Duke TIP?

[okeydokey]

My 7th grade daughter has been selected to participate in the Duke University TIP program (Talent Identification Program). She can take the ACT or SAT (she qualified for the verbal section only) this winter and have her scores evaluated and compared to others in her group and to current high scholars taking the ACT or SAT this year.

This was presented to them as a great honor and a valuable experience. There were maybe 15 students in her school who qualified. I can't help but see this as a money making opportunity for Duke, It will cost us $70 for her to take one section of this test and have it evaluated.

Reading the brochure didn't make me see any other advantages to doing this, except the twice a year newsletter that she will receive and a certificate. Has anyone heard about or participated in this program? What are your thoughts.

 

[RunningGirl]

My DS qualified and was enrolled in elementary school based on Iowa Test scores. We didn't see much benefit from it; he was never interested in participating in any of the classes or anything.

We have just received the invitation that you got, now that he's in 7th grade and has to re-qualify. Honestly, the only reason we're considering it is that DD is applying for colleges now and it does stand out on a resume. Also some friends whose kids took it thought it was good for their kids to take the SAT just to know what it is.

 

[MK2thcleaner]

My son did it. It's legit, though the only real thing it does is give them experience with the test, and opens doors to some camps at colleges that are pretty expensive, but probably great opportunities if you've got the money and they score high enough.

My son took the ACT again a few weeks ago, he's a sophomore. He was less nervous, I think. The ACT only costs $33 dollars if you register directly, so yes DUKE is making some money.

FYI: the gifted facilitator at my son's school recommends the students take the ACT or SAT at least once a year starting in 9th grade.

 

[kristilew]

My DD has been in Duke TIP since 3rd grade. There is a younger segment and then the one that they must requalify for in 7th grade, which she did this year.

We find it worth the money just to get her the test taking experience. She has taken the Explore test a few times now, that is a "younger" version of the ACT. It has a higher ceiling than typical standardized tests offered in elementary school. Similarly, when she takes the ACT this year, the "real" test, right along with the high school students, she will gain invaluable experience as well as a more realistic picture of her academic skills than we can get from the regular tests offered to kids her age.

When a kid routinely scores in the 99th percentile on standardized tests, you have no way to show growth. You also only know that she's smarter than the average kid her age. But our smart kids will not be competing with the average kid their age for college placement or scholarships. So it's useful to see where they fall score-wise among other bright kids. It can be quite an eye opener.


Right or not, standardized test scores play a big role in our kids' futures. Yet a significant part of what these tests test is the ability to take the test. The more chances they have to do that, the better their scores.

We don't make a big deal about it, we put absolutely no pressure on the test, and we just encourage her to think of it as experience. We don't put the magnet on the car - do strangers really need to know my kid is book-smart? Does anyone?

My kid is bright, but not what I would consider truly gifted. If a child is actually that smart, the TIP program can be a godsend. There are a lot of great camps and extra learning opportunities available only through the TIP network that can be fabulous for kids who need a challenge. (My kid far prefers to send her summers at sailing camp, not challenging her mind )

On another note, I'm surprised you have been told she can only take one section of the test. That is not the way the program works. They only have to qualify in one area (say a reading EOG over 95%ile) but they actually go to the same testing place as the big kids and sit for the same exam. You may want to browse around the TIP website and see if they can clear that up. I can't imagine there are different rules for Florida and NC.

Whatever you decide, it is an honor that your child has been recognized as being in the top percentage of students. She should be proud of her smarts and her efforts that brought her a qualifying score.

 

[EeyoreEma]

My sister was part of TIP all the years that it was available to her. She LOVED it. It was years ago, so I don't remember a ton, but I do know that she had great experiences with it. She ended up going to college at Duke as well. I think she was even friends with some of her future college classmates through TIP before she started college. I say if you can afford it, and it interests her, let her go for it. My sister even went to England one summer through TIP. I know she counts her TIP summers as some of her best experiences ever. Good luck to your daughter!

 

[christineann]

My kids were chosen for TIP. We couldn't do the programs because of the cost, but being chosen looked good on their college applications, and taking the SAT early was good practice.

 

[okeydokey]

You are right, I think I misunderstood about the two sections. She qualified on the reading section, but will taking both sections.

One other question. ACT or SAT?

Up North we always took the SAT. In Alabama where I worked in a learning center that prepped kids for the test, we mostly prepped ACT because that is what most kids took. Of course, that was in the 90s and both tests have changed since then. She has to choose which one she wants to take.

 

[MomofKatie]

DD qualified in 4th grade and again this year (7th grade). She is going to take the SAT.

We consider it $$ well spent to be able to see how she will score and to start preparing her for the test in HS. Also, it does look good on college applications to have TIP listed. We are also looking forward to summer activities for enrichment.

DD spent a week as a rising 6th grader at SPEC camp and hopes to again as a rising 9th grader. It is another NC gifted/academic opportunity to get together with other kids for summer activities.

 

[AustinTink]

My son qualified, was invited and we didn't do it. Maybe in 7th. It seemed a waste in 5th grade.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

My 7th grade daughter has been selected to participate in the Duke University TIP program (Talent Identification Program). She can take the ACT or SAT (she qualified for the verbal section only) this winter and have her scores evaluated and compared to others in her group and to current high scholars taking the ACT or SAT this year.

This was presented to them as a great honor and a valuable experience. There were maybe 15 students in her school who qualified. I can't help but see this as a money making opportunity for Duke, It will cost us $70 for her to take one section of this test and have it evaluated.

Reading the brochure didn't make me see any other advantages to doing this, except the twice a year newsletter that she will receive and a certificate. Has anyone heard about or participated in this program? What are your thoughts.

My dd did this last yr and over the summer she did attend a university program for 3 weeks in a dorm. She wants to go back next yr.

In fact I just signed her up today to take the ACT again in Dec. You also can take the SAT as well.

I absolutely recommend she go for it. Worth every penny. Plus they get recognition at school if they do well more than likely.

I do question your pricing though. I just signed up my dd and it is only 48.00 for the test and that is with the writing part. I can't remember what I paid last yr. I paid for the test, and she got the stuff from DUKETIP for free, if I recall. Maybe not, I can't remember sorry.

I am signing her up for the SAT tomorrow. We are 16 days out for that. So if you want your child to sign up for that test, you need to get on the stick. I don't know the cost of that yet.

I did learn today that all you need is to be 13 to take the test. I called DukeTip and that is what they told me.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

You are right, I think I misunderstood about the two sections. She qualified on the reading section, but will taking both sections.

One other question. ACT or SAT?

Up North we always took the SAT. In Alabama where I worked in a learning center that prepped kids for the test, we mostly prepped ACT because that is what most kids took. Of course, that was in the 90s and both tests have changed since then. She has to choose which one she wants to take.

Well we batted that back and forth and you can do both. My dd was irritated because her friend Buddy did both. Of course he nailed the test to the wall so that is why. He is super gifted.

I did not know you could do both if you wanted to.

My dd took the ACT for 7th. This year for 8th grade she is going for both of them.

 

[sharlon]

Both of my daughters have been in TIP since 4th grade, which is the first year you can qualify. My older DD13 took the SAT last December and did qualify from that score to go to Academy this summer. She went and took Algebra 1 and because of her end of course score in that, was able to move up a year in math. She also enjoyed being around other kids who think learning and being smart is cool!

 

[tar heel]

My DS qualified and was enrolled in elementary school based on Iowa Test scores. We didn't see much benefit from it; he was never interested in participating in any of the classes or anything.

We have just received the invitation that you got, now that he's in 7th grade and has to re-qualify. Honestly, the only reason we're considering it is that DD is applying for colleges now and it does stand out on a resume. Also some friends whose kids took it thought it was good for their kids to take the SAT just to know what it is.

Sorry but TIP does not belong on a college application. I think TIP can be very useful if you can afford the summer programs and isn't worth a lot otherwise. There is some merit in taking the tests early, but you don't have to be affiliated with TIP to do that.

 

[allison443]

Sorry but TIP does not belong on a college application. I think TIP can be very useful if you can afford the summer programs and isn't worth a lot otherwise. There is some merit in taking the tests early, but you don't have to be affiliated with TIP to do that.

I agree, what college application even has a space to put things from elementary school?
My girls did the Johns Hopkins program (similar to Duke's TIP) and I can't imagine how they would have worked that into a college application.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

DD qualified in 4th grade and again this year (7th grade). She is going to take the SAT.

We consider it $$ well spent to be able to see how she will score and to start preparing her for the test in HS. Also, it does look good on college applications to have TIP listed. We are also looking forward to summer activities for enrichment.

DD spent a week as a rising 6th grader at SPEC camp and hopes to again as a rising 9th grader. It is another NC gifted/academic opportunity to get together with other kids for summer activities.

NC is probably going to switch from the SAT to ACT. I've read a lot about it recently. You may want to research this and then decide which one to take.

My DD14 took the SAT last year and she felt like it was a great practice run. One of her friends did so well on the SAT, we joked that she could already apply to college.

 

[RunningGirl]

I agree, what college application even has a space to put things from elementary school?
My girls did the Johns Hopkins program (similar to Duke's TIP) and I can't imagine how they would have worked that into a college application.

Yes I know you don't put things from elementary school on it. I'm talking about qualifying for it in middle school and availing yourself of the program as you move forward. There are programs as you move through high school.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Yes I know you don't put things from elementary school on it. I'm talking about qualifying for it in middle school and availing yourself of the program as you move forward. There are programs as you move through high school.

Yep. It is going to be my dd's ace in the hole as she tries to get into the "extra honors" english class for 9th grade. It is a class that is weighted and is more than honors.

As of right now, she is not in the "gifted program" however she is in challenge classes.

Which suck this yr btw & my dd is going to take the test to try and get into the gifted program. Despite the fact she get's all A's, could take the honors classes and get A's (except for math), got a 24 on the ACT (her reading score alone was a 29), and she gets 99% on all the standarized testing, she MUST hit a 132 IQ number on the "gifted test" in order to get into that track.

We kept saying, it doesn't matter, you can get into honors in HS (and she will be able to, except the English we have to make a case for that class).

Problem is that they have "dumbed down" the classes for challenge this year. My dd is doing 3rd grade work in 8th grade. She is learning nothing in English. The kids are losing their minds, she is not the only one.

Unfortuately the state regs are being very strict and her English teacher is OCD. Let's just say, not a good match.

Anyway she read me her english homework last night and it reads from something from elementary school. She is so mad and frustrated the teacher is MAKING them write this way. She writes at a college level so this is maddening to her.

So her and a friend are making it a game as to who can write the cheesiest stuff. They have to entertain themselves somehow.

And yes, I have talked to the counselor and her teacher about this. They tell me that she can give my dd more challenging work for her class. Yea right. Already tried that.

 

[okeydokey]

Thanks for the info guys. I have never heard of this program. My daughter wants to take the test so I'm all for it too. I did ask her to speak to her guidance counselor about choosing the ACT or SAT.

 

[SandrA9810]

In Florida, there didn't seem to be a push for one or the other. Both were stated together when talking about college. Each test is written in a different form, some exceed on the ACT, others on the SAT.
I would try finding practice tests for both of them online first, to see which one she's more comfortable with.

 

[Aristomommy]

Thanks for the info guys. I have never heard of this program. My daughter wants to take the test so I'm all for it too. I did ask her to speak to her guidance counselor about choosing the ACT or SAT.

FWIW, my DD11 will be taking the SAT as a 7th grader this year. After speaking with other parents and teachers, they all stated that the SAT was better for gifted and advanced learners as it was more intuitive in nature than the ACT. Instead of testing minute facts, it tests reasoning as well as knowledge. Also, you can make an educated guess without a penalty on the SAT. DD is good at writing and I would think the written essay would be her strong suit.

We are not in the Duke TIP area, but participate in an annual talent search through another university. DD has enjoyed the day programs greatly and we are considering a 3 week summer program this year provided that she qualifies for it.