Duke Gifted and Talented 4th/5th grade

[Leajess99]

Actually that is a relatively inexpensive way to track your progress, identify weaknesses and (most importantly IMO) get you used to taking the test. 7th grade is a bit overdoing it but if you start in 9th grade you get 4 year's worth of chances to get a good score while the typical student who waits until their junior or senior year gets 1 or 2 shots. If they blow it they're hosed. Your score can never go down and every improvement becomes the one sent out to your chosen schools. Plus you can get a copy of the test for a couple of extra dollars and use it as a study aid.

If you get a real good score word gets around. My son got "invited to apply" to MIT without ever sending them a copy of his scores.

My 12 year old and her brother are taking the ACT on the same day at different testing sites. They are waiting to see who scores higher. My son asked to retake it as he did not like his score. Of course he waited until the last minute so I had to pay a late fee but it will be fun to see the scores when they come in.

 

[Purseval]

I know a young man who is going to Duke on a full ride scholarship thanks to his brains and he was in the TIP.

Impressive. How many Duke students are there on full ride scholarship who never spent a minute in the TIP? How many children went to TIP and never got a scholarship to go anywhere?

I am giving MY child every opportunity to succeed and I guess that makes me have a big ego.

Does the TIP program claim that going there leads to children being more successful?

 

[sweet maxine]

My family has had some experience with the TIP program. I can't say that involvement with it was anything special or pointed out great strengths in my children.

To the OP---If $35 is not a great expenditure for you, and your child dearly wants to participate, go ahead and give it a try.

On a side note, I've always wondered about the other kids at school who are not invited to participate in these programs. Word gets around at school, and believe me, those who are left out can feel very slighted. It seems as though it's just an opportunity to compare kids with one another. It is okay for a child to be average. That seems highly underrated nowadays.

 

[mhsjax]

Let's restate it then. If your child was so gifted and Duke truly had the search of knowledge as their primary concern they would be paying you, not the other way around. All they do is look at databases of achievement tests, notify the top scorers and try to enroll them in their programs, summer camps, etc. Compare that to Duke's basketball program and what they do when they see a "gifted" prospect. That person will be tracked through middle and high school, scouted the entire time. and offered a scholarship as soon as they are elegible. Turn down a gifted child application and you're history.

But, if you have the money and the time it certainly won't do any harm. And for some, like the poster I am replying to, it may help their child to focus their energies on something.

My nephew was invited years ago, he didn't go. He ended up at FSU. During his senior year he went with one of his professors to Canada to help write a computer program for a neurosurgeon. He did this without the help of Duke.

Duke is a private college and they probably will do just about anything to separate you from your money, but I really don't know.

 

[3mickeymom]

Look and think about your individual child before you pay to take the tests. Ask yourself - Is my child ready to take these tests both academically and emotionally? Have they taken the courses that are necessary to be successful on the test, such as Algebra and Geometry? These scores can not be used when applying to college so it is really the experience of taking the test in advance that you are paying for. I have three boys that were invited to join the Johns Hopkins program for Gifted Children. It sounds very similar to Duke's program. My first son took the SAT and didn't stress too much. His experience was helpful when taking the test FOR REAL in high school as he felt he knew what to expect. My second son took them and then totally stressed about his scores and taking them again in high school. I worried about a self fulfilling prophecy and felt that I had made him take a test that he was not prepared for at age 12. My third son did not take the test. He will take them when he is older and hopefully wiser. They did not attend any of the programs. Most were very expensive and out of budget. I don't know whether my youngest will be invited to attend any programs since we opted out of the SAT.

 

[Purseval]

My nephew was invited years ago, he didn't go. He ended up at FSU. During his senior year he went with one of his professors to Canada to help write a computer program for a neurosurgeon. He did this without the help of Duke.

Here's a good example which I'll call the NO-TIP program. It's easy to be invited, in fact the only thing you have to do is live in a state that has a lousy public education system. We do. The year we moved here and enrolled our kids in school the state was ranked 49th We moved up a bit but that appears to be because a bunch of teachers and administrators cheated on the tests

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/100-atlanta-school-employees-552164.html

The only good feedback I can give about our schools is we haven't hit bottom yet. But in spite of that each year we have a surplus of applicants to fill the classes at one of the best Public Universities in the nation, Georgia Tech. Its students have the 2nd highest average SAT scores of any public university in the country

http://collegeapps.about.com/od/sat/a/SAT_Public_Univ.htm

The only 2 other major colleges in the state, UGA (public, #56) and Emory University (private, #20) are also nationally ranked, all from the state with the 2nd worst schools in the country.

http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/national-universities-rankings

What does this mean? To me, anyway, it means that if your child has talent and you want him or her to succeed they will, either with the help of the schools or in spite of them.

Which brings us back to the TIP program. The TIP program has kids in it that are smart. The parents of these smart kids obviously want these children to succeed or else they wouldn't be spending the money to send them there. I'm sure many of these children go on to do well in life. But does the TIP program really have anything to do with it? Would these kids have ended up doing poorly if the parents refused to spend that initial $35 (think of it as an academic butterfly effect)? The best I can say is that if you have a few extra dollars to spend it does no harm and leave it at that.

 

[mhsjax]

Here's a good example which I'll call the NO-TIP program. It's easy to be invited, in fact the only thing you have to do is live in a state that has a lousy public education system. We do. The year we moved here and enrolled our kids in school the state was ranked 49th We moved up a bit but that appears to be because a bunch of teachers and administrators cheated on the tests

http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/100-atlanta-school-employees-552164.html

The best I can say is we haven't hit bottom yet. But in spite of that each year we have a surplus of applicants to fill the classes at one of the best Public Universities schools in the nation, Georgia Tech. Its students have the 2nd highest average SAT scores of any public university in the country

http://collegeapps.about.com/od/sat/a/SAT_Public_Univ.htm

The only 2 other major colleges in the state, UGA (public, #56) and Emory University (private, #20) are also nationally ranked, all from the state with the 2nd worst schools in the country.

http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/national-universities-rankings

What does this mean? To me, anyway, it means that if your child has talent and you want him or her to succeed they will, either with the help of the schools or in spite of them.

Which brings us back to the TIP program. The TIP program has kids in it that are smart. The parents of these smart kids obviously want these children to succeed or else they wouldn't be spending the money to send them there. I'm sure many of these children go on to do well in life. But does the TIP program really have anything to do with it? Would these kids have ended up doing poorly if the parents refused to spend that initial $35 (think of it as an academic butterfly effect)? The best I can say is that if you have a few extra dollars to spend it does no harm and leave it at that.

I agree with you.

 

[crazyme5kids]

There was another factor in my decision (besides cost and location logistics) not to have my son attend. He does really, really well in school, and really loves school. What I did not, or do want to see happen, is that an overload of pressure to excel will cause him to dislike school and the process of learning. I want him to enjoy being a 12 year old.

 

[Mic]

Two of my kids were part of the Duke TPS program. We received mailings throughout the year with information on summer classes/programs. If you can afford it, the classes are incredible. My son had friends that attended a few of the Math/Science programs who really enjoyed them. My son was also chosen to take the SAT in the 7th grade, and most of the other kids in that small group were involved in TPS. I truly don't think that "just anyone" is identified, but I don't know how selective it is. I viewed it as an opportunity for my kids to get more than what their public school offered, but I could not afford to take advantage of it. Duke is not the only game in town...several well-respected universities in NC offer similar summer programs for middle and high schoolers. UNC has several music programs that band students can audition for, but they are not free. For the record, I am not sure where UNC ranks on SAT scores, but I would imagine it is pretty high. My son and daughter(the two identified by Duke) are students at NC State, which also offers summer camps and programs for gifted middle/high students, such as Robotics and Engineering. None of them are free, but the bulk of what you pay covers the dorm and meal plan for your student. Some of them offer scholarships, but you have to apply early. The only free program I was able to find for my kids was a Leadership Academy that lasted a week in the summer at the local Community College. All four of my kids were nominated by teachers and attended, and I was grateful for the opportunity. In our school district, gifted or above-average kids seem to have much fewer resources than exceptional or special needs kids...not wanting to start a debate, but it is a fact. Most high schools spend twice the money on retention/drop-out prevention that they do on AP courses. It doesn't make them "crappy", just obligated to do so to receive federal aid. Parents of gifted children have to work a little harder to keep their students challenged.

 

[Jitzy]

So my DD 11 brings home an invite from Duke gifted/talented program. She says very few students in her class got one.

Wondering if anyone has some info and is it worth the $35 application fee?

Our current high school freshman was invited to test for Duke TIP in 7th grade. He took the ACT and received an award for being in the top ? percent...don't remember what. (I think a PP mentions percentages.)

We paid the 35$ fee. We paid the ACT Registration Fee. I took him to the ceremony where he received his medal. (that's not a requirement)

If you can afford it, why not? If you can't, no big deal! Here in FL, the kids can start taking the PSAT in 7th grade anyway. Most other states are probably the same.

Our youngest loves the competition. It makes him work harder. If your DD wants to do it, then let her. You are probably out about 100$ between the fee and the ACT registration. SHE is out a Saturday morning!

 

[Aristomommy]

Duke TIP and all other talent search programs have grants for qualified students that have economic hardship. The programs also offer summer program scholarships for those who score high on these tests. For my family the small cost of testing has not been an issue and DD has enjoyed the experience. She is a good test taker and felt this is her way of showing academic excellence like with science Olympiad or math competition. She will never be an athlete and is is her way to feel good about her accomplishments.

We have attended some weekend programs and they have been wonderful. They can be costly, but no more than the programs at our local zoo or museums. I don't think these programs are based on greed or to recruit students to any particular university. Each parent should look and decide if getting the test results presents any value to their student.

For DD the Explore test allowed her to advance in math at school. This year she wants to take the SAT as a 7th grader to qualiy for a summer program. I don't undestand the hostility toward parents and students who find this a good experience.

 

[sharlon]

Something to keep in mind. Most public schools do not or can not provide many enrichment opportunities for gifted children. Duke TIP is just one of a few programs that recognizes those students and offers these enrichment opportunities. John Hopkins & Stanford are two others. As a mom of 2 Tipsters, I am thrilled that I have this resource. TIP's Summer Academy was life changing for my older daughter. Well worth the money for us.

 

[Leajess99]

Parents of gifted children have to work a little harder to keep their students challenged.

Very well said!!! My son is smart BUT my daughter is gifted as is my youngest. The schools can't teach my girls quick enough and yes my 12 year old has tested at the 12.9+ on reading and math for a couple of years now. I am willing to do whatever I have to in order to keep her challenged and Duke helps me with that. She has no intention of going to Duke as she wants to go somewhere with a Marine Biology program.

 

[lisabarr]

OP here. Didn't realize people felt so passionate this!

I did decide to pay the $35. We will see what happens. It is funny, however, that DD got picked and not my son, who also scores very high and is one of the top chess players, for his age, in the country.

 

[finz2left]

Very well said!!! My son is smart BUT my daughter is gifted as is my youngest. The schools can't teach my girls quick enough and yes my 12 year old has tested at the 12.9+ on reading and math for a couple of years now. I am willing to do whatever I have to in order to keep her challenged and Duke helps me with that. She has no intention of going to Duke as she wants to go somewhere with a Marine Biology program.

As a Hurricane, I can say that the University of Miami has great Marine Bio program -- and it is an AWESOME place to go to college.

 

[finz2left]

OP here. Didn't realize people felt so passionate this!

I did decide to pay the $35. We will see what happens. It is funny, however, that DD got picked and not my son, who also scores very high and is one of the top chess players, for his age, in the country.

You can call/email Duke. It is very likely that his school didn't submit his scores. People fall through the cracks ALL.THE.TIME. As long as he is a high scorer, he will be allowed to participate.

 

[allyphoe]

It is funny, however, that DD got picked and not my son, who also scores very high and is one of the top chess players, for his age, in the country.

You don't need to be picked. You can sign him up online as long as he meets one of the criteria here: http://www.tip.duke.edu/talent_searches/grades_4-5/enroll.html

 

[Melissa]

DD got invited to do this through Johns Hopkins last year in 7th grade, her school wanted her to do the SAT and I was under the impression we needed them to do so. (I didn't really read all the info well, never said I was gifted!!) Anyway I think it was 35$ spent so they could send her a certificate after the fact and so they could offer us online classes to pay for. She didn't need Johns Hopkins to take the SAT.

 

[staceymay00]

Our elementary school does not submit scores or pass out fliers for the Duke TIP program, however I became aware of the program a couple of years ago and looked into it. I never got around to enrolling my son in 4th grade, but I think I am going to enroll him now as a 5th grader. I figure for $35 I'll see for myself what they have to offer. Next year my daughter will be in 4th grade and eligible with her 3rd grade test scores, so I figure we'll try out the program this year to see if we want to continue it with my son and also enroll my daughter next year. I'm not sure we would ever be interested in the summer programs, but possibly the online courses and early testing opportunities.

 

[Purseval]

If you're looking for another relatively inexpensive ego stroke you could forward your child's test results to Mensa. All they need do to qualify is score in the top 2% of any recognized and properly supervised intelligence test, basically the same as TIP. My son never joined but my wife was in it for years until she decided it wasn't worth the money any more.

http://www.mensa.org/country/united-states