What is the SCAT?

Since 1979, John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth in Maryland has offered a variety of STEM and Humanities courses, both in-person and online, for students in grades 2 through 12. The SCAT test is their personal “entrance exam,” as its results only apply towards passing requirements or placing into advanced courses with a higher score requirement.

SCAT Test Breakdown

Students can use previously earned results from other accepted standardized tests – if they scored in the 98th percentile or higher. When that is not possible, the SCAT is the recommended alternative. Simply structured, it has only 2 sections, Quantitative and Verbal, and each section has only 1 question type: quantitative comparisons for math, made famous by the makers of the ISEE and GRE exams, and word analogies for verbal. The test itself is also short, around 45 minutes long in total. What is then, that makes the SCAT so challenging?

A Very Tight Time Limit

The time limit in each section is 20 minutes for 50 questions (the online, at-home version). For the testing center version, it’s 22 minutes for 55 questions. That means a student has to answer about 3 questions per minute within the given time frame. Regular practice can help them build up to that time management.

Concepts and Vocabulary 2-3 Grade Levels Higher

2nd and 3rd graders have 4th and 5th grade concepts and vocabulary included in the Elementary SCAT, 4th and 5th graders have middle school level (6th, 7th, and 8th grade) concepts and vocabulary on the Intermediate SCAT, and students in 6th grade or higher have high school level math and vocabulary on the Advanced SCAT. To pass the SCAT, a student needs to score around 60-70% for Verbal, while Quantitative requires around 70-80% – depending on which season, spring or winter, they take the test. Only 2 test takes are allowed per academic school year.

Unique Question Types

Quantitative comparisons and analogies are notoriously difficult because they don’t just pinpoint concept knowledge. These questions test analytical reasoning skills; for that reason alone, many students struggle with the multiple steps involved in solving them. Being able to quickly recognize analogy bridges or connections and compare two columns of numbers is critical.

What Can Be Done to Prepare?

Vocabulary study, analogy practice, math review, and quantitative comparison practice are the main ways to prepare for the SCAT. While there aren’t many SCAT materials commercially available, other exams like the CogAT, which have more test prep materials, also focus on analogies by grade level, and quantitative comparison practice for the ISEE exams definitely exists. Familiarity with both question types and efficient test preparation, especially time management, are important factors in SCAT success. Here are some recommendations to get started:

• analogy workbooks (designated by grade level)
• free online resources for math review like Prodigy Game and SplashLearn
• comprehensive math workbooks: Mastering Essential Math series by Richard Fisher
• vocabulary study: Quizlet, Memrise, Vocabulary Workshop series, free interactive vocab lessons for grades 3-8 at TypingClub.com

Doesn’t the CTY Recommend No Test Prep For the SCAT?

Test preparation is always a choice, but it’s never a waste of time. Being ready and motivated to achieve a desired goal is a life lesson all children should learn early to succeed in their future academics and beyond. It’s my belief as a test prep tutor that every child benefits from at least some preparation before taking an unfamiliar test, no matter how advanced they are beforehand. In general, SCAT prep can take anywhere from 2-3 months to a year or more. It depends on every child’s current academic performance and grade level – and how much time they need to be ready.

The Benefits of SCAT Tutoring

When I work with my students on SCAT test prep, we do all of the above. We work on analogy practice, quantitative comparison practice, and timed practice sets. I teach them the best strategies for quantitative reasoning and verbal reasoning, along with good time management techniques. I also promote specific concept review and recommend guided study time outside of lessons so they are completely prepared. My students have raised their previous SCAT scores to advanced levels or passed the test with flying colors on their first try!

How Does the Actual Testing Work?

You have the option to either take the test in person at a Prometric Testing Center, or you can have your child take the test online at home at any time. You register for the test, and then you are sent a ticket with a link that you can use at any time to begin the test-taking process from the comfort of your home. Since the test is AI proctored, the online at-home test offers the most flexibility for your schedule. All of my students have reported that the online at-home test was simple and easy to complete.

Summing It All Up…

SCAT test prep is well worth the investment and time if your child is interested in taking challenging CTY courses targeting their interests. It’s best to get started as early as possible to maximize your child’s chances of being accepted into the program of their choice!