Best ways to prepare for SCAT Elementary Test
SCAT Elementary Test is a standardized test conducted by John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. The test aims to identify giftedness in students of 2 to 12 grades.
It is a computer-based test that takes around an hour. The results get published within 48 hours of the test. It is an above-grade test, so it can get tricky if a student attempts it without due preparation.
Preparation is necessary to ensure success if you plan to take the test. To help you, here we have curated the best ways to prepare for SCAT Elementary Test but first, let’s understand the SCAT Test itself.
What is SCAT Test?
The School and College Ability Test, commonly known as SCAT Test, is a standardized, multiple-choice test conducted to assess the math and verbal reasoning abilities of gifted students of 2-12 grades.
SCAT Test Levels
The test has three levels:
- Elementary SCAT: Taken by students of grades 2 and 3.
- Intermediate SCAT: Taken by students of grades 4 and 5.
- Advanced SCAT: Taken by students of grades 6 to 8.
SCAT Test sections and Questions
The test has two sections: verbal reasoning assessing vocabulary and verbal reasoning skills of students, and quantitative reasoning section, which evaluates mathematical reasoning and comprehension of number operations of gifted students.
Both sections have 55 questions to be finished in 22 minutes each. Around five questions are experimental, whose scores aren’t included in the final scores.
Ways to prepare for SCAT Elementary Test
- Check out online resources.
Suppose you have the potential to qualify for the test. However, you are still determining where to start your preparation- online resources and tutoring can help you prepare for SCAT Elementary Test Prep.
- Identify your weaknesses
Nobody can identify your weak points better than you. So when preparing for the test, focus on them and try to fix them.
- Stick to a schedule
A golden rule to succeed at any competitive test is to have a solid schedule. A study schedule should have a balance of studying as well as a resting period. Allocate separate timings to easier and harder subjects while giving more time to your weaker points.
- Mathematics Prep
The quantitative section is a significant part of the test, which assesses students’ numerical operations and mathematical reasoning. The test is only for you if you grasp the concepts, as it decides your overall score. So, keep practicing math subjects when possible.
- English prep
Talking of the English subject, knowledge of vocabulary is a must. In addition, students should understand grammar and read and comprehend various genres. The test has a lot of writing and reading; take this section lightly at no cost.
- Focus on practicing enough
The saying- Practice makes a man perfectly fits aptly in this context. The more you practice, the more acquainted you get with the test format. This greatly improves your chances of scoring better on the test.
It would help if you focused on practicing online SCAT Test papers as much as possible along with your studies. However, no matter how much you study, you can only know the format or get comfortable with the test once you solve the practice tests.
- Understand your priorities
If you know your weak points, it is suggested to focus more on them. However, studying only the weak points the whole day isn’t the right thing to do either. It is a mere waste of time. So, make the right balance between weak as well as strong points. Focus on your strengths as well, as only these will help you fetch more marks on the test. At no cost, think about making weak points your only priority.
- Don’t stress
The test aims only to test gifted students’ English and math skills, making it a little challenging to ace. And sometimes, students can feel disheartened when they cannot solve some practice test questions. But, no matter what, do not stress or overthink, as stress negatively affects test prep. Instead, take the test as a fun game.
It would help if you rested well before appearing for the test. It helps in keeping your senses sharp and your mind open. Additionally, do not indulge in studying any new topic at the last moment, as it might affect your whole preparation.
Endnote
These are some ways to help you prepare for your SCAT test. So, wait no more; incorporate them in your preparation strategy today, and ace the test with flying colors.
