NUMATS-Testing for gifted children?

[momof2inohio]

I got information today from my son's school inviting him to take the NUMATS (Northwestern University Midwest Academic Talent Search) test due to his gifted identification. I have never heard of this and was wondering if anyone has done this and is it worth it? He would be taking the Explore test. I looked at the website and it costs $57-78 for the test.

[thecouponclippa]

I haven't. I'm brand new to the 'gifted' world or whatever... my daughter just took her CogAT test and was identified as gifted, so no idea.

I DID want to say, however, I wish him lots of luck!

[Lori63]

How old is he? I never paid for any 'gifted' testing with any of my three. I'm interested to know what this is and what the 'benefits' are, and in what others have to say. All 'testing' was done through the school, and enrichment was offered and they also participated in things at a nearby university.

Edited to add: I also wanted to say Good Luck to him also :)

[CW&M Mom]

oh my gosh...when I looked at that....I first thought it said numnuts.....and was thinking that is the oddest name for that kind of test......

sorry for interrupting.........I obviously need more sleep........

[aimeebee]

This is the program where 8th graders take the SAT or is it PSAT?? My son was offered the chance, but it was last year when dh was unemployed and we decided not to do it.

My brother and I did it back in the 80s and honestly I didn't feel like ds was missing out on much by not participating. We would have done it, if finances weren't so tight. But, in my case I didn't feel it helped me much taking the test early because back in the day our school didn't even offer Algebra to 8th graders.

I remember thinking the math portion of the test was really hard without having Algebra or Geometry. These tests are intended for 11th or 12th graders.

[aimeebee]

Actually, my brother ended up being a National Merit Scholar, so maybe it was helpful. (As long as your son isn't frustrated by standardized tests, it wouldn't hurt and could possibly give him an advantage later.)

[momof2inohio]

Originally Posted by Lori63 How old is he? I never paid for any 'gifted' testing with any of my three. I'm interested to know what this is and what the 'benefits' are, and in what others have to say. All 'testing' was done through the school, and enrichment was offered and they also participated in things at a nearby university. Edited to add: I also wanted to say Good Luck to him also :)

At the time of the testing he was 11 and in 5th grade. He did take the test and is now in the gifted program at school as well.

[momof2inohio]

Originally Posted by aimeebee This is the program where 8th graders take the SAT or is it PSAT?? My son was offered the chance, but it was last year when dh was unemployed and we decided not to do it. My brother and I did it back in the 80s and honestly I didn't feel like ds was missing out on much by not participating. We would have done it, if finances weren't so tight. But, in my case I didn't feel it helped me much taking the test early because back in the day our school didn't even offer Algebra to 8th graders. I remember thinking the math portion of the test was really hard without having Algebra or Geometry. These tests are intended for 11th or 12th graders.

DS was in 5th grade at the time of the test so it was the Explore test which is an 8th grade test. Starting in 6th grade the kids can take the ACT/SAT test which he will do this year.

[momof2inohio]

Originally Posted by thecouponclippa I haven't. I'm brand new to the 'gifted' world or whatever... my daughter just took her CogAT test and was identified as gifted, so no idea. I DID want to say, however, I wish him lots of luck!

Thank you He did very well.

[aimeebee]

Originally Posted by jensmith9780 DS was in 5th grade at the time of the test so it was the Explore test which is an 8th grade test. Starting in 6th grade the kids can take the ACT/SAT test which he will do this year.

Oh. Took me a minute to catch on...someone bumped up a post from last year.