Benefits of Participation
Important Information about Benefits
- Participation in the 7th Grade Talent Search continues through the student's 10th grade year.
- To continue receiving benefits, it is imperative to keep addresses current as the post office will not forward mailings. Please update Duke TIP regarding any address changes. Use the Student Update Form or call (919) 668-9100.
- Enrollment in the 7th Grade Talent Search does not automatically qualify or register students for Duke TIP's Summer programs. See Summer Programs for more information.
- It is Duke TIP's goal to provide valuable educational resources for your child. Duke TIP may release your child's name and address to selected organizations providing opportunities for academically talented students. If you object to the release of your child's name and address to organizations providing educational opportunities, please indicate that on the application or on the initial page of the Web registration. For more information see Duke TIP's Children's Online statement.
Each participant who completes the SAT or ACT will receive the following:
- Testing Experience
- Educational Resource Handbook
- Educational Opportunity Guide
- Insights
- Certificate of Merit
- Results Summary
- My College Guide
And have opportunities to attend:
Especially for parents:
Testing Experience
The knowledge and experience of taking an above-level test like the SAT or ACT is the primary benefit of the Talent Search. Students have the opportunity to build their test-taking skills and learn more about their academic abilities.
Educational Resource Handbook
The Educational Resource Handbook contains sections for parents and students and provides:
- guidance for above-level test taking
- strategies for working with schools
- information about preparing for college
- academic resources
- educational options for gifted students
Educational Opportunity Guide
The Educational Opportunity Guide: An Online Directory for the Gifted (www.duketipeog.com) provides participants and their families direct access to over 400 high quality academic-year, distance-learning, online, and summer programs and opportunities across the United States.
Insights
A 4-year subscription
to Duke TIP's twice-yearly newsletter that contains articles
of special interest for the academically talented. Sample
Issue 
.
Certificate of Merit
All participants will receive a Certificate of Merit.
My College Guide
Accessible electronically in the fall of student's 10th grade year, this publication features:
- information about applying to and getting into college and
- profiles of select U.S. colleges and universities.
Results Summary
The score report sent to 7th Grade Talent Search participants from the appropriate testing organization (College Board or ACT) ) allows families to compare their child’s scores with all students who tested, including college-bound high school students (for the SAT and ACT). In order to get a more accurate picture of the level of achievement of 7th Grade Talent Search participants, Duke TIP compiles a Talent Search Results Summary. This report will be mailed to you in May and allows you to compare your child’s scores with other Talent Search participants. Click to information on interpreting SAT and ACT scores for 7th Grade Students.
Scores on above-level tests can be used to help parents and schools evaluate a child’s current curriculum and develop an education plan that is commensurate with the child’s abilities. For more information on see the Interpreting SAT and ACT Scores page.
Awards Ceremonies
Recognition Ceremonies are provided in most of the 16 states served by the Duke TIP 7th Grade Talent Search. Participants scoring at higher levels on the exams are invited to attend the ceremonies and receive an award. Ceremonies and score criteria are announced in April and are posted on the Web site.
Students scoring at the highest levels are invited to attend the Grand Recognition Ceremony at Duke University each year. This ceremony is held in conjunction with an optional family fun night that provides an excellent opportunity for families to meet TIP staff and other parents and gifted children. Invitations are mailed in April to qualifying students.
A number of universities award scholarships to high scoring talent search participants from their state. These scholarships allow students in the geographic region to pursue university level course work on a limited basis. The institution presenting the scholarship controls all factors relating to the use of the award. In 2007, a total of 100 scholarships were awarded by 23 universities participating in the program. Students receiving one of these scholarships will be notified by mail in April.
Duke Gifted Letter
A free e-newsletter, provides valuable information and resources to parents about the educational and developmental challenges and opportunities their gifted child face. Available at www.dukegiftedletter.com.