School and College Ability Test (SCAT) is a standardized test conducted by the John Hopkins Center for students in grades 2 to 8. Elementary SCAT, Intermediate SCAT, and Advanced SCAT are the three levels of the test administered to 2nd and 3rd graders, 4th and 5th graders, and 6th to 8th graders, respectively. This above-grade-level test is used to measure the verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities in talented youth/gifted children.
The test contains two sections, verbal and quantitative, with 55 multiple choice questions each. SCAT scaled scores for the Advanced level range from 410 to 494 for the verbal section and from 424 to 514 for the quantitative section. The test duration ranges from less than an hour to 90 minutes, depending on the test-takers’ comfort level. Ideally, it takes 22 minutes per section with a 10-minute break.
Advanced SCAT Prep through Online Learning
Preparation for Advanced SCAT can be done through online learning. Online learning has become the new norm this year due to brick-and-mortar classrooms closing down as a result of a global pandemic. Teachers and students have adapted to the online learning environment out of necessity and with ease with the help of digital learning tools.
You can register with an online test prep service for Advanced SCAT practice test programs and worksheets to help your child prepare for Advanced SCAT 2020-2021. The practice tests are prepared by experienced tutors and what’s more, you also get performance reports and correct answers with explanations for each test.
Here are some tips to help 6th to 8th graders with their Advanced SCAT prep.
5 Tips for Successful Advanced SCAT Prep
- Go through sample SCAT test questions: Familiarizing your child with the SCAT question format will make it easier for him or her to take the actual test. Take printouts of the sample SCAT questions (which are available online) in verbal and quantitative sections and give them to your child along with scrap papers to work out the answers.
- Don’t expect to know the answers to all the questions: As an above-grade-level test, your child is not expected to know all the answers since the test is designed for students in a grade or two above your child’s. Therefore, advise your child not to panic for not knowing all the answers.
- Read each question carefully: Your child must answer all the questions, especially in a multiple-choice question paper. There is no negative scoring for wrong answers in SCAT. Advise your child to read each question carefully and select the best answer but also not to spend too much time on any one question and neglect the rest.
- Make use of Advanced SCAT practice test programs: Practice taking Advanced SCAT online to perfect your child’s test-taking skills. Focus on familiarizing him or her with the question format and the test duration. Choose a reliable online tutor service for your child’s SCAT prep and to get access to worksheets and SCAT practice tests prepared by experienced tutors.
- Be thorough when answering multiple-choice questions: In multiple-choice questions, first, always eliminate the least likely options and choose the best option left as the probable answer. Before submitting the test, it’s good to go through all the questions and answers once again but do not second-guess too much at the last moment.
In addition to the above-mentioned tips, there are a few things that students and parents should keep in mind, such as:
- Creating a study schedule/timetable for SCAT prep with breaks to stimulate the mind.
- Getting proper rest the night before the test date.
- Eating a healthy and nutritious breakfast before taking the test.
- Ensuring the system (desktop, laptop, or tablet) and Internet connection are in working order before taking the test.
- Staying calm and taking deep breaths when having panic attacks before or during the test.
Here’s wishing you all the very best for Advanced SCAT preparation!
