The ACT and 7th Grade Talent Searches

To talent search?  Why wouldn't you?  Especially as a homeschooler...and double-especially if your kid is bright and would likely qualify.  Its free to be apart.  And the available opportunities can be outstanding. Additionally, it is external validation that may prove very valuable (in a number of situations) in the present and future.  (http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10260.aspx)

Haley took the ACT last month.  I would recommend having your child prepare a little (or a lot) for the exam - otherwise it's not fair.  In my opinion, if there is study material "out there" and you child is the "only" child that doesn't utilize this benefit, they are at a distinct disadvantage, competitively. 

http://tip.duke.edu/node/151

We decided to pursue Duke TiP because, locally, it is what's known.  If the time came when the child has to go back into public (or private) school, this "merit badge" will help the decision makers realize that she's "smart."  And being "pegged" as a "smart kid" is 90% of how opportunities are gained.

Also, the Duke Summer Camps are local-ish.  And that means that perhaps she'll make local friends, and/or be able to participate more.

http://cty.jhu.edu/ctyonline/apply/eligibility.html#Grade_7_and_above

However, our main focus was on this program:  Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.  First of all, it is more widely accepted and well-known.  It is more prestigious, and their good reputation extends beyond their perceived boundaries.  Their online courses are better organized, and the selection of courses exceeds that of Duke TiP.

Also, we don't want to limit Haley to the South.  We need merit badges that are transferable; that demonstrate a diversity of prestige across regions and platforms. People in New York (for instance) are going to be less impressed with a Southern Talent Search, than one in their own backyard.  So why not do both, and maintain options?

There are other Talent Searches in the midwest, and the Rockies (namely Northwestern and Bright Kids).  But, realistically, CTY "covers" the mid-west, west, and has very broad reach overall.

If you have a VERY bright/advanced kid, I would make sure I sized him or her up against Davidson criteria:  http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10260.aspx

If you don't know about it, you can't take advantage of the opportunity.  If you don't consider it, you may miss out on a great feather for your kid's cap!!

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We are so proud of Haley in that she qualifed and was accepted into both the Duke Tip Center, and Hopkins CTY Academic Explorations program.  Yay, Haley!!!  Congratulations!!