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UNITED ISD sets magnet application deadline, explains CogAT testing and ranking
Summary
UNITED ISD officials outlined application steps, deadlines and the selection formula for magnet high schools, including a Jan. 22 application deadline, CogAT testing dates and a 60/40 grade-to-test ranking formula that determines program placement for 150 seats per school.
UNITED ISD’s advanced academics office told parents the district’s magnet application is due online by Wednesday, Jan. 22, at midnight and emphasized that an incomplete or draft submission will still be considered.
Mario Rosales, director of advanced academics, led the presentation and explained the application and selection process. “The application is due next week, Wednesday, January 22nd at midnight,” Rosales said. He told families to create an account at magnetapply.uisd.net and to rank their top three magnet choices on a single application.
Rosales said students must meet minimum academic requirements to be considered: a minimum average of 80 in math, science, social studies and ELAR from the seventh-grade final report card and the fall term of eighth grade. The district requires parental consent for the cognitive abilities test (CogAT); Rosales said parents must download, sign and upload the permission form before testing.
The district uses the CogAT administered by Riverside Insights. “What we do is we look at your grades. We take 60% of your grades and 40% of your CogAT score,” Rosales said. The combined composite score is used to rank applicants; Rosales said the district typically ranks about 1,000 applicants and takes the top 150 students for each magnet program.
Testing logistics and dates were given: the primary in-person test date is Saturday, Feb. 8, at Alexander, United, United South and LBJ high schools (check school assignment for the correct feeder site); an additional online testing opportunity is March 1 at United High (9th grade), Alexander and United South. Students must arrive by 8:30 a.m.; Rosales said testing typically finishes around noon.
Rosales reiterated seat limits and timing: “We’re gonna be making over 500 phone calls between April 2nd through 4th to fill up each magnet program with a 150 students,” he said, noting families must respond by April 4 to reserve a slot. He added there is no waiting list and that letter-of-intent materials from the magnet programs must be returned by May 1.
Rosales also described test content and logistics: CogAT has verbal, quantitative and nonverbal batteries; the district will use level 15/16 items for this cohort, testing time is roughly 90 minutes (often over two hours with prep), and students from UISD should bring their district Chromebook, earphones and a pencil. For students not issued a UISD device, the district provides a desktop at the testing site.
Why it matters: The application deadline, test arrangements and the 60/40 ranking formula determine which students gain access to specialized magnet curricula and related college or certification opportunities. Parents were advised to submit a draft application if needed so a student will be considered and to work with their 8th-grade counselor on the required report cards and contact information.
Additional notes: Rosales said advanced placement and early-start pathway presentations are scheduled separately (AP: Feb. 5 at 6 p.m.; Early Start Pathway: Feb. 13) and that the magnet results calls typically occur April 2–4. He directed families to magnetapply.uisd.net and the advanced academics GT page at uisd.net for downloadable brochures and videos.
