I think every child has different tolerances & reactions. Your daughters who will be 9 should be fine in EXPLORE, I would think. I am more thinking out my reasoning for why my 3rd grader wouldn't take advantage of an above-level test & it really depends on the kid. My little DS is very easily shut down--if he forms an opinion once, it's very hard to change his mind. (Stubborn? maybe that's the right word.)