The Midwest Academic Talent Search (MATS), formerly known as the Midwest Talent Search (MTS) is “a program of the Center for Talent Development (CTD) that offers above-grade-level testing for academically talented students in grades 3-9.”  Essentially, qualified middle school students are able to take the SAT and compare their scores to high school students.  CTD is run by Northwestern University and is basically a course-based program for advanced students.  There are also some semi-prestigious awards given out by CTD for strong performance on MATS.

I took my first SAT in 6th grade through MTS, and continued to take it in 7th and 8th grade. Yes, I even think that is too early, but my mother is crazy.  But I won’t lie, after taking the SAT three times in middle school, I no longer was scared of the test – early exposure obviously had its advantages.  But I still have so many parents approach me to tell me they want to enroll their fifth grader or 7th grader in my class.  Any semi-rigorous test prep program will usually be fruitless for younger students.  Just take for example, essays – think of the essays you were asked to write in middle school.  Oh wait, usually you don’t have to write essays in middle school, just page-long blurbs on your thoughts.  Writing skills (or math and reading skills) develop over time, and unless a student is accelerated in all three they are just going to waste their time.  Bottom line: early exposure to standardized testing is good, but don’t stress rigorous training and preparation for these tests.

The MATS has a sister program known as EXPLORE. The EXPLORE test was created by the American College Testing Service, who we better know as the writers for the SAT. The EXPLORE is just one of many standardized tests that is given to 8th graders. However, through the CTD, 3-6th graders are encouraged to take EXPLORE to discover their abilities.

In all honesty, performing well on these tests won't really show any natural aptitude in children - it will show whether they have been mentally stimulated. The CTD has students take the tests, and then recruit them for summer or internet programs. The real advantage of the MATS and EXPLORE is to challenge kids by giving early exposure to "stressful" tests.

Preparation for Young'ns (or young guns)