Although most of the talent searches are "regional" sometimes the territories are not obvious. We have used both Carnegie Mellon University (C-Mites) and Iowa University (Belin-Blank Center). C-Mites was one of the few who would test 3rd graders and provides norms for 3rd graders. Belin-Blank has one of the best detailed reports in addition to the standard Explore report provided by the ACT company. You already missed the fall administration (available in only a few places) and you are most likely too late for the winter administration (January and February). Fortunately, some of the talent searches have added a May adminstration.
I considered doing a "privately proctored" Explore for 3rd grade to avoid the travel time. However, I had trouble getting a prompt response from Belin-Blank. I also think that they cannot release the test for private proctoring until after the official administrations. I am not sure what the situation is now that some of the talent searches actually allow a May administration. Anyhow, I am not sure that a privately proctored Explore adminstrated after the official test dates will be accepted as offical by DYS or other authorities as is. You might want to check first. The test is normed against Fall 8th graders and the talent searches also provide norms for Winter (January & February) 3rd to 6th graders. The scores would definitely be useful for comparision purposes regardless but you would have to adjust the comparision. For example, I think there is a significant difference between end of second quarter (winter) and end of 4th quarter (May/June)
