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To reduce any person to a pile of papers is ridiculous, yet decisions must be based on something. A line has to be drawn. It happens with college applications, private school applications, and organizations like DYS. I see that the DYS app has undergone many tweaks in the five years my family has been involved. I like to think that they are getting better and better at finding the kids who need them the most. But as you pointed out, parents know their kids best, and if you feel in your bones that your child IS that bright, you are probably correct.
I love the Davidsons and appreciate all that they've done for my family, but DYS isn't the end all and be all of giftedness. There are other ways to network with PG families. There's this board, the annual PG retreat in Denver, a gifted listserve called TAG MAX PDQ (? not exactly sure of the correct title), state gifted organizations, and more.
