John Hopkins CTY SCAT Registration FAQ

How do I register my child to take the CTY SCAT?

Be sure to register your child for the CTY SCAT with Prometric (either online or by phone at 800-688-5796). You may pay the $60.00 fee by credit card or electronic check. For CTY summer programs, students must take the SCAT as early as possible, as registration for summer programs starts in January. All other students must take the test by the end of June. Learn more about the SCAT.

Why should my child participate in JHU CTY?

JHU CTY provides services for gifted students, establishing the groundwork for future success. CTY offers several programs which open many doors for gifted youth. Gifted and talented students are given the opportunities to flourish through academic enrichment, pursuing interests with like-minded peers, feeling appropriately challenged, and continuing to learn over the summer.  Learn more about JHU CTY.

What score does my child need to be accepted to the JHU CTY programs?

To be eligible for CTY programs, students taking the SCAT must achieve these scores in one or both of these sections:

Learn more about SCAT scoring.

How Does CTY Recognize High-Achieving Students?

Obtaining a High Honors status at CTY means achieving Advanced Level on at least one of the final examinations. For Grades 2-8 this means achieving top scores on talent search tests. Obtaining Grand Honors Recognition means achieving two or three grades above Advanced Level.

Is the SCAT a Valid and Reliable Test?

Unsurprisingly, the validity of a test is dependent on how well it measures what it is supposed to measure. Research has determined that the SCAT to be a valid, reliable, and appropriate test for use by the CTY Talent Search.

In a research study conducted by Dr. Hayfa Tayseer Elbokai of Al-Balqaa’ Applied University, the validity was measured in comparison to academic achievements. The findings showed a significant correlation between SCAT scores and academic achievement criteria. The reliability of a test is dependent on the degree to which an assessment tool produces stable and consistent results. According to Elbokai's research, the SCAT tests “are long enough to yield a very reliable estimate of the standing or progress of individuals and groups”. The SCAT covers enough material and can be used to assess and estimate progress among individuals and groups over time.

What is the relevance of the SCAT for the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY)?

The SCAT has proven itself to be an invaluable tool for recognizing gifted abilities in students all over the world. The concise, consistent form of the examination allows for quick and reliable appraisal. In addition, the test is still flexible enough to accommodate students with disabilities (including physical, mental, and/or medical).