Frequently Asked Questions About the 7th Grade Talent Search

General

Eligibility

Enrollment

Schools

Testing

Testing Troubleshooting

Scores

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General

What is a Talent Search?

Duke TIP offers the 4th/5th Grade Talent Search and the 7th Grade Talent Search. These talent searches help gifted students and their families find out how advanced the students' abilities truly are. Traditional testing often fails to measure the variation among many gifted students who reach the upper limits of scoring on grade-level exams. By taking advanced above-level (at least two years above a student's current grade placement) testing through Duke TIP's talent searches, gifted students and their families gain a far better understanding of where the student stands in relation to his/her gifted peers and what level of educational challenge is appropriate.

Duke TIP offers two talent searches: one for students in fourth and fifth grades and another for students in seventh grade. The 4th/5th Grade Talent Search gives students the opportunity to take the EXPLORE test for eighth graders; while the seventh graders get to experience the ACT or SAT college entrance exam.

Taking the SAT or ACT in seventh grade also gives students a chance to practice and become familiar with the exams that play a major role in college admissions. Students' early experience with the college entrance exam is helpful in preparing them to take it in high school. All talent search participants receive resources and publications to assist the student's educational growth.

What are the benefits of participating?

Each enrolled student who completes the SAT or ACT receives the items listed on the benefits page.

How many students participated last year?

In the 2008-2009 7th Grade Talent Search over 74,000 students enrolled. A summary of these scores is found in the Results Summary.

Does Duke TIP release information to outside parties?

Based on feedback from students and parents, most families would like to receive information about educational opportunities. Therefore, Duke TIP will release name and address information to very select organizations who, we feel, will provide a unique educational opportunity. Score information is never released. Duke TIP is very careful in its release practices and releases information only for educational purposes. If you do not want to receive information about educational opportunities, select the appropriate button on the online enrollment page or shade in the appropriate bubble of the Talent Search application.

How can I let my local newspaper know about my participation?

All participants, regardless of their scores, are encouraged to seek media coverage independently for their Talent Search participation. To assist you in this process, a press release describing the talent search and your participation is available.

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Eligibility

Who is eligible to participate?

To see if you are eligible to participate in the 7th Grade Talent Search, please visit Enrollment Information.

Does participation in the 4/5th Grade Talent Search automatically qualify me for the 7th Grade Talent Search?

No, the scores that qualified you for the 4/5th Grade Talent Search are too old to use for the 7th Grade Talent Search. A student must re-qualify and submit a new enrollment for participation in the 7th Grade Talent Search. Visit Enrollment Information to see if you are eligible.

If my grade-level scores do not meet the qualification, is there another way I can participate?

Yes, Duke TIP allows students to join the program independently. This independent registration method is called TIP Option. To register you must be in one of the following categories:

  • Seventh graders who want to be involved with Duke TIP but do not qualify for the 7th Grade Talent Search;
  • Seventh graders who qualify for the 7th Grade Talent Search but missed the Talent Search enrollment deadline;
  • Students in grades 8 or 9 who want to take the SAT or ACT; report their scores to Duke TIP; receive benefits; and to be considered for programs.

If you meet one of the above criteria download the TIP Option forms.

Enrollment

What are the enrollment deadlines?

See Enrollment Information for online enrollment and paper application deadlines.

What are the costs?

See Enrollment Information for Talent Search fees.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. See Enrollment Information for financial aid information.

Is the fee refundable?

No. The 7th Grade Talent Search fee is non-refundable. This fee covers the cost of the ACT or the SAT registration as well as Talent Search benefits through 10th grade.

What will I receive after I enroll?

You should expect to receive a test prep booklet and a form of ID to use on the test day within five weeks of enrolling. Your admission ticket will be generated by ACT or SAT and will be mailed to you separately. Please contact Duke TIP immediately if you have not received these materials within 5 weeks by sending an email to information@tip.duke.edu.

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Schools

My school does not participate, how can I get an application?

Complete the online application or request an application at information@tip.duke.edu.

May I participate if I am homeschooled?

Yes. More information is found at http://www.tip.duke.edu/homeschool.

What is my Duke TIP school ID?

The Duke TIP school ID consists of six numbers and two letters. Find your school ID number here.

Why should a school participate in the Talent Search?

The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a global leader in identifying academically gifted students and providing them with innovative programming to support their development. Duke TIP is a non-profit organization that is recognized as a leader in identifying and serving the educational needs of academically gifted youth. Through identification, recognition, challenging educational programs, information, advocacy and research, Duke TIP provides resources to gifted students, their parents, educators, and schools for the development of the students’ optimal educational potential. Participation in the 7th Grade Talent Search can complement the gifted students regular school experience.

Will my school be notified of my test results?

Scores are reported to you and to Duke TIP by the testing organizations. If you test in December, January or February, at the end of each testing season, scores will be shared with schools in the following states: AL, AR, FL, GA, IA, KS, KY, LA, MS, MO, NE, NC, OK, SC, TN, and TX.

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Testing

What is above-level testing?

The knowledge and experience gained from taking an above-level test like the SAT or ACT is invaluable.

Should I take the SAT or the ACT?

Visit Which Test is Right for You to assist you in making your decision.

What are the test dates and deadlines?

See Enrollment Information for test dates and online enrollment and paper application deadlines.

Should I select a second test site location?

A second test site location is optional, but highly recommended. If your first test site is full, you will be assigned your second test site choice. If both test sites are full, the testing agency will assign you a location based upon your other test site choices.

Do I have to take the entire SAT or ACT test?

Yes, you must take the entire SAT or ACT test.

May I sign up for both the SAT and the ACT?

No, you may only select one test for the 7th Grade Talent Search.

May I participate without taking the SAT or ACT?

No, taking the test is not optional. In order to participate in the 7th Grade Talent Search you must take either the SAT or the ACT.

After I have enrolled, should I add the ACT Writing portion of the test?

As a Talent Search enrollee, you will be registered to take the ACT, which is made up of four multiple-choice tests in English, mathematics, reading, and science. ACT also offers another test option — the ACT Plus Writing, which includes the multiple-choice tests plus an optional 30-minute Writing Test and costs an additional $15. Your Talent Search enrollment does not register you for the ACT Writing section. You do not need to take the Writing Test for Duke TIP. If you would like to take the Writing Test, please follow the instructions contained in your ACT Instruction Folder that is enclosed in your follow-up packet along with the ACT Preparation booklet.

Are the student's SAT or ACT scores permanently recorded?

No, SAT and ACT scores from the 7th grade are removed from the testing agency records. However, Duke TIP will keep the scores indefinitely for their records. Duke TIP will never share scores with anyone.

How many questions are on the ACT and how long is the ACT?

http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/descriptions/index.html

How many questions are on the SAT and how long is the SAT?

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/about/SATI.html

How do I apply for Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)?

http://www.tip.duke.edu/7SSD

May I test on Sunday for religious convictions?

http://www.tip.duke.edu/7SSD

What type of preparation does Duke TIP recommend before taking the test?

Duke TIP does not recommend that students take part in excessive test preparation. Talent Search testing is diagnostic in nature; unnecessary anxiety is often the only obvious result from some preparation programs. It is sufficient preparation to be familiar with the structure of the test and guessing strategies as they are presented and to complete the practice test provided. This testing experience does not have a pass or fail component. Along with other academic indicators such as grades, it can provide additional information for parents to evaluate.

Should a student guess, or leave spaces blank, on answers he or she doesn’t know?

For SAT, visit http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/prep_one/test_tips.html.
For ACT, visit http://www.actstudent.org/testprep/tips/index.html.

Should a student retest?

Most students will not take the SAT or ACT again until they are applying to college.  However, some students will choose to retest because they want practice on the alternate test or they want to try to increase their scores to qualify for an educational program. Retesting is totally up to you. If you choose to retest, you will need to register directly with the testing agency.

Once you receive your scores, please fax or mail us a copy of those scores to the address below so we can update your record.

TEST ON YOUR OWN
Duke University TIP
1121 West Main Street
Durham, NC 27701
Fax: (919) 681-4182

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Testing Troubleshooting

How can I make a change to my test date or test center assignment?

As soon as you know of a change, call Duke TIP at (919) 668-9100. If your information has already been transmitted, changes must be made directly through the appropriate testing organization: ACT (319) 337-1270 or SAT (866) 756-7346. ACT and SAT will charge an additional fee for these changes.

I did not get the test center I requested. What can I do?

Test centers are assigned by the testing organization (SAT or ACT) based on the choices submitted on your application. If your first and second choice test centers are full, you will be assigned by the testing organization to the closest available test center. Contact ACT (319) 337-1270 or SAT at (866) 756-7346 regarding test center assignment changes or availability.

If I have not received or I have lost my admission ticket, what should I do?

Please allow up to 10 business days prior to the test to receive your admission ticket. If you have not received it by then (or you have misplaced it) please visit the following web pages for instructions:

  • ACT
  • SAT Note: You must be at least 13 to create an account at the College Board website.

If I have not received or I have lost my Talent Search SAT or ACT Identification Form, what should I do?

You can download a replacement SAT or ACT ID form.

Do I need a photo ID to test?

No, you do not need a photo ID. The SAT Talent Search ID (pink ½ sheet) or the ACT Talent Search ID (gold full sheet) that you received in your packet along with your test preparation booklet will serve as an acceptable form of ID.

What do I need to bring with me on test day?

Students must have the Admission Ticket and Talent Search Identification Form in order to be admitted to the test center. Students should also bring two sharpened number 2 pencils, an eraser, and an approved calculator. This information is noted on your admission ticket.

When should I arrive at the test center?

The arrival time is noted on your admission ticket and varies from test center to test center, but it is typically around 7:30 – 7:45 a.m. Please check your admission ticket to confirm exact arrival time.

What should I do if there is inclement weather on the day of the SAT or ACT test?

I have a complaint about the test day. To whom should I report this?

While the tests are administrated by SAT and ACT, Duke TIP would appreciate knowing when there is a test day problem. Feel free to contact Duke TIP by e-mail at information@tip.duke.edu or phone (919) 668-9100. In addition, it is very helpful to let the testing agencies know directly. SAT and ACT are always open to feedback so that they can improve their test administration process.

I was unable to complete the Talent Search testing during December, January, or February. May I test at a later date?

Yes, we encourage students to follow through with testing, even if it is at a later date, so that they may begin receiving the program benefits. Contact ACT (319) 337-1270 or SAT at (866) 756-7346 to reschedule your test. However, please be aware that scores from later testing dates arrive too late for an invitation to attend a recognition ceremony should the student qualify. Students testing in March, April, May or June of their 7th grade year will receive their award in a summer mailing. Similarly, if a student qualifies, participation in Duke TIP's Summer Studies Programs might also be affected because of the late arrival of scores.

How can I let Duke TIP know if my address changes?

In order to receive your admission ticket and the Talent Search benefits, it is important that your address be up-to-date in our database. Update or correct your address on the Student Update form. In some instances, you may also need to correct your address directly with the testing organization.

Scores

When will I receive my official score report?

The score report will be mailed from the testing agency to the address you indicated on your Talent Search application 6-8 weeks after the test date.

May I view my SAT or ACT scores online?

Duke TIP does not post the scores online at the Duke TIP website, however you may view them at the ACT or SAT websites.

I have received my scores, now what?

After all of the scores from December, January and February are received by Duke TIP, we will compile a score interpretive guide, the Results Summary, to send to all Talent Search participants in May. This mailing will also include a Certificate of Merit, the first issue of Insights, and information on our Independent Learning programs.

Some students will qualify for a recognition ceremony and/or summer residential programs. Summer program information will be mailed to qualified students in March and invitations to a ceremony will be mailed to qualified students in April.

How do 7th graders perform on the ACT or SAT?

The Results Summary is a report that each participant will receive that allows him/her to compare scores with those of other 7th Grade Talent Search participants, some of the most gifted seventh graders in the country.

How can I request the SAT Question-and-Answer Service (QAS) or the SAT Student Answer Service (SAS)?

How do I get a copy of my SAT essay?

You may request a free paper copy of your most recent essay by sending a written request stating your full name, complete street address, SAT registration number (located on the front of your score report), date of birth and test date to:

The College Board
P.O.Box 234112
New York, NY 10023

The copy of the essay will be sent to you within four weeks of the receipt of your request.

How is the SAT scored?

Understanding your SAT scores

How is the ACT scored?

Understand your ACT scores

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