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SCAT Test by John Hopkins Center – FAQs, Preparation, and SCAT Scoring

The SCAT or School and College Ability Test is administered by John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (JH-CTY).

It is a computer-based assessment to identify the programs and services that are right for your child.

The SCAT test is an above-grade-level test to access your child’s Quantitative (Math) and Verbal reasoning skills.

Here you will find the most frequently asked questions about the SCAT Test, the right SCAT test prep strategy, everything about SCAT Scoring, and the General Dos and Don’ts.

SCAT Test – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the SCAT conducted by JH-CTY all about?

The SCAT (School and College Ability Test) by Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth is a computer-based assessment to identify the programs and services that are right for your child. It’s an above-grade-level test to assess your child’s Quantitative (Math) and Verbal reasoning skills.

2. Does the SCAT have levels?

The SCAT has three levels:

  • Elementary Level: Students in grades 2-3 take the Elementary SCAT designed for students in grades 4-5.
  • Intermediate Level: Students in grades 4-5 take the Intermediate SCAT designed for students in grades 6-8.
  • Advanced SCAT: Students in grades 6 and above take the Advanced SCAT designed for students in grades 9-12.

3. Is the SCAT a paper or online test?

The SCAT is an online test conducted at a Prometric Test Center.

4. Which time of the year is the SCAT held by CTY? When do I enroll my child for the SCAT?

The test is held from July 1 to June 30 of the next calendar year. Your child can answer the SCAT twice at any time during this period. To enroll your child, and for exact fees and deadlines, visit: JHU SCAT Fees page.

5. Can I select a convenient date for my child to answer the SCAT?

Yes, you can select a date (subject to availability) and submit the application three weeks before the desired test date. Try to take the test and get your eligible scores before February 1 to enjoy a wider range of Summer Programs and course options.

6. Can my child answer the SCAT multiple times during the year?

The SCAT may be taken twice during an academic year.

7. Can my child answer the SCAT every year?

Yes, you can answer the SCAT every year provided your child is between grades 3 to 8.

8. What is the format of the SCAT?

The SCAT has 2 sections –

1. Quantitative Section – Questions in a 2-column format that measure mathematical reasoning ability and do not require computation.

2. Verbal Section – Questions are multiple-choice analogies, that require a student to choose the best pair of words to complete an analogy.

The section has 55 questions that include 5 unidentified experimental items that do not count toward the student’s score. Students are given 22 minutes for each section with a 10-minute optional break between the sections.

Preparing for SCAT

1. Which subjects does my child need to prep for the test?

Quantitative Section (Math): The quantitative section measures a student’s knowledge of fundamental number operations. The quantitative questions are multiple-choice mathematical comparisons, which require a student to compare two mathematical quantities.

Verbal Section (English): The verbal section measures a student’s knowledge of the meaning of words and verbal reasoning ability. Verbal questions are multiple-choice analogies, which require a student to choose the best pair of words to complete an analogy.

2. What is the duration of the SCAT?

Each of the two SCAT sections is 22 minutes long, with additional time for tutorials. They are separated by a 10-minute break. The break is optional and student-directed. The total test time is for 60-75 minutes. Your appointment time will be for 90 minutes, but most students complete testing in one hour or less.

3. How many questions are there on the SCAT?

The SCAT has two sections: Verbal and Quantitative. Each section contains 55 questions which include five unidentified experimental items that do not count toward the student’s score.

4. Is there a curriculum to prepare for the SCAT?

No. Johns Hopkins does not suggest any curriculum for the SCAT. It is the overall quantitative and verbal ability of a student that is tested. However, you can access sample SCAT questions here at eTutorWorld or at JHU.

5. How many days of preparation does my child need for the SCAT?

SCAT prep time for every child is different. It depends on the child’s overall quantitative and verbal ability. You could connect to one of eTutorWorld’s counselors to diagnose your child’s strengths and areas for improvement and also to understand the procedure for SCAT prep.

6. Are there any teachers that specialize in SCAT Test Prep and can help my child?

eTutorWorld has a team of online tutors who have helped students with SCAT prep for the past 4 years. We’ve had a 90% success rate with these students. Our SCAT tutors, by experience and with their proficiency help students to practice, improve, and perfect skills that are required to score well on an SCAT.

SCAT Scoring

1. How is the SCAT scored?

The raw score is calculated separately for each SCAT section by computing the total number of questions answered correctly out of the 50 scored questions. Scaled scores are calculated from the raw scores. Scaled scores on the SCAT range from 400–514 depending on the section and level of the test.

2. What is the difference between Raw and Scaled scores?

While the raw score is calculated by computing the total number of questions answered correctly out of the 50 scored questions. Scaled scores range from 400 to 514, according to the level of the test as follows:

Level Section No. of Questions Raw Score Range Scaled Score Range
Elementary SCAT Quantitative 55 0-50 412-475
Verbal 55 0-50 401-471
Intermediate SCAT Quantitative 55 0-50 419-506
Verbal 55 0-50 405-482
Advanced SCAT Quantitative 55 0-50 424-514
Verbal 55 0-50 410-494

3. What should my child’s SCAT score be to get selected for the JHU summer program?

h

Elementary Level

Verbal Range = 401-471
Quantitative Range = 412-475

h

Intermediate Level

Verbal Range = 405-482
Quantitative Range = 419-506

h

Advanced Level

Verbal Range = 410-494
Quantitative Range = 424-514

This scaled score is based on the number of questions the student answers correctly out of the 50 scored questions in each section.

4. Is there any penalty for incorrect answers on the SCAT?

On the SCAT there is no penalty for incorrect answers, so there is no risk in guessing. The score for each correct answer is the same so try to answer most questions correctly.

5. How and when will we receive my child’s SCAT scores?

You can view the test results on the JHU MyCTY page after 5 days of your child taking the test.

You will also receive test results by mail from CTY three weeks after taking the test.

6. Are the 2 sections on the SCAT scored independently or together?

Each section is scored independently.

7. What after the SCAT?

The SCAT helps your child to discover her math and verbal skills. Your child could qualify for the various CTY courses. All students receive a testing certificate. As a top scorer, your child will be invited to special recognition ceremonies.

8. Who do we contact if I have a SCAT-related question or issue?

Please contact the CTY-JHU office for any issues that you have. For SCAT information, please visit the CTY-JHU page.

General Dos and Don’ts

  • Basic Math concepts are the key to solving complex SCAT problems. So work on fundamental math concepts before getting on to complicated problem-solving.
  • Regular Practice with the 2-column format helps answer SCAT questions faster.
  • Mental Math is the route to Speed Math and that certainly matters on the SCAT!
  • Memorizing tables (at-least up to 20) saves time on calculations.
  • Memorizing basic algebra and geometry formulae helps comprehend and solve questions appropriately.
  • Memorizing squares and square roots of some numbers helps make precise estimates.
  • For better vocabulary read 5-10 pages of a book every day and look up the dictionary for unfamiliar words.
  • On the analogies, read the question pair of words 3-4 times to understand the relationship between them.
  • Don’t ponder over a question for more than 30 seconds. Revisit it after finishing the rest of the test.
  • Do the guesswork. Remember, there’s NO penalty for wrong answers.
  • A good night’s rest the night before will help concentrate on your SCAT test.
  • Read the questions carefully to identify what is required in the question
  • Pack your bag on the eve of your SCAT test to avoid last minute panic.
  • Feel positive and confident-that will help you challenge yourself to do better