What is the SCAT for Intermediate Students?
The School and College Ability Test (SCAT) Intermediate level is a critical assessment designed specifically for academically gifted 4th and 5th grade students. This above-grade-level test serves as the gateway to the prestigious Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) program and other gifted education opportunities.
"At the intermediate level, sample questions are more than just practice—they’re strategy tools. I recommend starting with free resources to identify strengths and weak spots."
Ariav. SCAT Expert at TestPrep-Online
To do as well as possible on the SCAT, your child must be as prepared as possible. Ideal preparation consists of study guides based on the material, plenty of practice questions, and a simulated testing environment.
TestPrep-Online currently offers child-friendly SCAT Practice Test packs for your 4th or 5th grader. Each pack comes with questions based on specific sections, and detailed explanations to follow. Plus, with our online accessibility, you can practice anytime, anywhere!
Verbal reasoning questions all have the same instruction
Each question begins with two words. These two words go together in a certain way. Under them, there are four other pairs of words lettered A, B, C, and D.
Find the lettered pair of words that go together in the same way as the first pair of words.
dilemma : difficult ::
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Correct!
The correct answer is (D) reek : unpleasant.
Explanation:
The relationship in the original pair "dilemma : difficult" is that a dilemma is characterized by being difficult. Following this pattern, we need to find a pair where the second word is a characteristic of the first word.
In option D, "reek : unpleasant," a reek (a strong, unpleasant smell) is characterized by being unpleasant. This matches the same relationship as the original pair.
The other options don't follow this pattern:
A) enigma : clear — An enigma is characterized by being mysterious or puzzling, not clear.
B) credible : legend — "Credible" is not a characteristic of a legend; rather, legends are often characterized by being traditional or mythical.
C) puzzle : organized — A puzzle is characterized by being complex or confusing, not organized.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I always tell my students to define the relationship in their own words first. Here, a dilemma IS difficult by nature. Look for the answer where the first word IS the second word inherently. 'Reek' means to smell unpleasant, making D correct. Avoid trap answers like A, where 'enigma' is the opposite of 'clear.'"
Find the lettered pair of words that go together in the same way as the first pair of words.
composer : symphony ::
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
B is the correct answer
Answer: (B) author : novel
Explanation: The relationship in "composer : symphony" is that a composer creates or produces a symphony. Looking for the same relationship:
In option B, "author : novel," an author creates or produces a novel. This matches the original relationship.
The other options don't maintain this relationship:
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"When I see creator-to-creation relationships, I ask: 'What does this person make from scratch?' A composer creates a complete symphony. An author creates a complete novel. Notice how A is tempting, but a blueprint isn't the finished building—it's just the plan. Always go for the finished product!"
Find the lettered pair of words that go together in the same way as the first pair of words.
obsolete : antiquated ::
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Correct!
Answer: (D) transparent : translucent
Explanation:
The relationship between "obsolete" and "antiquated" is that they are synonyms or near-synonyms—both describe something that is no longer in use or outdated.
In option D, "transparent" and "translucent" are also near-synonyms. Both describe materials that allow light to pass through, though to different degrees (transparent allows complete passage, translucent allows partial passage).
The other options don't maintain this relationship:
A) modern : ancient — These are antonyms, not synonyms.
B) digital : analog — These are contrasting or opposite concepts, not synonyms.
C) verbose : concise — These are antonyms, not synonyms.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"For synonym relationships, I teach students to substitute one word for the other in a sentence. 'That phone is obsolete' works the same as 'That phone is antiquated.' Try this with the answer choices—only D works: 'The glass is transparent' has nearly the same meaning as 'The glass is translucent.'"
Complete preparation tailored for 4th & 5th graders
Quantitative reasoning questions all have the same instruction.
Each of the following questions has two parts. One part is in Column A. The other part is in Column B.
You must find out if one part is greater than the other or if the parts are equal.
Then, choose one of the four answers below:
A if the part in Column A is greater
B if the part in Column B is greater
C if the two parts are equal
D if not enough information is given for you to decide
Which column is bigger?
Wrong
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
The correct answer is (B).
Answer: (B) Column B is greater
Explanation:
We need to compare the number of possible outcomes in two scenarios:
Column A: Rolling 1 die and tossing 2 coins
A single die has 6 possible outcomes (1-6)
Each coin has 2 possible outcomes (heads or tails)
Total outcomes: 6 × 2 × 2 = 24
Column B: Rolling 2 dice
Each die has 6 possible outcomes (1-6)
Total outcomes: 6 × 6 = 36
Since 36 > 24, Column B is greater.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"I teach my students to calculate step-by-step and avoid mental shortcuts that lead to errors. Column A: 3/4 × 28 = 21. Column B: 2/3 × 30 = 20. Always double-check your arithmetic—one small mistake changes everything. Column A is greater, so the answer is A."
Column A | Column B |
3/4 of 28 | 2/3 of 30 |
Choose one of the four answers below:
Correct!
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
A is correct
Answer: (A) Column A is greater
Explanation: Column A: 3/4 of 28 = 3/4 × 28 = 3 × 7 = 21
Column B: 2/3 of 30 = 2/3 × 30 = 2 × 10 = 20
Since 21 > 20, Column A is greater.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"With variables, I always test specific values to see the pattern. Try n=1: Column A becomes 5, Column B becomes 6. Try n=2: Column A becomes 7, Column B becomes 7. Try n=3: Column A becomes 9, Column B becomes 8. Since the relationship changes based on n's value, the answer is D—not enough information."
Column A | Column B |
n is a positive number 2n + 3 | n + 5 |
Choose one of the four answers below:
Wrong
Wrong
Wrong
Correct!
Question 3: 2n + 3 vs n + 5 (where n is a positive number)
Answer: (D) Not enough information is given
Explanation:
We need to determine which is larger: 2n + 3 or n + 5.
To compare these expressions, let's find when they are equal:
2n + 3 = n + 5
2n - n = 5 - 3
n = 2
This means:
If n = 2, both expressions equal 7.
If n < 2, then n + 5 > 2n + 3.
If n > 2, then 2n + 3 > n + 5.
Since we only know that n is positive (which could include values below, equal to, or above 2), we cannot determine which column is consistently greater. Therefore, not enough information is given.
TestPrep-Online Tutor's Tip:
"For geometry problems, I train students to use estimation strategically. Don't just guess—use what you know about shapes, angles, and proportions. If exact calculation isn't possible, systematic estimation often leads to the right answer. Look for visual clues that give away the relationship."
Boost your Child's Intermediate SCAT Scores!
Explore our SCAT Practice Packs with Tests, Quizzes and Expert Tips
4th and 5th grade students take the Intermediate SCAT Test, an above-grade-level-test, in order to gain admissions to the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) program. The SCAT scores of 4th graders are compared to a general 6th grade level and the scores of 5th graders are compared to a general 8th grade level. For more information, check out SCAT Registration FAQs.
Benefits:
Intermediate SCAT:
As in the case of both the Elementary and Advanced SCAT Tests, the Intermediate SCAT is made out of two sections- verbal and quantitative reasoning. Each section has 55 multiple-choice questions, five of which are experimental. Students must complete each section within a time frame of 22 minutes for each portion, and a 10-minute break in the middle.
The Intermediate SCAT builds upon the foundation assessed in the Elementary SCAT, introducing more challenging content and expecting a higher level of cognitive reasoning appropriate for the older age group. The use of different test levels ensures that the assessment is tailored to the developmental stage and academic knowledge of the students being evaluated.
Preparing for any gifted children test can be daunting. Luckily, TestPrep-Online is here to help! Here are ten tips for both you and your child to help lead you in the right direction:
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Most students benefit from 6-8 weeks of consistent preparation, studying 30-45 minutes per day, 4-5 days per week.
Intermediate SCAT targets 4th-5th graders with 6th-8th grade content, while Elementary targets 2nd-3rd graders with 4th-6th grade material.
Requirements vary by program, but generally students need to score at the 95th percentile or higher compared to their grade-level peers.
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Since 1992, TestPrep-Online has helped individuals prepare for all kinds of tests. From entrance exams into gifted programs, to assessment tests, and graduate assessment and placement tests, TestPrep-Online can help you prepare and pass.