Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums General Discussion EXPLORE TEST

Question re: EXPLORE admission (DS is registered for Feb., we don't have the packet yet). At younger ages, do they just require the admission ticket or do we need to figure out how to get him ID? (That's assuming his passport, now two or three years old, doesn't look enough like him to work.) I was really surprised by what is not accepted for photo ID. His school doesn't have official ID cards, and the list says that the Childfind IDs we get with school photos are NOT acceptable.

I doubt you will need ID. We didn't have it for EXPLORE.
We didn't have it for the ACT.

OTOH: It would be a shame to get there and they would not let you take the test because you didn't bring ID.

It just says 'bring this admission ticket' on ours, no mention of ID. Ticket, calculator, pencils, watch, and optional snack. That's the complete list. :-) It's a full sheet of paper and says 'Admit One' along the side. My kids don't have IDs at all for school or otherwise.

My question is whether a decades-old basic Casio scientific calculator is sufficient, as it won't be on any lists, prohibited or not. Ha.

Let me know, because that's what we have, too! (circa... um, 1988?). He was so surprised to learn he could take one with him.

DD took it in 3rd grade through a talent search and it was a good experience.

DD had never really used a calculator before, so I was a bit afraid that she would be sidetracked playing with it (she was 8). She did very well, however, so I guess it was ok.

Like others have said, it is my understanding that scores are not retained.

We did not need an ID, btw, just the test ticket.

Best of luck!

I'm more than a little worried about the fun factor of the calculator. He's 9 and not using one for math class. Definitely will have him practice the sample questions with it nearby... we have already talked about using it to check work, vs. do the work.

Thanks for the info!

Not the same test, of course, but our #1 took a calculator into the SATs, as directed, and said it wasn't really necessary. I would definitely practice with it for the sample questions, and see whether it's actually needed.

According to my DD it wasn't needed - calculator that is.

Thought I'd mention that my DS did use his calculator a couple of times, to do some three-digit multiplication faster than by hand. Also, he enjoyed the test, thought it was fun. :-)

DD took EXPLORE recently & I forgot to ask if she used her calculator, so I'll try to remember to ask & post back. She's familiar w/her calculator because of Mathletics.

Overall, DD thought test was not too bad, though Science was hardest section for her. However, I am *so* glad she took EXPLORE - because she encountered a variety of wacky situations that will stay with her, and better prepare her for the experiences that happen w/virtually every test of this kind.

For example: Proctors arrived & school was locked. By the time they hunted down help, most students/parents had arrived & everybody was standing out in the freezing cold for some time. Sooo...

Test started late. Building was very cold (janitors didn't know about test, didn't turn up heat). Classroom doors were locked, even when building was finally opened. Parents weren't allowed beyond entry, so all instructions I gave to DD about "find bathroom, use bathroom before test, don't sit in wobbly chair or under vent, etc." she had to do those on her own without a parent around. During break, students & Proctor left testing room & door locked behind them! I could go on & on...

But it was *great* because DD saw all this & learned from it. She was espc. glad I had her wear a light jacket under her winter coat, because many students had to take the test wearing coats, but DD was able to take off her coat & just wear her jacket. If the student is better prepared for all the random things that can happen during a test like this, they are better prepared to go with the flow during an actual PSAT, SAT or ACT.

We had a few chuckles over the experience, and it's now behind her. She agreed it was worth her time & effort. Not sure how good results will be, but she definitely learned from taking the test!