The acceptance criteria speak for the selection. It's more elite than local talent search program. I heard of Davidson Young Scholar Program through DD's GT teacher. However, she has never taught a student who got in the program. I don't know how well known the program is in general public. Nobody really likes to talk about the giftness of their kids.
That's great that your GT teacher has heard of YSP, and 'gets' that it's more difficult (for most kids) to get into than the local talent search program. If only to impress the GT teacher, I would encourage you to fill out the application. It will provide her with 'support' if she ever has to fight to give your child an appropriate education. Even if you get some indication that your child is 'near YSP' after filling out the application, then that is support for the path the GT teacher is attempting. Plus you may have to move at some point, or the helpful GT teacher might get moved to a different school and then you might need the support yourself.
LOG is a relatively unknown concept, and lots of gifted programs are a 'one size fits all' sort of affair - and if you don't fit that's your problem! So giving GT staff a more nuanced view of the needs of gifted kids is one of the ways that all gifted kid benefit from YSP.
But I try to keep straight awards that come from hard work and a job well done (talent) from special educational needs (gifts.) I'd like to see the potential of all children turned into talent as much as practical, including gifted, highly gifted, and profoundly gifted kids.
Of course the prestige factor is fun and helpful when sibling rivalry get kicked up inside MY head! As in: "Take that gifted-identified sibling!" Other than that, I've never ever gotten anything but 'you must be crazy lady' kind of looks. ((pout)) Of course, that may say more about me than YSP, and it probably does. Intensity - not crazy!
Love and More Love,
Grinity
