I think it's fixed number. It is a paper test,

does the test have a fixed number of questions that every one takes or does it keep going till the child get a certain number in a row wrong. Otherwise, will they be taking a 3rd grade level test or can they also be tested on 4th grade questions.

Anonymous wrote:The test is a version of the COGAT. You can find COGAT prep books online or at asian grocery stores.

Seriously?

Anonymous wrote:OP again. Just learned that second graders also get some screening in the spring. How does that work and how could I arrange that for a younger sibling when that DC is in second grade? TY.

2nd grade screening is just to label kids as gifted--it has nothing to do with HGC entry.

OP again. Just learned that second graders also get some screening in the spring. How does that work and how could I arrange that for a younger sibling when that DC is in second grade? TY.

This is information I have found after much searching. The test is a version of the COGAT. You can find COGAT prep books online or at asian grocery stores.
It is helpful to work on analogies, sequencing and visualization in space (cogat uses paper folding and other exercises).

The COGAT is a standardized assessment similar to an IQ test, but more focused on academics. For example, it does not have a section to measure processing speed or working memory like the WISC-IV. Your child's scores will be generated by comparing the number of his right answers to those of other children his age.

With tests like these, a certain amount of familiarity with the type of questions, length of the exam, and method of writing the answer (bubbles to fill out) will increase the chances of a higher score. However, practice can't work miracles, it just allows a child to function to his maximum potential, whatever it may be.

PP gave you the link. Keep an eye out for all deadlines, and go to the "information" meeting this fall.
Your child will not be at a disadvantage.
Know that entry to an HGC is extremely selective, and somewhat non-transparent, since you do not what the teacher has written about you and how much weight the committee gives to other criteria, such as class demographics. Scores do count for a lot, as they should.
Appeals are usually denied. If your child is rejected, he may be waitlisted upon appeal but will be stuck there. An appeal may work better with a child already on the waitlist.

They test private school applicants as a group in January. Notification will very likely be after you have to commit to your private school for 4th grade, so unless your private is willing to cut you some slack, you are likely to have to eat at least the deposit.

Many say here that the test is the main factor in the application and as a private applicant from the past, I'd say that's true. I don't think they take other things into account as they have plenty of qualified kids who score high on the test that they can just take the top.

Your child will be on equal footing with public school students vis-a-vis the entrance process. Definitely keep an eye on application deadlines and the testing date.

I know several families whose children went from private to the HGC program.

Good luck!

January

Thanks for the link. Elsewhere that website says to check back later for more info and the application. Does anyone know when the test is administered? I am guessing in the fall, but if notification is not until April, maybe the test is not until January?

MoCo does not tell you what the test is and you do not submit any outside testing.

Wondering about the process and whether DC will be treated differently (could be better or worse, or just different) from the main pool of applicants. Obviously any teacher recommendation will be from a name MCPS will not know, although the current school is well regarded.

How does a child prepare for the test and when is it offered? Not the WISC, as I understand, so do we need to/should we submit any a WISC scores as part of the process.

TIA for any advice.