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

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.

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:

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

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.