2. What is Duke TIP?
Duke TIP is a self-supporting, nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to the identification and support of academically gifted students.
Arm-in-arm with schools and families, Duke TIP identifies talented young people and provides them with a wide array of fulfilling educational opportunities from fourth grade through twelfth.
Founded in 1980, more than 2 million students have participated in the Duke TIP talent searches.

3. Talent Search Model
Duke TIP offers a 4th/5th Grade Talent Search and a 7th Grade Talent Search.
TIP understands that gifted students need special motivation and support. As such, the talent searches provide
above-level testing and appropriate assessment measures;
access to Duke TIP’s network of educational programs and resources;
and motivation and encouragement for students focused on academic achievement.

4. 7th Grade Talent Search

5. Participation is rewarding!
Participants in the 7th Grade Talent Search receive
special motivation to focus on academic achievement and encouragement to continue challenging themselves;
the opportunity to interact with other academically talented students and to access an array of opportunities and resources;
and the opportunity to learn more about their academic abilities through above-level testing and assessment.

6. Eligibility is an Honor!
Students eligible to participate in the 7th Grade Talent Search include
current seventh graders (or eighth graders who skipped seventh grade during the current year);
students who scored in the 95th percentile or higher on a grade-level achievement test or state criterion-reference test.

7. 7th Grade Talent Search Benefits
Above-Level Testing. Taking the ACT or SAT as a seventh grader imparts knowledge and experience that is invaluable. Students gain insight into their academic abilities and have the opportunity to preview the same test they will take during the college admission process.

8. 7th Grade Talent Search Benefits
Ability to Compare Scores. The results summary allows families a more comprehensive understanding of scores by comparing students’ performance relative to other seventh graders throughout the U.S. and by providing helpful suggestions for educational planning.

9. 7th Grade Talent Search Benefits
Helpful Resources. Students receive information on academic development and college planning through their tenth grade year. TIP staff provides educational guidance for families at any time.

10. 7th Grade Talent Search Benefits
Digest of Gifted Research. An online newsletter that provides conceptual, theoretical, and practical information that is understandable, useful and actionable
Educational Opportunity Guide. A searchable online directory containing listings for schools, summer programs, and academic competitions across the U.S. and abroad

11. 7th Grade Talent Search Benefits
Recognition. In addition to receiving a certificate of merit, students who receive outstanding scores are honored.
Access to Educational Programs. Exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT earn some students invitations to Duke TIP’s renowned educational programs. Weekend programs open to all talent search participants may also be offered in your area.

12. 7th Grade Talent Search Benefits
My College Guide
Features select U.S. colleges and universities
Information about applying and getting in to college
Highlights different majors and careers to consider
Accessible to students in the fall of their tenth grade year

13. Enrollment is Easy
For expedited processing, enroll online at
Alternatively, mail paper application to Duke TIP office.
Talent Search fee: $72
Follow-up packet sent within five weeks
Test
Test Dates
Paper Application Enrollment Deadline
Online Enrollment Deadlines
SAT
12/3/11
10/3/11
10/21/11
ACT
12/10/11
1/28/12
11/1/11
12/5/11
2/11/12

14. Financial Aid is Available
Talent search fee grants offset the cost of participation for students who qualify for free or reduced lunch in their school.
Students eligible for a fee grant pay only a $25 enrollment fee.
Duke TIP awarded over $3 million across all programs in 2011.

15. Educational Programs

16. Scholar Weekend Programs
Weekend-long enrichment courses during the academic year for grades eight to eleven
Courses may include marine biology, astronomy, creative writing, politics and the media, video production, and poetry
Sites
Duke University – Durham, NC
New College – Sarasota, FL
University of Kansas – Lawrence, KS
University of Houston – Houston, TX
University of South Carolina – Columbia, SC
University of Georgia – Atlanta, GA

17. Distance Learning: eSeminars
Open to all Duke TIP Talent Search participants in grades eight through twelve
Follows a seminar model with focus on discussion, collaboration and exploration of ideas
Includes live video conferencing with a Duke TIP instructor
Courses include Writing the Personal Essay, Genetics, 3D Virtual Worlds: Avatars & Identity
Five-week program offered in fall and spring

18. Distance Learning: eStudies
Open to students in grades eight through twelve who meet qualification criteria
Challenging academic coursework delivered in a teacher-moderated, internet-based classroom
Highly interactive: students connect with other gifted students and with their Duke TIP instructor through live chats, discussion boards, blogs, and
Classes include Academic Writing, Anatomy and Physiology, Neuroscience, Psychology
Seven-week program offered in the summer

19. Summer Studies Programs: Overview
Open to students in grades seven through ten who meet qualification criteria
Three-week summer residential programs
Campuses located at Duke University, Davidson College, Appalachian State University, University of Kansas, Duke Marine Lab, Texas A&M, Trinity University, University of Georgia

20. Summer Studies: Experience
Fast-paced, rigorous and above-grade-level innovative curricula
Expert instructors with zeal for their subject area
Experiential learning methodology
Environment that promotes academic and social growth

21. Field Studies and Institutes
Two-week program for grades nine through twelve
Domestic and international programs
Academic experience in a unique setting
Creative Writing – Ghost Ranch, New Mexico
Genetics – Duke University
Tropical Medicine – Costa Rica

22. Independent Learning
Self-paced, engaging studies anytime, anywhere for grades four through twelve
Variety of formats—CD-ROM, workbook, and/or online
No qualifying criteria
Students work with a local mentor
Order online or by phone
Schools receive a 20 percent discount

23. Partnerships
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and The Next Generation Venture Fund – Goldman Sachs Foundation
Academically talented youth who are economically disadvantaged and from diverse backgrounds
Eighth grade through high school
Provides resources and educational planning
Selective colleges and universities
Competitive professional environments