sixth grade
The first year of middle school is a very important year. If your child is not very involved with academics by now, it will be very hard for them to obtain this habit in the future. Start them strong this year and the habit will continue.
Step 1: Talent Searches
It is very important to start talent searches early, so if you have not registered for one by fifth grade, immediately apply to one in sixth. For more information about specific talent searches and which to apply to for your region, see my Fifth Grade page (step 1).
Step 2: Davidson
If you have not already applied to be a Davidson scholar, do so immediately. It is crucial that you apply to Davidson early, because they support you on your entire journey to college. For more information, see my Fifth Grade page (step 2) and visit davidsongifted.org.
Step 3: AoPs
If your student is highly gifted with mathematics, start frequently visiting the Art of Problem Solving website. Additionally, start enrolling your student in advanced math courses (if math is their strong suit). For more information, visit my Fifth Grade page (step 3), and visit artofproblemsolving.com and http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/School/recommendations.php#g6up.
Step 4: Competitions
There are many academic and art-related competitions for middle school students. It is very important for your child to become involved with these starting in middle school, so they can continue competing throughout high school (where it is important to note on your college application).
- Math Related: The AMC 8 and AMC 10/12 are nationwide math competitions held at schools and specific testing centers. The AMC 8 is a 25-question test that prepares students for the vigor of math olympiads to come. The AMC 10/12 are the first of a series of qualifying test for the national and international USA math olympiad team. Additionally, MATHCOUNTS is a competition held locally, and for successful students, state-wide and nationally as well. IT very well prepares students for the hard olympiad math to come! The ARML is a regional competition that is organized into teams. Try to find a local team, for it is a very reputable competition and very good experience. For more information see:
AMC 8: http://amc.maa.org/e-exams/e4-amc08/amc8.shtml
AMC 10: http://amc.maa.org/e-exams/e5-amc10/amc10.shtml
AMC 12: http://amc.maa.org/e-exams/e6-amc12/amc12.shtml
MATHCOUNTS: https://mathcounts.orgARML: http://www.arml.com/arml_development/page/index.php.
For a complete list of academic competitions (in categories such as Art, History, Math & Computer Science, Quiz Bowls and Multidisciplinary Contests, Science, and Writing), visit http://cty.jhu.edu/imagine/resources/competitions/index.html.
In addition, for preparation for these courses, visit the Art of Problem Solving Website: http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/School/index.php
Also, many areas have courses given by professors preparing students for these courses. (One example is the Avid Academy held in Irvine, CA. If this sounds like something you could use, see http://avidacademy.com/courses for more information.)
Step 5: Research and Projects
Many students do not have the capability to complete undergraduate-level research projects in sixth grade or even middle school. However, if your student does have this capability, it is very important that they start working now. For example, in 2012, a 14-year-old won $25,000 for him STEM project on drag and lift in cars (through Broadcom Masters). I recommend working with an Undergraduate professor at a university in your area, if possible.
For more information and programs accepting such projects visit http://www.societyforscience.org/masters and http://www.davidsongifted.org/fellows/.
Step 1: Talent Searches
It is very important to start talent searches early, so if you have not registered for one by fifth grade, immediately apply to one in sixth. For more information about specific talent searches and which to apply to for your region, see my Fifth Grade page (step 1).
Step 2: Davidson
If you have not already applied to be a Davidson scholar, do so immediately. It is crucial that you apply to Davidson early, because they support you on your entire journey to college. For more information, see my Fifth Grade page (step 2) and visit davidsongifted.org.
Step 3: AoPs
If your student is highly gifted with mathematics, start frequently visiting the Art of Problem Solving website. Additionally, start enrolling your student in advanced math courses (if math is their strong suit). For more information, visit my Fifth Grade page (step 3), and visit artofproblemsolving.com and http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/School/recommendations.php#g6up.
Step 4: Competitions
There are many academic and art-related competitions for middle school students. It is very important for your child to become involved with these starting in middle school, so they can continue competing throughout high school (where it is important to note on your college application).
- Math Related: The AMC 8 and AMC 10/12 are nationwide math competitions held at schools and specific testing centers. The AMC 8 is a 25-question test that prepares students for the vigor of math olympiads to come. The AMC 10/12 are the first of a series of qualifying test for the national and international USA math olympiad team. Additionally, MATHCOUNTS is a competition held locally, and for successful students, state-wide and nationally as well. IT very well prepares students for the hard olympiad math to come! The ARML is a regional competition that is organized into teams. Try to find a local team, for it is a very reputable competition and very good experience. For more information see:
AMC 8: http://amc.maa.org/e-exams/e4-amc08/amc8.shtml
AMC 10: http://amc.maa.org/e-exams/e5-amc10/amc10.shtml
AMC 12: http://amc.maa.org/e-exams/e6-amc12/amc12.shtml
MATHCOUNTS: https://mathcounts.orgARML: http://www.arml.com/arml_development/page/index.php.
For a complete list of academic competitions (in categories such as Art, History, Math & Computer Science, Quiz Bowls and Multidisciplinary Contests, Science, and Writing), visit http://cty.jhu.edu/imagine/resources/competitions/index.html.
In addition, for preparation for these courses, visit the Art of Problem Solving Website: http://www.artofproblemsolving.com/School/index.php
Also, many areas have courses given by professors preparing students for these courses. (One example is the Avid Academy held in Irvine, CA. If this sounds like something you could use, see http://avidacademy.com/courses for more information.)
Step 5: Research and Projects
Many students do not have the capability to complete undergraduate-level research projects in sixth grade or even middle school. However, if your student does have this capability, it is very important that they start working now. For example, in 2012, a 14-year-old won $25,000 for him STEM project on drag and lift in cars (through Broadcom Masters). I recommend working with an Undergraduate professor at a university in your area, if possible.
For more information and programs accepting such projects visit http://www.societyforscience.org/masters and http://www.davidsongifted.org/fellows/.