Malachi Rawlinson, North Ridge Middle School seventh-grade student, and Jacob Cohen, Smithfield Middle School seventh-grade student; are among the students being honored by the Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) for their exceptional scores on the ACT or SAT. They were recognized at the Grand Recognition Ceremony, on May 22 at Duke University’s Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Duke TIP’s 7th Grade Talent Search identifies students across the United States who have scored at or above the 95th percentile on a grade-level standardized test. As part of the program, these academically talented students take above-level college-entrance exams to learn more about their abilities. Duke TIP then hosts annual recognition ceremonies to honor the seventh graders with remarkable ACT or SAT scores. Those with the highest scores are invited to the Grand Recognition Ceremony. Of 53,843 students who took the exams through Duke TIP—all of whom are in the 95th percentile of their grade level—only 2,072 were invited to the Grand Recognition Ceremony.

“We are extremely proud to recognize our remarkably talented students who have demonstrated key aspects of their academic potential by achieving scores on the ACT or SAT approximately equal to the 90th percentile for college-bound high school seniors taking these tests,” says Shawna Young, Executive Director of Duke TIP. “As an alum of our 7th Grade Talent Search, I still remember how it felt to be recognized by Duke and TIP in seventh grade, as well as my excitement and anxiety at taking the SAT at such a young age. As an organization, we cherish the opportunity to celebrate each of our ceremonies’ honorees for such an outstanding accomplishment.”

Working with host academic institutions, Duke TIP sponsors thirty-six ceremonies in sixteen states throughout April, May, and June. Speakers include university administrators and professors from the host institutions, state and government officials, and accomplished former Duke TIP students. For a complete list of ceremony locations, dates, and times, please see Duke TIP’s State Ceremony schedule. For more information on the 7th Grade Talent Search, as well as Duke TIP’s 4th–6th Grade Talent Search for younger students, please visit www.tip.duke.edu.

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About Duke TIP: The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically talented youth. As a global leader in gifted education, Duke TIP works with students, families, and educators to identify, recognize, challenge, engage, and support gifted youth in reaching their highest potential. More than 2.8 million students have benefited from TIP programs and resources since 1980. Duke TIP’s talent identification, academic, and research programs now serve as worldwide models for the education of gifted students. For more information about Duke TIP, please visit www.tip.duke.edu.