Gifted Program Frustration
I just found out that I scored in the 99th percentile for the math section of the gifted test, but my reading and English scores were only in the 66th percentile, even though I answered those questions correctly. I’m currently in 8th grade, and it’s really frustrating because the acceptance requirement is an average of 97th percentile, and I ended up with a 91. I really feel like I deserve to be accepted, but I didn’t do well on the puzzles.
I’m wondering if I should try taking the test again in high school. Are there any benefits to retaking it? Right now, I’m in honors Algebra II, and that’s about it for advanced classes.
It’s understandable to feel frustrated after working hard and not getting the results you hoped for, especially when you’re so close to meeting the requirements. Scoring 99 percentile in math is an incredible achievement, and it shows you have strong skills in that area.
Regarding your reading and English scores, it might help to reflect on why you scored lower there—sometimes test anxiety or misunderstanding the questions can impact scores. If you’re confident you answered correctly, it might be worth discussing it with a teacher or counselor to see if there’s any way to address it.
As for retaking the test in high school, yes, many students do choose to take it again to improve their scores, especially if they believe they can do better. Higher scores could strengthen your application for gifted programs or advanced classes, and it shows you’re committed to your academic growth. Just remember to keep working on your reading and English skills in the meantime. Good luck!