Can homeschoolers take the EXPLORE portion of the ACT?

[KarenC]

Has anyone taken the EXPLORE test? Did you sign up at your local middle school?

Thanks,
Karen

[Beth in Central TX]

Hi Karen,

My oldest son in 6th grade just took the EXPLORE test on January 26th through the Duke TIP program. It is an 8th grade test given through their 4th/5th grade Talent Search Program.

[KarenC]

I was hoping that I could administer this myself. But, that probably not a possiblity. Is it expensive to take this through the Duke program?

Thanks,
Karen

[Beth in Central TX]

I don't think it is that expensive. It was $30 to join Duke TIP (due by March) and $35 for the EXPLORE testing (due in October).

Duke TIP also offers a writing contest that my 6th grader participated in this month. In addition, we receive newsletters that are interesting to look through. It's geared more for public school kids, but my son still likes to read it.

We don't have many opportunities to practice standardized testing skills in a real setting, so I'm thankful for the testing provided by the Duke TIP program. My son will be able to sit for the SAT or ACT next winter as a 7th grader. I'm not sure that this experience will help him do any better on the test later on, but it will make him more comfortable with the testing process and aware of what is expected of him.

[KarenC]

She has never taken a standardized test before and I did want her to start in order to be ready for the SAT. It sounds like I need to look into the Duke program.

Thanks,
Karen

[Anne/Ankara]

We took it in third grade through the Carnegie Mellon program-- you didn't have to be in school, just show some evidence of top percentages in a standardized test (in our case, the Terra Nova). It was a good experience for both kids.

[angela in ohio]

If you believe that she is gifted, you can register her to take it through one of the academic talent searches as a 3rd-6th grader. The one you use varies by what state you are in.

If not, she can take it as an 8th grader. You could call the local school to see if they know where it will be administered.