered, you will receive the CogAT instructions at least a day before the test.
  11. For GATE applicants, all students will be tested one test level above their grade level using Form 8.
  12. Studying for the CogAT? The CogAT test is an abilities test and not an achievement test like the ACT or SAT. The CogAT does not measure how much a student has learned, but focuses instead on a student's ability to display cognitive abilities that research have associated with academic success.
  13. Please email gifted@msu.edu if you have any questions.
  14. More information about the CogAT 

Please note: Michigan State University and the office of Gifted and Talented Education are not affiliated with the CogAT test or Houghton Mifflin. Testing score results will not be shared with NUMATS or any other organization without prior permission.

Request an additional CogAT score report