We are gearing up to take the ACT this weekend!!! (My 12 year old daughter)

Jennifer - posted on 02/05/2009

Wow, that does help! I have been wondering since we received the information packet if there was going to be money involved, so that answered one of my questions!

Tanya - posted on 02/05/2009

You can go to http://www.tip.duke.edu/ to read more about the program. It works by identifying kids that score in the 95th percentile or higher on a national norm-referenced test (like ITBS) and allows them to sit for the ACT or SAT as 7th graders.

Both of my twin daughters took it last year. They both scored well enough (even though they took it with about five hours of sleep coming off of the school swimming state meet) to earn state recognition (score 520 or above on one or more of the sections). That designation gives me, the parent, an opportunity to spend $3200 for each child to attend a variety of three week academic summer camps. They look like great opportunities and I know lots of kids that have gone and loved it, but I don't have $6400 (tuition x2) to send my kids and still have the funds for their private school tuition. They also offer distance learning online opportunities that are more affordable.

It's a great program as far as giving you an idea of where your child stands academically. Don't expect much on the math portion (at least on the SAT) unless your child is very advanced in that area. Most of the math is Algebra II and the majority of 7th graders have not had enough math to be able to rock that section. That was the only section that freaked my kids out (well, one of them!). My kids also reported that it was the most boring test they had ever taken ; ).

If your child recieves national recognition, they are invited to Duke's campus for a special ceremony. State recognition ceremonies are usually performed at state university campuses. We went to ours and the kids were glad to go and get a spankin' hot medal and their pictures taken.

Hope that helps!

Jennifer - posted on 02/04/2009

Great advice, thanks!

Tammy - posted on 02/04/2009

Both my oldest children had to take the SAT to get into our public gifted school. I've never heard of DUKE TIP but there should be links to parent organizations that should be able to answer any questions you have on a more personal level. Plus the parents of children who have already been in the program are more honest since they are not trying to recruit you! Good luck.

Jennifer - posted on 02/04/2009

We are trying to make it as relaxed as possible. She (at first) wasn't stressed at all about the test itself, but rather being around the high school kids who will be present as well! We have just tried to "pump her up" by letting her know that they will be in awe over this 12 yr. old 7th grader taking it! We are extremely proud of her!

Molly - posted on 02/03/2009

I've heard of Duke's program, but don't know much about it 

Lots of luck to her.  Hope it goes well!

Trish - posted on 02/03/2009

It's great! My daughter took it in December. It gives them a great opportunity to see what it is like before taking it for real. Just keep it relaxed and remind her that it is a trial run and she likely won't know much on it as it is for 11th and 12th graders. Don't let her get stressed.

Rachel - posted on 02/03/2009

I have no idea about the DUKE TIP program, but your subject line caught my eye! Congratulations on your little smartie pants! When do children normally take the ACT? Before college?



Good job mom :-)



Rachel