Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Parenting and Advocacy Got our letter

Sounds good to me, Kriston!

I went ahead and emailed the applications manager to ask some specifics about their decision and to find out if getting an achievement test would make a difference regarding her getting accepted. From the letter I got it sounds like I could submit additional testing and reapply but Im not sure if that means I have to start over completely or if it would be a supplement to what I've already submitted.

Thanks for your support, ladies. I think if we were in a different situation with her school I'd be much more disappointed right now.

Maybe I misinterpreted the results of her WISC IV but could some of you shed some light on my dd's scores? Maybe it wasn't as high as needed? DD scored a 150 IQ on verbal and her full scale score was 140. Coding and block design brought her overall score down.

When we got the results I had called a counselor at the DA and asked if she met the requirements since her full score was only 140. He had said that the verbal at 150 was enough to qualify and so Im confused by the letter saying her WISC scores weren't "sufficient in demonstrating she is functioning at the level we require for acceptance." Perhaps thats because I have no achievement tests to accompany the WISC?

I will ask this specific question to the applications manager but I thought some of you might have some knowledge with all of this. I really am such a novice when it comes to any kind of testing and am certainly amateur when it comes to interpreting the results. Anyway, any advice is appreciated.

That's what I've been wondering. When they say 145 is the minimum criteria on any of the composites, do they really mean they want 160, or 155, preferably on the FSIQ, as the case may be? How few do they take from among their "qualified" applicants, and on what basis do they make their selections? I'd guess Tammy's daughter got caught up on a technicality before they even reviewed the application in depth, but I wonder what they're really looking for.

Oh, I'm sorry, Tammy. I don't envy the Davidson's people who have to make these decisions! I'm guessing they want to see achievement scores, too.

Keep us posted ...

I didn't realize that both types of test scores were needed when I applied for my dd. I received the same type of letter. I just arranged for the testing and sent in the scores. It is just one more step so don't stop now.

Summer

Hmmm...So is it even worth doing the portfolio, or am I just going to get a letter requesting more testing?

When I looked back at the requirements I noticed that it did, in fact, say IQ test AND achievement test required. So, I'm going to look into the achievement tests and find out how I can get one done.

The DA just called me. She said that dd was one of the borderline applicants and that if she did have achievement tests done that I should send them in to add to her application and they'd review it again. So I will call the school to see if they did any and if not I may look into having one done.

How nice, and how encouraging, and wouldn't it be great if the school has already administered an acceptable test. Very positive and very nice of them. Fingers crossed for you.