How is the SCAT Test Scored – Grade Scoring, Percentile and More

SCAT is a test commissioned by Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) to pave a path towards a bright future for the young and talented minds. It is a time-based aptitude test which is focused on the verbal and quantitative aspect of academics.

The test contains two sections, namely verbal and quantitative. It is timed in such a manner that students get 22 minutes to complete each section. The sections have 55 questions each which are in multiple choice format. Apart from this, students are also given 5 experimental items to work with which shall not be calculated as part of the score.

The SCAT Test Covers the Following-

• Verbal segment comprises vocabulary, analogies, and verbal reasoning.
• Mathematics segment comprises of mathematical reasoning, math facts and calculations, number operations, mathematical comparison

Scoring

SCAT follows a scaling-based model. It compares a student’s score with the average scores of regular students in higher grades.  This method is followed because the SCATtest is meant to identify the students who are academically gifted and can match the level of a student studying in a higher grade. The test is completely focused on aptitude and therefore, can be used to make decisions in terms of the key areas which need to be worked upon.

Since the only requirement for taking an SCAT test is that the child should be between the classes 2-12, the scat test scores also vary from 401-514. The scores largely depend on. The test level.

• At elementary level, the verbal range should be in between 401-471 while the quantitative range must be 412-475
• Talking about the intermediate stage, the verbal range escalates to 405 and tops at 482. The quantitative range, on the other hand, is in between 419-506.
• At advanced level, the verbal range is 410-494 while the quantitative range for the same is 424-514.

Now, the manner in which these test scores are compared is altogether a different ball game. All the students taking the SCAT test are compared  to the people above their academic grades. This means that a student in second grade will be compared to a student grade four. No candidate is compared with a specific candidate. Rather the scores are compared with a set average score.The minimum scores for qualifying the test based on specific grades are as follows-

• For grade 2, a score equivalent or higher than 430 in verbal and 435 in quantitative is accepted as a qualified score.
• For grade 3, a score higher or equivalent to 435 in verbal and 440 in quantitative qualifies as an ideal test score.
• For grade 4, 440 SCAT in verbal and 450 SCAT in quantitative gives you a chance to appear at the top of the qualifiers list.
• For grade 5, a score of 445 SCAT in verbal and 465 SCAT in quantitative has been fixed.
• For grade 6, 450 SCAT for verbal and 470 SCAT for quantitative is considered to be a winning score.
• For grade 7, the verbal section requires a SCAT score of 455 while the quantitative section requires a 475 SCAT score.
• For grade 8, a SCAT score of 460 for verbal and 480 for quantitative is appreciable.
• For grade 9, the candidate must get a 465 SCAT score in verbal and 485 SCAT in the quantitative section.
• For grade 10, a grade score of 470 SCAT for verbal while 490 for quantitative helps you crack the test.

In order to help your child prepare for the top scores, it is essential to plan a schedule which includes adequate time for food, sleep and nutrition.To get an idea of the test format, type of questions, etc., and you can also take help from sample question papers. Additionally, you will also need to make sure that your child is able to finish the test on time which will require time based practice tests.

Eligibility for the test

In order to sit in the test, you must ensure your child complies with the guidance for test eligibility. The student must have qualifying scores on SCAT or advanced SCAT programs that are deemed to be eligible under CTY summer programs. Additionally, the student must be from a public or charter school and have a combined income of $75,000 or less.

The SCAT test can lead to a bright academic future. Help your child with proper guidance and watch them grow as academically gifted individuals.