SEAA Frequently Asked Questions - For Students/Parents
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In an effort to best inform you, we have listed answers to the most frequently asked questions about the SEAA and their testing event. Please call our office for the exact date of the testing.
What Is The SEAA (Search for Exceptional Academic Achievement)?
The SEAA is sponsored by the Early Entrance Program (EEP) and is designed to identify and help very gifted young students. Participating students usually participate in the SEAA talent search and take a cognative based exam, like the ACT. Such tests are difficult exams intended for college bound high school students. It is a multiple-choice examination and covers verbal and mathematical skills; each component, verbal and mathematical, is worth a possible 36 points. The SEAA testing is held twice a year at CSLA.
Who May Participate?
Students between the ages of 11-16 who are identified by their schools as highly gifted, who score in the top 10% of their class on standardized exams like the Stanford 9, and/or who show extraordinary verbal or mathematical skills are eligible to test.
We ask GATE coordinators, teachers and administrators of many intermediate schools in Los Angeles County to select those students who they believe would be especially qualified to sit for the SEAA Talent Search. Parents and students may also self-select, based on their test scores or skills, and sign themselves up for the test.
Why Participate in the SEAA Exam?
There are a number of good reasons to participate in the testing.
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Many bright students "top out" on regular achievement tests. You probably know that your student is exceptionally able, but you may not have a clear idea of how he/she stands in relation to other very bright students. You also may not know the areas in which your student is strongest or weakest. The SEAA testing provides a better idea of your achievement level in a variety of specific areas. In a sense, the normal tests administered to public school students are not challenging and your student likely scores in the 90 percentile or above each time the test(s) are taken. It is as if they are measuring a 10’ tall student with a 6’ tall ruler. The information gleaned from the SEAA test should help you evaluate your student’s abilities more realistically and assist educators in planning an optimal program for them.
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Each year, over 50% of the students who participate in the SEAA testing qualify for programs available at Cal State L.A. The Early Entrance Program (EEP) is a small full-time program at Cal State Los Angeles, which provides the very top scoring participants the opportunity to skip most or all of high school and attend college early at ages 11-15, full-time. Further information is available on request. Students in high school who are identified gifted need only a letter of recommendation from their GATE coordinator (or teacher) to participate.
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The experience of taking a difficult exam like the SEAA testing provides valuable experience for students who will probably be college bound and who will be taking many similar tests in the years to come.
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The testings are held twice a year, usually in December and April. Please call the EEP office to find out the exact dates for each testing.
What Happens After The Test?
Your test results, along with instructions for interpreting them, are sent to you a few weeks after the test date. Those participating students who qualify for one or both of the programs are notified at this time and are invited to meetings on campus to learn more about the special programs at CSLA.
How To Register For The Test?
Complete the SEAA application and send it, with the testing fee, to:
The Early Entrance Program
Cal State University, Los Angeles
5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA. 90032-8227.
It is important that we receive your applications by the deadline date, as space is limited. We reserve testing seats on a first come first served basis and we may not be able to accommodate all students referred to us. Test fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If we do not receive the test fee we cannot promise a seat will be saved for you. Applications received near the deadline may affect the timely emailing of your response letter. A detailed email will be sent regarding testing information. A map to the campus will be included in your confirmation email. Again, please call the office for the application deadline.
Please be assured that participation in the SEAA is entirely voluntary. Students have been invited to participate because it is expected that they will do better than most people their age and that the test results will be of value to them. You should feel very proud of your student’s high achievement whether or not you choose to take part in the testing. Keep up the good work and don't hesitate to call if you have questions we haven't answered.
We look forward to assisting you. Contact us at (323) 343-2287 or by e-mail to eepstaff@cslanet.calstatela.edu