EXPLORE is designed to test "average" 8th graders for high school placement. I have seen some GT kids max out EXPLORE as early as 5th grade. They may also max out in MAP tests, but they are still not ready for the next level (SAT/ACT) yet. I showed DS' EXPLORE scores to GT program teacher last year. She was totally clueless about it. Apparently this so called "above-grade level" test is not widely advertised and accepted criteria for GT testing at all, so don't expect too much.