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Which Subjects Does my Child Need to Prepare for the SCAT Test?

The School and College Ability Test is an above-grade test that assesses the quantitative and reasoning skills of students between the grades 2 to 12. This test is conducted by John Hopkins Centre for Talented Youth (CTY) to identify students with a distinguished and superior knowledge and IQ.

Process for the Test

In order to appear for the test, the students must refer to the eligibility criteria and make sure that all the prerequisites are acknowledged while submitting the application form. After the test, the candidates’ scores are compared with the average grades of their seniors.

Preparation for the Test

SCAT is a time-based test which incorporates verbal and quantitative reasoning in the primary syllabus. It is a timed test, therefore, to ace the scat test prep, a student must take up time-based practice sessions.

As already mentioned, there are 2 sections in the test – verbal and quantitative. Each section will have 55 questions, which include 50 questions that are graded and 5 experimental questions that are not assessed for the final score. The candidate will have 22 minutes to finish each section, and there is a 10 minute gap between the two sections.

Topics to Practice

Since it is an above-grade test, the candidates need to prepare topics which are more sophisticated than their current lesson plan in school. Here is a brief breakdown of the syllabus.

Verbal Reasoning

The verbal section primarily comprises analogies where the student is required to relate two things by finding a common chord between them. This section is for testing the logical and vocabulary skills of the student. While preparing for verbal reasoning section, make sure to thoroughly study the following topics-

  • Antonyms- allows the candidate to process the question quickly (up and down)
  • Synonyms- finding relations between two words also depends on their respective meanings (happy and cheerful)
  • Classifications- finding which element belong in what category (potato is a vegetable)
  • Location- which objects fits where (Eiffel tower and Paris)
  • Purpose- what is the use of object (pencil is to write)
  • Cause and effect relationship- thirsty and drinking
  • Degree of adjective- good and best
  • Symbols- identifying what different symbols mean (dove and peace)
  • Tenses- the past, present and future tense
  • Rhyming words- need, breed
  • Homophones- similar sounding words with different meanings (dual and duel)
  • General awareness- analogies relating to state and their capital, inventors and their inventions (United States of America and Washington, light bulb and Thomas Alva Edison)

Quantitative Aptitude

For the quantitative section, students have to prepare with the study material meant for higher grades. The following are the basic topics that must be covered-

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Formulas and their application
  • Mathematical comparison
  • Simple and complex calculations
  • Number system and operations
  • Mathematical facts

Important Tips for Preparation and Test

The SCAT test only assesses the aptitude of the students and is certainly not an indicator of specific educational goals. Students who are interested in academics and aim to pursue a career in it will find a comprehensive grooming opportunity with the test. Here are some important pieces of advice for students appearing in the upcoming test-

  • The test has no negative marking so students do not lose marks for wrong answers. But, in order to save time and score well, students must attempt the questions they are absolutely sure of.
  • Understanding the questions is another crucial aspect of the SCAT test. It is important that the student is able to perceive the question. As a parent, you must chalk out a plan to improve perception and comprehension with the help of sample test papers.
  • For verbal reasoning, students must develop reasoning and critical thinking abilities. Establishing a connection between two words, finding common chords, must be practiced every day.
  • Vocabulary is an essential aspect of the test. Students and parents must make sure to cover synonyms, antonyms, idioms, as part of everyday practice.

The SCAT is a standardised assessment which ensures facilitation of a fast-paced coursework for the student. Start with the model question papers and practice tests now!

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