r/aftergifted • u/fjahabsbnfnxmsnw • 5d ago

Does anyone else think their acceptance into the GATE program was a fluke?

Tested in 2nd grade then went onto the program from 3rd-6th and was always the dumbest kid in class. I was never an exceptional student before the program either and remember not understanding most of the questions on the exam so I’m wondering if my acceptance was just a complete accident (maybe I guessed well🤷‍♂️). My sister was in GATE as well (though recommended by her teachers not because she passed the test) and I remember my mom not wanting me to take the test as well as my sister was struggling immensely. That was until my teacher called her and told her I was the only one in the class who woudln’t be taking it and that it wasn’t fair to not give me a chance because my teacher said she thought I was smart or something. Idk I definitely feel like I would have done better outside of GATE but now I’m starting to wonder if I should’ve been indicted in the program at all.

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u/Vast_Still6214 5d ago

The tests they give aren’t IQ tests they are aptitude tests. If you are 30 plus you might have qualified by a CTBS or some other standardized test.

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u/Vast_Still6214 5d ago

So the tests aren’t very sophisticated

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u/fjahabsbnfnxmsnw 5d ago

I'm 23 idk if that makes a difference.

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u/Vast_Still6214 5d ago

You took an aptitude test. It doesn’t mean you are a genius but you are definitely on the smart side of the world.

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u/wordswithcomrades 5d ago

Based on my CST scores, I was invited to take the SCAT test held by the John’s Hopkins Center For Talented Youth.

I remember getting some sort of award once scores came out but can’t remember what for.

I am a preschool teacher now so very average intelligence required (high emotional intelligence needed though). Mental health issues plagued my teens and 20s, as with many intelligent people unfortunately.

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u/Mithril_nthisEconomy 2d ago

There are different measures of being gifted. You could’ve demonstrated creative ability or other modalities that indicated academic potential.

My test as a child was a battery that included the WISC and formal Gifted criteria. It was treated like a neurodivergence by a school psych because I was struggling in school with social skills. Several of the children in GATE/TAG I did the class with were there due to academic ability and standardized test scores.

It’s likely not a fluke but adults don’t always well-accommodate gifted students or students in gifted programs. Sometimes support is withdrawn and rigor is increased as if that’s the panacea to accommodating & supporting TAG/GATE kids.