Be recognized by the Johns Hopkins University for academic talent via certificates (and state awards ceremonies, if qualified)

CTY knows that bright students thrive on praise and recognition of their abilities—and yet there is far less public recognition for academic talent than for sports, music, and other abilities. CTY provides three main levels of recognition:

• For all Talent Search Participants:  
  Certificate of Participation – sent to all students who accept the challenge of taking the Talent Search test. Recognizes high ability and a willingness to take appropriate risks and enjoy academic challenges.

• For grades 2-7:
  Certificate of Participation with Distinction: Sent to those students who scored at or above the national average of the college-bound senior on either the SAT or ACT.

• For students in grades 7-8:
  State Award for High Honors: Presented at the CTY state Awards Ceremonies at colleges and universities in 19 states and Washington, DC in the spring. Students must achieve qualifying scores( link to scores here) and live in one of the 19 states or DC where CTY holds Awards Ceremonies, to be invited. Approximately 25% of Talent Search testers will qualify for the ceremonies. All students invited receive the State Award for High Honors; some will receive other special certificates recognizing their special achievements (top score in the nation, first or second place in the state, etc.) If students are not able to attend, their certificate is sent to their home after the event.

Note: Students must test by the official Talent Search deadlines, noted on the brochure and online application, and live in one of the 19 states or DC where CTY holds Awards Ceremonies, in order to be invited to these events. Students who test beyond the Talent Search deadlines, or live outside the CTY Talent Search region (19 states and DC), but who achieve Awards Ceremony level scores, will be sent the State Award for High Honors certificate in late summer (August).