7th Grade Talent Search Overview

Personal Perspectives…

Joe, 7th Grade Student

Joe, 7th Grade Student

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Shelly, 7th Grade Parent

Shelly, 7th Grade Parent

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Mary, 7th Grade Counselor

Mary, 7th Grade Counselor

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What students and parents are saying…

"Being qualified to participate in the TIP Talent Search was a thrill." — Talent Search Student

"The test score information about average above-level performance was valuable and allowed us to tell how our child scored relative to other seventh graders." — Talent Search Parent

The Talent Search is now beginning its twenty-ninth year and is the largest program of its kind in the nation, representing participation from 6,000 junior high and middle schools in the Duke TIP 16-state region. Over 1.5 million students have completed the Talent Search since its inception in 1980. The Talent Search identifies academically talented 7th graders based on standardized test scores achieved while attending elementary or middle school. Candidates are identified and invited to complete either the SAT Reasoning Test or the ACT Assessment college entrance examination. Duke TIP then provides the participants with comparative information concerning their academic abilities and resources for unique educational opportunities.

The goal is to assist young people with excellent mathematical or verbal aptitude. Students are provided with information about their abilities and introduced to a network of services and programs. Students are encouraged to enroll for several reasons:

  • To pursue an above-level testing experience, which will provide them with more information about their academic abilities; this information can help teachers, parents, and students plan effectively for the coming high school years;

  • To learn more about educational opportunities and options for the future;

  • To receive recognition of their outstanding achievements.