SCAT or School and College Ability Test is a specially designed exam that is conducted by John Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth (CTY). This test identifies candidates for CTY’s gifted programs. The mission of this test is to recognize such students and enable them to learn more, further kindle their talent, and bring them to a space where they can meet students with a similar mindset. It is a huge opportunity for students who have a thirst for academic excellence. This year, due to the pandemic, CTY programs have shifted online but its prestige and the exciting programs that it has to offer to students haven’t been affected in any way.

Some children have an inborn talent of extraordinary IQ, others acquire it with hard work. If you think you have a gifted child or your child has a passion for excellence, you must consider SCAT. Even if your child is not a star student in their class, with some proper help and guidance, he/she can take the SCAT test and excel in it. However, the process will require time, energy, and money. So, you must be sure that SCAT is the right test for your child. Here are some of the factors that you need to consider.

1. Consistent performance: SCAT students are tested above their current grade level. This means that students appear for an exam that is designed for students two or more grades above them. This is why students need a solid foundation of their subjects especially English and Math. A good sign of knowing whether your child has a stronghold over what they have learned to the date is to check out their scorecard. If it suggests consistent performance, then you can go ahead and start preparing for the above levels.
2. Dedication: Preparing for SCAT is a very complicated process. It needs a lot of hard work and dedication. You know your child the best and you would know whether they have shown consistent dedication in the past. Besides this, it is also important that you consult with your child, no matter how old they are, to discuss if they want to take up that challenge. Studying for higher grade levels can be extremely stressful and things can get really difficult if they are not enjoying the process of preparing for this exam. Moreover, failing exams can also affect their self confidence. Children should be explained that one exam paper doesn’t decide their worth. And if they don’t think they want to appear for the exam immediately, that should be fine too. The main aim here is to minimize the pressure on children so that things come to them organically.
3. Appear for mock tests: If you are not sure where your child stands, attempt one or more free mock tests. Many platforms offer free mock tests so that you and your child can evaluate the current situation before moving ahead. Even if you are sure your child should take the SCAT, it is still recommended you take a mock test first. A good evaluation is the best way to start the preparation. Mock tests, examine the students’ verbal and quantitative concepts in the same pattern as the original SCAT and provide results. They are also timed just like the main exam. Once the results of these mock tests are out, the student can start preparing accordingly.

The SCAT tests the holistic understanding of a child’s education. This timed test is divided into two parts, verbal and quantitative. For each part, the students get 22 minutes separated by a 10-minute mandatory break. The SCAT test looks for academic excellence in students.

A student in class 2-3, appears for an exam designed for class 4-5, a student in 4-5 takes the exam designed for 6-8, and so on. This kind of pattern requires students to not only be familiar with what they are being taught in schools but also prepares them for a few levels above them. It is obviously difficult to achieve without any guidance. But with some help from platforms that offer test prep mentoring and worksheets, any student can crack the SCAT.