General tips for students taking the School and College Ability Test (SCAT)

• Don’t panic, even if you don’t have a clue. Remember this is a test designed for older students and you are not expected to know all the answers.
  
  
• If you start to panic--relax physically. Close your eyes for a few seconds and concentrate on your breathing.
  
  
• If you get stuck on a question, go ahead and take your best guess. You must answer each question before you move to the next question, so don’t spend too much time on any one question. In multiple-choice questions, eliminate the obviously wrong choices first, then, carefully consider the remaining ones. Be sure to read ALL the choices before you choose your answer.
  
  
• On the SCAT there is no penalty for wrong answers, so guessing is OK. Items are of equal value, so the more correct answers you give, the higher your score. If you find you don’t have enough time to finish, take the last minute in each sub-section and take guesses to make sure you finish each subsection.
  
  
• If time permits, use the previous button and go back and check your answers.
  
  
• First impressions count. In rechecking your answers, change an answer ONLY if you are CERTAIN that your first answer was incorrect. First impressions (initial guesses) are often correct.
  
  

• Finally, be confident and good luck!
  

Mini SCAT tests

The purpose of these mini tests is to provide students a chance to famililarize themselves with the question format. Some of the questions on the actual test will be more difficult, some will be less difficult and they will cover more topics. CTY does not provide a list of topics to be covered in the test.There will be more questions on the computerized test and more time will be allotted. For details, please see your SCAT Registration Bulletin. The actual test will be delivered via computer at a Prometric Test Center.

To administer the mini test to your child you should first print out the test. Make sure your child has scrap paper for the math section. Use a clock or watch to time each section of the test (5 minutes per section). The answers are on the last page.

Grades 2-3

Grades 4-5

Grade 6