Does middle school SAT talent search ever amount to anything?

<p>So I'm a junior in high school right now. I've already taken the SAT, but I was wondering about the middle school SAT talent search stuff that many of us take. Does that ever get anywhere? What exactly do you get out of it, and is it worth it? In sum, was there a point?</p>

<p>Now my SAT scores in middle school weren't phenomenal (1910), which is probably why I didn't get anything. But to all you geniuses out there, what was the result of their "talent search?" </p>

<p>Personally I'm a little skeptical and feel that the talent search was another way for CB and others to make money, but hey, I may be wrong.</p>

<p>That score identifies you as (potentially) being gifted so appropriate classes can be scheduled. It means nothing in college applications.</p>

<p>First of all, a 1910 is an outstanding score for a middleschooler. Second of all, most students take the SAT in middle school to particpate in talent search programs like CTY, TIP, or CTD summer courses. Finally, students who earn expectional scores (like 2100+) may request that the CB saves the score and they will not have to retake the SAT come high school.</p>

<p>Qualification for these programs isn’t all that important, but what you did with that qualification could be. My daughter got scholarships to attend 4 summer classes through CTY, and is in a summer internship sponsored by JHU Center Scholars. None of that would have happened without first qualifying through the Talent Search.</p>

<p>Some of her friends took AP classes online through them, because their schools didn’t offer them. Others took classes to get better placement in their high schools, either online or through the summer programs. Maybe even more important, it gives academically talented kids a chance to participate in a rigorous program with other similar kids, and a taste of life on campus. I know of a few students who selected their first choice college because of a summer class taught by someone from that college, in the department of their intended major.</p>

<p>In the application process, I would expect it to be treated as an extracurricular activity, unless you arranged to get credit on your HS transcript.</p>

<p>I just have to agree with CTScoutmom – it is all what you make of it. If you have the chance to take advantage of the opportunities that are available, it can help narrow down your focus. For instance, I did the CTY program a couple of summers and took classes and seminars in things that interested me, and it really helped me decide either “yes, this is something I like” or “hey, this is not what I thought it was and I don’t want to do it”. Also, living on campus was AMAZING and you can make really good friends from all over the country (and even all over the world).</p>

<p>I got a 1760 in it and got into the CTY summer program. I took the test through CTY, so I dont think it’s College Board trying to make money. </p>

<p>The CTY summer program is an awesome program and I was able to skip a couple courses in reg school through my CTY summer courses. I’m surprised you didnt get into the programs if you got a 1910, that’s above the qualifying score. But your score is deleted from your file when you’re a hs freshman, unless you specifically request that they keep it on file.</p>