Just learned yesterday that my child will be required to take MAP test in May as part of admissions process for selective enrollment public HS.

Bit of background: my child (7th) attends a private school that goes through 8th. Many kids at the school apply to the selective enrollment public HS as they are among the top in the state. The admissions process considers the following three items: (1) national percentile rankings on standardized tests from 7th grade; (2) final grades from 7th grade; and (3) entrance exam given in 8th grade. Children at public schools and private schools often took different standardized tests in 7th grade (my child's school gives ITBS), yet all were accepted for consideration.

New this year -- public schools have switched to MAP testing for the standardized test portion as the test previously used for these children no longer provides a national percentage ranking. Public school children have been taking MAP tests at schools for past few years, but this is first time those scores have been made part of selective enrollment process.

Just yesterday, we were told that the public school will no longer accept other standardized test scores for admissions criteria #1 and all children (public and private school) in 7th grade wanting to apply will be required to take MAP. Private school children will be required to take test on 2 Saturdays in May at a public school location TBD.

My child's school does not yet offer MAP testing so my child has never taken it. He historically has done very well on ITBS and based on how scores counted in prior years, looked to be on track for admission to one of the selective enrollment. BUT, with change to a test that he has never taken and at an unfamiliar location, I am looking for information on what to expect.

Can anyone comment on how their child has done on MAP relative to other standardized tests, and particularly how the national percentile rankings have compared? Any other information on what to expect or how to prepare a child for the test would also be welcomed.

Thanks in advance --