ASMSA’s Talent Identification Program (ASMSA-TIP) is specifically designed to identify and develop talent in students in 6th-9th grade in Arkansas. ASMSA-TIP provides sustained opportunities for high ability learners to explore and develop their talents throughout the academic year. As program participants, ASMSA-TIP students, families, and educators gain access to enrichment programming, curated digital content focused on gifted learning, above-level testing, and guidance on nurturing academic strengths and socio-emotional development.
How Does ASMSA-TIP Identify Talent?
A student qualifies to participate in ASMSA-TIP if they are currently in the 6th-9th grade in Arkansas and meet any one of the following three criteria:
- The student scored in the 90th percentile on one or more subtests of a state or national standardized grade-level exam. For Arkansas students, this typically means scoring Level 4 (Advanced) on one or more subtests of the ATLAS assessment.
- The student has been formally identified as gifted or talented by their school district.
- The student has been recommended as gifted or talented by a teacher, administrator, or educational community leader (Scout leader, camp counselor, etc.).
What Does Participation in ASMSA-TIP Look Like for a Student?
At the center of all of our ASMSA-TIP programming is a drive to engage student curiosity and help students ignite their passion for learning. ASMSA-TIP provides three pathways for participants.
Discovery Pathway (6th-grade Students)
This introductory, enrichment-focused pathway helps gifted students explore their interests, build foundational skills, and connect with a community of like-minded peers. This pathway includes access to curated digital content, invitations to in-person events, and family focused resources free of charge.
Testing Pathway (7th-grade Students & First-Time 8th-Grade Participants)
The hallmark of this pathway is participation in the ACT as an above-level test, providing students and families with detailed insight into academic strengths and college readiness. In addition to digital content, in-person events, and family resources, participants receive a voucher to take the ACT and guidance on how to interpret above-level test scores. Participants receive customized guidance from ASMSA-TIP based on their ACT score report, and there is the opportunity for statewide recognition based on performance. A $95 testing fee applies.
Alumni Pathway (Returning 8th-grade & 9th-grade Students)
Designed for students who have completed the ACT through ASMSA-TIP in a previous year, the Alumni Pathway offers ongoing enrichment opportunities, special invitations to events, and digital content that deepens academic and personal development. Participation is free for all eligible students.
How Much Does It Cost to be a Part of ASMSA-TIP?
The Discovery Pathway is presented free of charge to any student who qualifies for ASMSA-TIP participation.
The Testing Pathway has a $95 fee which helps to cover the cost of testing and the development of the participant’s personalized score report. Through internal and external funding, ASMSA-TIP offers a limited number of Testing Pathway scholarships for families with financial need. To request a scholarship, please contact our office at talent@asmsa.org after you have registered your child for the Testing Pathway.
The Alumni Pathway is presented free of charge to any student who has previously taken the ACT as an above-level test with ASMSA-TIP.
How Do I Enroll or Recommend a Student?
If you are a parent/guardian:
- Complete and submit the 2026-2027 registration form, which can be found by clicking here. If your pathway has fees, no fees are charged at this point in the process. Please complete and submit the registration form even if you plan to request a scholarship for the Testing Pathway.
- ASMSA staff will process your student’s registration. If there are fees associated with your registration, an invoice will be sent to the email provided in the registration form.
- After payment has been made or a scholarship has been awarded (if applicable), an email will be sent to the email address provided during registration notifying you of your student’s enrollment in ASMSA-TIP along with any next steps.
If you are an educator:
We encourage you to share information with all qualified students and families who may benefit from participating in the program. You may recommend promising students even if they are not currently receiving gifted services from your district. Participating in ASMSA-TIP can provide families with valuable insights into their child’s potential, and completing an above-level test like the ACT is a low-risk, high-value opportunity for students with demonstrated academic ability. If you would like to request resources to help with the recommendation process, please contact our office at talent@asmsa.org.
My Student has Been Enrolled in ASMSA-TIP… Now What?
Welcome to the ASMSA-TIP community! Here are some next steps:
- If you are on the Testing Pathway and have received your ACT voucher, identify a 2025-2026 test date and register for the ACT test.
- Monthly newsletters and other communication will be sent to the email addresses we have on file for your family. Make sure that emails from talent@asmsa.org are not sent to your spam folder.
Does ASMSA-TIP Have Programs for Educators?
ASMSA-TIP provides year-round enrichment, above-level testing opportunities, and socio-emotional support for high-potential 6th- to 9th-grade students. As an educator, you play a critical role in identifying and supporting these students, and we’re here to support you in return.
Any Arkansas K-12 educator who works with advanced learners is welcome to join ASMSA-TIP as an Educator. Additionally, we welcome GT coordinators, district leaders, school counselors, and administrators from across the state.
As a member of the ASMSA-TIP Educator Community, you’ll receive:
- Access to curated digital resources, including lesson ideas, social-emotional development tools, and materials to share with families.
- Invitations to free in-person professional development events held throughout the year at ASMSA’s Hot Springs campus.
- Recognition as a partner in talent development and opportunities to bring events to your region.
- Support and guidance in advocating for gifted students in your classroom, school, or district.
Thanks to internal support, participation in ASMSA-TIP as an educator is free.
About the Program
I received a letter from you, but how did ASMSA-TIP receive my child’s information?The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts (ASMSA) has a partnership with the Arkansas Department of Education that allows us access to the contact information of students who have been identified as academically advanced
via either their ATLAS scores or a Gifted & Talented designation. We received your contact information from this data share agreement
My child did not receive a letter from ASMSA-TIP, but we are still interested in the program. Can we participate?
Yes, you are eligible to participate in ASMSA-TIP as long as your child meets one of the following criteria:
- The student scored in the 90th percentile on one or more subtests of a state or national standardized grade-level exam. For Arkansas students, this typically means scoring Level 4 (Advanced) on one or more subtests of the ATLAS assessment.
- The student has been formally identified as gifted or talented by their school district.
- The student has been recommended as gifted or talented by a teacher, administrator, or educational community leader.
Is ASMSA-TIP a replacement for my child’s current school or educational program?
No. ASMSA-TIP is intended to supplement your child’s current education. It is not a curriculum or a substitute for schooling. Instead, our programs provide access to above-level testing that can be used to help identify and understand your child’s
skills and talents as well as additional enrichment opportunities through field trips, competitions, activities, etc.
What does my child have to do as a participant in ASMSA-TIP?
Students on the Testing Pathway are expected to complete the ACT as an above-level test. For students on the Discovery, Testing, and Alumni pathways, ASMSA-TIP will offer a variety of digital resources and in-person enrichment opportunities. We encourage all families to take advantage of these resources and activities as they are able, but none of these activities are required.
Does my child have to reside in or visit Hot Springs to participate in ASMSA-TIP?
No. While we will offer activities throughout the year on our campus in Hot Springs, these are entirely optional. If your child is on the Testing Pathway, the required ACT is taken at a national testing center (usually a local high school) convenient for your family.
How is ASMSA-TIP related to ASMSA and/or admission to the high school?
ASMSA-TIP is an outreach program offered by our institution to fulfill ASMSA’s mission to serve gifted and talented students and educators across the state. It is not a direct to admissions pathway, or an early admissions program, for the high school. There is no expectation that your child will attend ASMSA even if they participate in ASMSA-TIP.
Is there a deadline for registration for the ASMSA-TIP program?
The earlier you register your child for ASMSA-TIP and pay the Testing Pathway fee (if applicable) the more events, opportunities, and ACT test dates are available to you. Registration for the yearly cohort is open until mid-December. Invoices must be paid by February 1 in order to ensure that your child has several opportunities to register for the ACT.
What is covered by the $95 Testing Pathway fee?
If your child is on the Testing Pathway, the $95 program fee includes a voucher to take the ACT with science (valued at $75) and an individualized score report for your family once ASMSA-TIP has received your child’s score. The fee also includes access to all events, opportunities, and resources offered through ASMSA-TIP.
Are there scholarships or fee waivers available?
Yes. Thanks to internal and external funding, we have a limited number of scholarships available for first-time testers with ASMSA-TIP. If you would like to request a scholarship, you can contact our office directly after registering your child for the Testing Pathway.
What kind of events does ASMSA-TIP host?
As a participant in ASMSA-TIP, you will be eligible to register your child for a variety of on campus enrichment activities, including math competitions (AMC 10/12, AMC 8), physics competitions (F=MA), chess competitions, field trip experiences, Saturday workshops, and summer camps. These activities are presented at no cost and are shared with families via our monthly newsletter alongside curated digital resources for your child and family.
About The ACT & Above-Level Testing
Is ASMSA-TIP an ACT prep program?
No. ASMSA-TIP utilizes the ACT as an above-level test, a tool that helps you to better understand your child’s ability. Beyond developing an understanding of the test and building confidence about the testing process, we do not offer ACT prep, nor do we encourage intense studying for 7th or 8th grade ACT testing.
What is an above-level test?
The ACT is an exam typically used to assess the college readiness of 11th- and 12th-grade students. When students who are significantly younger take the ACT, that is a process called above-level testing. Above-level testing has been used for decades in national talent search programs, and research shows that it is one of the most effective ways to identify advanced strengths, guide personalized learning, and better understand your child’s readiness for future academic opportunities.
Why would a 7th or 8th-grader take the ACT?
When gifted students consistently score at the ceiling (top) of grade-level tests, it becomes difficult to accurately measure their abilities. That’s where above-level testing comes in. Above-level testing using more challenging assessments like the ACT to provide a more accurate and nuanced picture of a student’s advanced strengths. In this context, the ACT becomes a better ruler for measuring talent.
Is my child ready to take the ACT?
Yes! Taking the ACT as a 7th- or 8th-grader isn’t about earning the highest score or being “college ready” today. Instead, it’s about exploring your child’s potential and giving them the opportunity to grow with support. ASMSA-TIP provides personalized feedback to help families understand results and plan meaningful next steps. While we do celebrate students who meet college readiness benchmarks, we believe every participant benefits from the experience regardless of their score.
Are there any potential negative outcomes from taking the ACT early?
Risks associated with above-level testing are minimal. We provide a guide and encourage families to have conversations and prepare their child for the ACT experience, as they will often be the youngest in the room. These conversations are focused on limiting test anxiety and building confidence about the experience. Many educational institutions are familiar with the above-level testing process and talent search programs like ASMSA-TIP. A 7th- or 8th-grade ACT score does not negatively impact future college scholarships or college admissions.
When, where, and how will my child take the ACT?
Once your child is enrolled in the Testing Pathway, ASMSA-TIP will provide you with a unique voucher code as well as instructions on how to register for the ACT and send your score to ASMSA-TIP. The ACT is offered at multiple testing centers throughout the state on National ACT Testing dates, so you are welcome to choose the testing date and center that is most convenient for you.
Should my child wait to take the ACT?
As a participant on the Testing Pathway, your child must take the ACT. ASMSA-TIP has no data to show that delaying the test (waiting until later in the school year) significantly improves your child’s overall performance. As a result, we recommend taking the test as soon as possible within your family’s schedule.
What kind of feedback will I receive about my child’s performance or growth?
ASMSA-TIP provides personalized, developmentally appropriate feedback to help you and your child make sense of their ACT results as an above-level test. Families receive a detailed score report along with subject-specific recommendations to support academic growth and future planning.
Does ASMSA-TIP recognize strong performances on the ACT?
Students who meet ACT’s college readiness benchmarks in one or more subject areas are eligible for public recognition from ASMSA at the end of the cohort year (September). Whether your student reaches those benchmarks or not, all our feedback emphasizes growth mindset, self-reflection, and using this experience as a launch pad for continued learning and exploration.
Will ASMSA share my child’s information and ACT scores?
If we are given permission at the time of registration, ASMSA-TIP will gladly share an executive summary of your child’s ACT score with the GT coordinator at your child’s district. ASMSA-TIP also participates in research partnerships with other talent search organizations. At registration, you will be provided with information on these partnerships and you will be given the opportunity to opt in for your child. Sharing your child’s information (with educational partners or as part of larger research partnerships) is not required for participation in the program.
Who should I contact if I have more questions?
Our office can be contacted via email (talent@asmsa.org) or via phone (501.622.5116). Our office is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.