Some of the most academically talented seventh graders in the U.S. were recognized this spring for their exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT.

The Duke University Talent Identification Program’s (Duke TIP) Seventh Grade Talent Search identifies students in 16 states in the Southeast, Midwest and Southwest who have scored in the 95th percentile on a grade-level achievement test. As part of the program, these academically talented students take above-level college-entrance exams (SAT or ACT) to learn more about their abilities.

Duke TIP hosts annual recognition ceremonies to honor the seventh graders who score highest on these SAT or ACT exams. This year, of the 66,198 participants nationally, 21,115 students (32%) were invited to attend state recognition ceremonies and 1,804 students (3%) were invited to the grand recognition ceremony.

Leslie Perez and Jamie Gesslein, students at Bennett's Mill Middle School in Fayetteville, were among those invited to the state recognition ceremony for Georgia.

"The recognition ceremonies are inspiring events," said Martha Putallaz, Ph.D., Executive Director of Duke TIP and professor of psychology at Duke University. "It is rare that so many gifted students can come together to be honored for their achievements and encouraged by their intellectual peers. The honorees have proven, at this young age, their capacity for great things. We hope they consider their achievement to be an invitation to pursue an ambitious path in life."

The state recognition ceremonies honor seventh graders who have earned scores equal to or better than half the college-bound seniors who took the tests. Speakers include university administrators and professors from the host institutions, state and government officials, and accomplished former Duke TIP students.

In addition to the above-level testing experience, all talent search participants receive educational materials and resources through 10th grade to help them develop to their full academic potential. Based on SAT or ACT scores, students may qualify to participate in Duke TIP’s summer studies or e-studies programs. Duke TIP also runs a talent search for fourth and fifth graders.

Duke TIP is a nonprofit, educational organization that identifies and helps cultivate the talents of academically gifted youth. Since 1980 over 1.9 million students from all over the world have participated in Duke TIP. The program is sustained by student fees and donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. For more information about Duke TIP’s Talent Search or programs, call 919-668-9100 or visit www.tip.duke.edu.

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