Talent Search Testing - SAT and ACT

The SAT and ACT are standardized multiple choice tests usually used by colleges and universities to objectively determine students readiness for the rigors of college studies. Most students take one or both of these tests in high school. As used by CTY, the SAT and ACT provide more information about a child’s mathematical and reading/verbal strengths. How is this? Both of these tests establish a much higher “ceiling” than the grade-level exams children normally take. A child who tests in higher percentiles of the SAT or ACT is a very good candidate for more challenging course work and other modifications to a school curriculum. Such information should have a great impact on the future educational pathways.

SAT

Test fee: $49
Test length: 3 hours and 45 minutes
2400 possible points
3 sections (Writing, Critical Reading, and Mathematics)
Note: CTY only considers the Mathematics and Critical Reading sections for awards and course eligibility.
Mandatory Writing component
Penalty for guessing

• Locate SAT test centers
• If your child is 13 years of age or older, you can register for the SAT online.
  
• Students under 13 must use the test registration material sent from CTY.
• When selecting reporting options, be sure to select "Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth" and/or reporting code "5334". Failure to indicate CTY in the registration will result in your child's scores NOT being transferred to CTY.
• SAT Practice

ACT

Test fee: $34
Test length: 3 ½ to 4 hours
36 possible points
4 sections (English, Mathematics, Reading, Science)
Note: CTY only considers the Mathematics and Reading sections for awards and course eligibility.
Optional Writing Test
No penalty for guessing

• Locate ACT test centers
• If your child is 13 years of age or older, you can register for the ACT online.
• Students under 13 must use the test registration material sent from CTY.
• When selecting reporting options, be sure to select "Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth" and/or reporting code "5334". Failure to indicate CTY in the registration will result in your child's scores NOT being transmitted to CTY.
• ACT Sample Tests