Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) Programs

Johns Hopkins CTY provides exceptional educational opportunities for academically talented students in grades 2-12. Programs are designed to challenge bright students and connect them with peers who share their intellectual curiosity and love of learning.

CTY offers two primary program categories:

• Online Programs for grades 2-12
• On-Campus Summer Programs for grades 2-12

To get into these programs, many students sit for the SCAT Exam. The SCAT (School and College Ability Test) is a standardized test that measures verbal and quantitative abilities. It's designed to identify students for advanced academic programs, particularly the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY).

Prepare for the SCAT

Preparation is key to success on the SCAT exam. Below you'll find links to free sample questions for each SCAT level:

Elementary SCAT Sample Questions (Grades 2-3)
Intermediate SCAT Sample Questions (Grades 4-5)
Advanced SCAT Sample Questions (Grades 6+)

CTY's Online Programs provide rigorous academic coursework through engaging virtual classrooms. These programs offer flexibility to learn from any location, at any time, and at a pace that suits individual learning goals.

Course Formats:

• Individually Paced: Work at your own pace with instructor support
• Session-Based: Structured courses with set start and end dates
• LIVE: Real-time virtual classroom sessions
• Clubs: Short, exploratory programs focused on specific topics

CTY's On-Campus Summer Programs offer immersive academic and social experiences on college and school campuses. These programs bring together bright young scholars from around the world to live, learn, and connect during the summer months.

Program Types:

• Day Programs (Grades 2-5)
• Three-week weekday programs combining classes with lunch and activities
• Residential Programs (Grades 5-12)
• Three-week programs where students live on campus

Program subtypes include:

• Discovery Sampler (Grades 3-8): Explore three topics within math, science, and writing connected by a theme
• Young Students Program (Grades 2-6): Day programs and residential options (grades 5-6)
• Academic Explorations (Grades 7+): Introduction to subjects not typically found in school curriculum
• Intensive Studies (Grades 7+): Accelerated courses covering high school and college-level topics

CTY's educational travel programs provide immersive learning experiences in various global destinations. Current offerings include:

• Costa Rica (Spring 2025)
• "Underwater Adventures" in Florida
• These programs typically require at least one adult per child to attend and require CTY membership for eligibility.

International Collaborations

CTY maintains international partnerships to expand access to talented youth globally:

• CTY Greece at Anatolia College
• Collaboration with the University of Hong Kong (HKU)
• East Asia Office and international recruitment efforts based in Hong Kong

General Eligibility

• CTY programs are open to academically advanced students in grades 2-12 who demonstrate exceptional academic abilities. Eligibility is primarily determined by performance on above-grade-level standardized tests.
• Students must score in the 98th percentile or higher (based on grade, not age) or demonstrate ability two or more grade levels above their current grade level in specified domains.

Eligibility Levels

• CTY categorizes eligibility into two main levels:
• CTY-Level: Indicates readiness for advanced coursework two grade levels above current grade
• Advanced CTY-Level: Indicates readiness for coursework four grade levels above current grade

Additional accepted tests include:

• ACT Aspire
• CogAT
• Iowa Assessments
• NWEA MAP
• Various state assessments

Note: Specific scoring thresholds vary by test, grade level, and desired eligibility level. Please consult the official CTY website for detailed requirements.

Step 1: Join CTY

Create a MyCTY account on the official CTY website. This central hub allows you to access information, register for tests, and apply for programs.

Step 2: Establish Eligibility

Submit qualifying SCAT scores from accepted standardized tests or register to take a CTY-administered test.

Step 3: Apply to Specific Programs

Once eligibility is established, complete the application for your chosen program(s).

For further details on the CTY registration process, we have written a detailed guide, and make sure you prep for the SCAT Exam.

The School and College Ability Test (SCAT) is a key standardized test used by CTY to assess verbal and quantitative abilities for students in grades 2-8. Effective preparation is essential for success on this test.

TestPrep-Online's SCAT Resources:

• Level-specific SCAT Practice Test Packs:
• Elementary SCAT (Grades 2-3)
• Intermediate SCAT (Grades 4-5)
• Advanced SCAT (Grades 6-8)
• Free SCAT sample tests
• SCAT scoring information
• Detailed explanations for practice questions

Proper preparation with practice tests helps students become familiar with the test format, question types, and timing requirements, significantly increasing their chances of achieving qualifying scores for CTY programs.

If you are looking to have your 2nd-8th grader participate in a CTY program at John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, your child will likely need to take the SCAT. In order to succeed on the SCAT, it is important to set aside time to practice. With TestPrep-Online’s level-specific and child-friendly Elementary, Intermediate, or Advanced SCAT Practice Test packs you can help your child succeed. Start preparing for the SCAT test so your child will gain confidence and be ready to succeed on the day of the test.