CogAT Testing

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 3-10 grade students. We will add additional testing dates as needed.

Test dates must reach a minimum number of participants to run. In the rare occurence that a date must be rescheduled, families will be notified in advance.

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

ONLINE TEST DATES: By grade​ 

  • Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (grades 5-8) 3:30pm 
  • Thursday, April 18, 2024 (grades 3-5) 3:30pm 
  • Tuesday, April 30, 2024 (grades 6-10) 3:30pm 
  • Friday, May 3, 2024 (grades 3-5) 3:30pm

Register here 

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.
 
IN-PERSON TEST DATES: By grade  
Saturday, April 6, 2024 (3-5) 9:00am 

Register here 

**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 at the MSU Testing Center, 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. All CogAT fees are non-refundable. If you need assistance with the testing fee, please email GATE at gifted@msu.edu.

  • An additional $25 change fee will be assessed for anyone who missed their scheduled test date for any reason. This includes no-shows and illnesses. The $25 fee must be paid before participant is scheduled for a new date. This fee is non-refundable and will be assessed for each schedule change. Schedule changes made by the GATE office are not subject to this fee.

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.

To request an additional CogAT score report, please click here.