Gifted and Talented Exam
January 11th, 2013

A gifted and talented exam, commonly called a GATE exam or test, is used to determine whether or not a child belongs in advanced placement, gifted, talented or high-achiever classes. In some cases, this may mean a school transfer or at least being moved to a separate classroom set aside for gifted students. In other cases, it may simply mean moving your child to a different class within the same school. While having your child place into a gifted and talented program is a highly sought-after goal, preparing for the exams and tests required to gain entry is a nerve-wracking and unpredictable process.

Taking a gifted and talented exam is never stress-free, but there are steps you can take to reduce anxiety in yourself and your child. Remember that children are intuitive, and they will pick up on your own stress. They may also be feeling pressure from their school. Reducing this stress is crucial. Test-taking anxiety can be crippling, nearly paralyzing children with fear. As a result, inaccurately low scores are obtained and a truly gifted child may remain in a class far below his true level. For information on gifted children and programs designed to meet their needs, visit http://www.nagc.org/.

Test preparation is your best weapon against anxiety. The testing process seems daunting, but there are steps you can take to immediately minimize your own anxiety and that of your child. Determine which test your child will be given, then find sample and practice questions online. This will familiarize your child with the test’s format, cutting down dramatically on anxiety. She’ll go in at least knowing how the process works. Since most tests of this type are based on innate intelligence and not learned material, studying is usually not necessary. Being calm and relaxed will allow your child’s true abilities to shine through.