SCAT Tutoring

Natalie’s SCAT tutoring includes complete test preparation for both sections in the Elementary (grades 2-3), Intermediate (grades 4-5) and Advanced (grades 6+) levels of the SCAT. The SCAT is a unique test designed by CTY (John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth). Students in grades 2-12 can take the 40-minute test to get into advanced online programs. It has 2 sections, verbal and quantitative, and each section is 50 questions long with a 20-minute time limit. Natalie’s students score in the top percentiles so they can pass the test or achieve High/Grand Honors status, based on their goals.

Verbal prep

Analogies, a unique question type, and vocabulary knowledge from higher grade levels make this section incredibly challenging. Students work through practice questions while they learn the best strategies and approaches for mastering this test section. Natalie also helps them focus on good time management. For younger students, this includes analogy word games and other skill-building activities.

Quantitative prep

Natalie teaches effective techniques and strategies for solving quantitative comparison (QC) questions. With her help, students boost their time management and scores after working through concept review and targeted practice. They do regular problem-solving and any needed concept review to become familiar with the format of QCs and test expectations.

Tutoring includes:

Complete review of SCAT concepts with targeted practice

Interactive math and verbal practice questions

Weekly feedback on student progress and homework completion

Timed practice sets (all levels) and mock practice tests (Advanced level only)

FAQ about Natalie’s test prep

Do you offer a full test prep program or classes?

No, I do not offer programs or classes. My lessons are one-on-one and adapt to the needs of every student, based on where they are at in their test prep and how much support they need.

What does a typical lesson with you look like?

I help my students not only get to the right answer, but also understand how they got to the right answer and what makes it correct. They also learn how to methodically approach questions and answers. By understanding how a test works and how the testmakers have created the questions, students can better learn how to take that test with minimal stress and maximum success.

Can you guarantee a score increase on the actual test?

No, as a tutor, I cannot make any guarantees when it comes to scores and reaching score goals. Students must be fully committed to their study plans, daily practice goals, and using the strategies they learn for them to make significant progress in their test prep.

How many lessons will my child need?

I cannot provide an estimate for the total number of lessons without more information or meeting the student. Some students need more support, while others need less. Ideally, test preparation should start as early as possible before a test date, at least 2-3 months. To start, I always ask for practice test results or previous test results to help me see where we need to focus the most. I also ask about what test prep, if any, a student has done so far and what their specific test score goals are.