DS12 took the ACT on 6/11/11 and we just received his scores. He did not achieve any of the minimum scores for DYS qualification at the 7th grade level. However, he did equal or exceed 4 of the 5 minimum scores for the EXPLORE at the 6th grade level. Question is this, would these ACT scores for a 6th grader be an acceptable equivalent to the 6th grade EXPLORE minimum scores? Anyone experienced this scenario?

His scores are:
E - 22
R - 25
M - 21
S - 22
C- 23

He also has a GAI of 153 on the WISC-IV. I'll fill out the application if DI will accept these ACT scores. Otherwise, we will wait until next year.

Is your DS a 6th grader?

I can't say for sure that DYS would automatically accept ACT scores as the exact equivalent of Explore scores, but it sounds like your DS is an excellent candidate. Why don't you phone them and ask? The worst case scenario is that you would have to submit a few portfolio items as well.

Good luck!

I cannot answer your question but would like to ask a related one -- if a student takes the EXPLORE and ACT at almost the same time, how would one predict the ACT scores from the EXPLORE scores? The tests are made by the same company, and the company has deliberately made the top score on EXPLORE sections (25) lower than the top score on ACT sections (36). Does an EXPLORE composite of 20 predict the same ACT composite score?

Sorry, I meant to include that tidbit. DS12 just finished 6th grade in June. I searched the forums and googled 6th grade ACT scores but didn't find anything useful info regarding the relationship between ACT & EXPLORE scores.

I'd encourage you to just fill out the darn paperwork now, because they will keep the file open until next year, so you won't be duplicating all your work. Get as much as you can completed, and get those letters of recommendation in, if Davidson balkes, you can always send in the retest without having to go through the whole thing again.

Do it, Do it, Do it!
Grinity

Wasn't he was a sixth grader when he took the test? I would start the paperwork.

yes, he was a sixth grader. I will submit the app for DYS. Also, I will sign him up for the ACT again next year.

I thought he did pretty well only taking one practice test to familiarize himself with the format and length of the test. He did not prep in any other way and was more interested in what choice he would make for lunch afterward.

They do adjust the required ACT scores for a 6th grader even though it's not published. I think because many of the testing centers won't let you take the ACT until 7th grade. I asked once before applying and they told me that much. I didn't ask for specifics since we met the 7th grade requirements but if you aren't sure, you could send them an e-mail and see if they will send you the 6th grade numbers. If they do you could better determine if he is a candidate. Either way I think he's pretty close so I would be hunting for really strong portfolio items because I think that can help sway things when someone is on the line.

Yippee!