Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Learning Environments Natl Merit Scholars as High School indicator

Quite interesting, isn't it?

By Ruf definition, 1 out of 200, is a level 4, which is what NM semifinalists may be. To do well on the NM test, you need good preparation and a high level of smarts. From my recollection of the test, smart kids without a wide-ranging education, either deliberate or autodidactical, will be at a disadvantage.

To put this in human perspective, in my HS we only had 2 NM when I graduated. A lot of students were honorable mentions. All of these have PHDs as well as one of the NM kids. I am the only kid in my AP math class ( with 11 students ) who did not get a PHD or MD. Furthermore, many in my class with PHDs or MDs are directors or top level admins in their professions as well. Very successful people. Very hard workers. But not as wide ranging an intellectual curiosity from my recollection.

Looking at the data, I see three basic groupings.

First, demographic concentration. San Jose has a ton of very bright people and they will have bright kids and will manage their education. And demand excellent Public schools. Great work ethics round them out. With an open admission policy, these types of schools may be the best bet for most GT kids whose parents decide the move is worth it.

Second, just normal occurrence. One or two kids here or there. These schools have good programs and are worth a short move to ensure kids get the best that parents can live with given their situation.

Third, selective admission and excellent instruction. I see a few private and public schools with 10-30% of their class NMSF in a large metro area. Most of the so-called magnet schools don't have that many. There are just two schools with about 30% NMSF. One in NYC and one in Dallas. These schools are a long shot for most parents and kids, but they usually have very strong financial support and a strong community. And a great education is a virtual certainty.

Another interesting point is that with a few exceptions, most of the "elite" schools with selective admissions do not have many NMSF. One explanation is that they are not skillful at picking and then educating kids to the best of their abilities. Another is that the parents of the brighter kids may make wiser choices about resource allocation. Or, the school really markets to a different segment.