Is there much difference in Scat vs. Explore test? I'm interested about learning more about my DS9's Math and Science knowledge, capabilities and potential. He has taken the WJIII achievement and will take an IQ. I looking into talent searches for summer online courses and wondering if I should consider one test opportunity more beneficial that the other.

LOTS of difference!!!

In short...

SCAT
Test is given in three different levels...as an older 3rd grader, he'd probably be bored with the 2nd/3rd grade level. This level though does use higher norms....it's a 4th-6th test. Test is broken up into two 55 question parts, one for verbal, one for math. 50 questions on each side count, as 5 are "experimental". Each half only takes about 10-20 minutes (I think the kid has 20 minutes?) You are literally in and out well within an hour. You test at your convenience, and testing is on a computer at a Prometric test center. Testing is more aptitude than achievement, as the verbal is analogies and the math are comparisons, typically made without really solving the problem. As a chrono 4th grader, he really should get a high score on this one. Results come fast, typically within about 2 weeks.

Explore
You must test on one of two test dates, in late January or late February. The test has 4 distinct sections, each one 30 minutes long (30-40 multiple choice questions). There is a break in the middle, and with getting the papers handed out, etc...this is a good morning of testing. The sections are math, reading, English and science. You get scores for each of the parts, as well as a composite. Scoring is against fall 8th grade norms, and the test is a standard 8th grade test. Testing is paper/pencil, with a calculator allowed. Testing is more "achievement" than aptitude. Results take forever, and have been known to surpass the 8 week mark, .

P.S...the year I was undecided, we just did both, .

Thanks - very timely! I just got SCAT materials in the mail yesterday. I think we're going to just do the "easy" SCAT this year. DS has no experience with pen and pencil or A/B/C/D style tests and this would be good practice. I printed out their practice test and he thought it was really fun! Now I kind of wish I would have bumped him to the next grade level. Ah well ... next year maybe the Explore.

Keep in mind that "bumping up" has long term implications, including when the child might need to take the SAT. I don't know that I recommend it in situations where that's not the ultimate desire for reasons other than talent search ones.

P.S...and there's nothing wrong with a rocket high score, !

DS6 is supposed to take the SCAT tomorrow. Too bad he got sick on Monday--a few hours after the 48 prior mark so I can't reschedule without an obnoxious fee and I can't cancel without losing all the money. Hopefully today is the worst of his flu. I guess he can always retake in a few months if his scores are really bad.

Good point! We are going to do more thorough Achievement tests towards the end of the year, so it's probably better that he enjoys this first experience with testing. .

I never personally did well on these types of tests until I got much older, so I'm a little nervous for him and want it to be a good experience! I can think back to the conversations I used to have in my head during fill in the circle tests. They were like small dissertations on why each answer could or could not be the right one. I wish someone would have sat me down when I was 8 and told me that it really shouldn't be that hard.

Poor guy Crisc. Hope he's feeling better by tomorrow!

Dottie - it sounds like explore would be the better option since it has science. Are you saying a child could take this during his 3rd grade year?

Depends on your local talent search options. My son took it in 3rd, but through C-MITES which is PA specific. Look here for something that services your area for any talent search...

http://www.davidsongifted.org/db/Articles_id_10260.aspx

Aw Crisc, I hope he feels better today!!!!