Transition School Early Entrance Program TS EEP

University of Washington Robinson Center for Young Scholars UW RCYS

Nov 6, 2008 Carla Marie Boulianne

Through radical acceleration, Robinson Center TS EEP meets the needs of profoundly gifted students not served by traditional lock-step education models.

Some profoundly gifted children are ready for college as young as age eleven or twelve. For these highly gifted kids, radical acceleration within a strong support system is the best way to reach their fullest academic and personal potential. Only three U.S. colleges offer this early entrance option to the youngest scholars. One of the nation's preeminent centers for gifted education research, the Robinson Center at University of Washington Seattle, expertly guides exceptionally gifted students through their early transitions to college.

University of Washington Transition/Early Entrance Program (TS EEP) Background

The Halbert and Nancy Robinson Center for Young Scholars is located on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. It is one of a few premiere research centers consistently producing ground-breaking work in gifted education. The Transition School at the Robinson Center accepts highly gifted students who have completed sixth grade and are under age fifteen. During their first year on campus, gifted kids attend self-contained college preparation courses at the center before transitioning into the regular university population. The program is nonresidential; students ideally live in a family arrangement for the first two years of the program.

Robinson Center for Young Scholars Transition School/Early Entrance Program (TS EEP) Structure

While taking their first college courses in a "one-room schoolhouse" setting, gifted students meet weekly for individual tutorial sessions on study skills, time management, and navigating the “UW bureaucracy.” Group seminars focus on selection of appropriate university-level course work. Transition School students take frequent educational and recreational field trips. A strong support system provides for emotional well being, but the primary focus during Transition School is on teaching gifted students self-sufficiency in seeking help when they need it.

Robinson Center for Young Scholars Transition School/Early Entrance Program (TS EEP) Environment

Opportunities for peer socialization abound in a lounge area equipped with mental toys, games, and thought provoking reading materials. Tables covered with on-going projects draw group interest and the level of camaraderie among students relaxing between classes on the semi-circle of sofas is readily apparent to casual observers. One teen teaches another a swing dance step while two others discuss an interesting book. Another works on a complex math problem, pausing to join in the conversation. These highly gifted kids laugh and smile while engaging friends who are both intellectual and social peers.

Robinson Center for Young Scholars Transition School/Early Entrance Program (TS EEP) Application and Admissions

Applicants must be Washington state residents, present ACT scores above the 85th percentile, and obtain two strong teacher recommendations. The Robinson Center predicts a higher success rate when a highly gifted student has an actively involved, supportive family and factors this into acceptance. Tuition for 2008-2009 is $11,370 excluding books, lodging, and personal expenses. The Robinson Center TS EEP program reviews roughly ninety complete applications each year and accepts up to sixteen Transition School students.

Robinson Center for Young Scholars Transition School/Early Entrance Program (TS EEP) Fast Facts

• Starting grade: 7th grade and up for highly gifted students under age 15
• Program length: 5 years
• Residential: No, students must live in a family setting.
• Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences
• Application minimum requirements: ACT scores above 85th percentile, two outstanding teacher recommendations given through extensive phone interviews, strong family support; homeschool transcripts welcome
• Admission deadlines: ACT testing before December recommended, information session in early January, applications due in mid-March with interviews and acceptance by late May
• Estimated annual costs: $11,370 (2008-2009)
• Average annual acceptance: 16 highly gifted students
• Contact information: (206) 543-4160

Early Entrance Programs for Profoundly Gifted Students – More Radical Acceleration Options for Exceptionally Gifted Kids

In addition to University of Washington's TS-EEP, California State University Los Angeles (CSULA EEP) and Mary Baldwin College (PEG) also offer early entrance to the youngest scholars. The TS EEP, CSULA EEP, and PEG programs carefully select exceptionally gifted students at a young age who have demonstrated social-emotional maturity, strong academic performance, and a high level of motivation. These programs’ highly trained professionals identify early entrance candidates who demonstrate a high probability for future success with compellingly positive outcomes.

The copyright of the article Transition School Early Entrance Program TS EEP in Parenting a Gifted Child is owned by Carla Marie Boulianne. Permission to republish Transition School Early Entrance Program TS EEP in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

UW Transition School Early Entrance Program	Go to College Early at Robinson Center's TS-EEP	Study at University of Washington
Robin Center for Young Scholars at UW Seattle	Early Entrance in Beautiful Seattle

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