Q: What is the CTY Academic Talent Search? A: The CTY Talent Search identifies, assesses, and recognizes the academic talents of highly able young people across the country and around the world. l
Q: How many students participated in the CTY Talent Search last year? A: Approximately 73,000 students enrolled in the CTY Talent Search last year. l
Q: What criteria qualify my child for the Talent Search? A: CTY invites applications from students who are in grades two through eight (or grade equivalents for home-schooled students) and meet the following academic requirements: - Achieve scores at or above the 95 percentile or higher on a nationally normed test;
- Earn scores at advanced levels (advanced proficiency, distinguished, honors, etc.) on state tests or;
- Demonstrate superior academic performance.
Visit test qualifications for any further needed information. l
Q: Can my child still participate without a standardized test score? (Example: home-schooled students) A: Yes. Please submit a Parent Nomination Form with your application. l
Q: What are the benefits of your child joining the Talent Search? A: There are lots of practical reasons why parents choose CTY’s Talent Search. Many families apply to the CTY Talent Search to determine their child’s full capabilities. This can be accomplished when students take above-grade-level tests designed for other older students. You and your child gain a clearer view of academic strengths. This knowledge makes for a more effective mapping of a child’s future educational plans and perhaps assists you when asking for program modifications to your child’s school program. The recognition your child receives for his or her academic talent can also be a great confidence-builder. Eligible students may take CTY’s acclaimed summer or online courses that enrich their academic lives. As a Talent Search participant, your child will, depending on grade-level, automatically qualify for our language immersion program and our Civic Leadership Institute. They'll also receive resource materials from CTY, as well as invitations to join CTY’s Family Academic Programs, and a chance to enroll in MyCTY and subscribe to our award-winning Imagine magazine. All of these benefits—appreciation of one’s academic strengths, the availability of special courses, and the critical recognition “that there are other bright students out there just like me”—have been part of the Talent Search experience for over 1.3 million students and their families since CTY’s founding in 1979. Read more detailed information about the CTY Talent Search benefits. l
Q: What will my child actually do as a Talent Search participant? A: Students participating in the CTY Talent Search take a special “above-grade-level-test” that provides specific information about a child’s abilities, along with a comparison with all others who took the same test that year. Students in seventh through eighth grades take their tests (paper and pencil) at specific test locations and times near their homes in late fall and early winter. Students in grades two through six take their tests (computerized) at testing centers near their homes up until June 30. The tests vary in length, the shortest time being the test given to the 2-6 graders, the longest being for 7-8 graders. Once testing is over, families receive a copy of test results and, later in the spring, guidance materials to help them understand what their above-grade-level test score means, and how to use this information when planning the student's education. All children receive recognition certificates for their participation. High-scoring students in all grades will be invited to state awards ceremonies, as well. Some children will earn test scores that qualify them for CTY’s summer and online courses. All students will receive updated information for several years about programs and opportunities, such as invitations to CTY’s Family Academic Programs, to help them develop their academic talents. l
Q: Are these benefits available to children from all states? A. Most are, although full Talent Search benefits are available in 19 states and DC. This means that there are guaranteed testing centers located in these states. It also means that CTY holds spring awards ceremonies in these states for top scoring students. Additionally, some CTY programs, such as our Family Academic family conferences, are located nearer to students in these states. Here are the states: Alaska District of Columbia New Hampshire Rhode Island Arizona Hawaii New Jersey Vermont California Maine New York Virginia Connecticut Maryland Oregon Washington Delaware Massachusetts Pennsylvania West Virginia l
Q: How do I enroll my child? A: When your child qualifies and decides to participate, complete the online Talent Search application available here or submit the paper application available here or through your school. Once you’ve completed this step, you can then register for the test your child will take. l
Q: Are there costs associated with the Talent Search? A: Yes, there are two separate fees associated with the Talent Search, to be paid separately: a nonrefundable Talent Search application fee, which you pay first when you apply to the Talent Search; and a test registration fee, which you pay later directly to the test provider when you register to test. l
Q: What are the Talent Search application fees? A: Grades 2-8: Talent Search application fee -- $35.00 Listed fees cover the child’s enrollment into the CTY Talent Search and are used for administrative costs to produce SCORE reports and reading lists sent to families. The Talent Search fee is not refundable. Later, when you sign your child up for his or her test, you will pay a second fee (test registration fee) to the testing agency. l
Q: What is the test registration fee? A: See chart. These fees listed below are not payable to CTY. They are payable later to the testing agency after you apply to the CTY Talent Search and receive a welcome packet and instructions by mail. Test | Grade level | Fee: | SAT | Grade 7 or 8 | $43 (choose this or the ACT) | ACT | Grade 7 or 8 | $30 (choose this or the SAT) | SCAT | Grade 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 | $50 | STB (optional) | Grades 5, 6, 7, or 8 | $75 |
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Q: Is financial assistance available? A. Yes, the CTY Talent Search offers financial help to eligible students who are on or eligible for free or reduced-price lunch programs. Financial aid students are not able to apply online but should instead go here to request a paper Talent Search application if they do not already have one. They can also call 410-735-6278, or email ctyinfo@jhu.edu. Be sure to ask for a paper Talent Search application and the necessary financial aid form. To avoid delays or over-billing, submit both forms in the same envelope. l
Q: What are the registration deadlines for the 7 and 8 grade Talent Search? | Dec SAT | Jan SAT | Dec ACT | Feb ACT | Submit Talent Search application by | Oct 1 | Nov 20 | Oct 1 | Nov 20 | Receive test registration materials by | 3 weeks after submitting your application | 3 weeks after submitting your application | 3 weeks after submitting your application | 3 weeks after submitting your application | Register to test by | Oct 30 | Dec 26 | Nov 2 | Jan 4 |
Take the test
| DEC 1 | JAN 26 | DEC 8 | FEB 9 |
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Q: What are the registration deadlines for the 2 - 6 grade Talent Search? | For students intersted in Summer Programs and/or Awards Ceremonies | For all other students | Submit Talent Search application by | Nov 20 | May 31 | Receive test registration materials by | 3 weeks after submitting
your application | 3 weeks after submitting
your application | Register to test by | Feb 1 | June 15 | Take the test | Feb 15 | June 30 |
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Q: What happens after I apply to the Talent Search? A: A welcome packet containing testing information and test registration forms will be sent to the address you provided.
If you have not received the test registration packet within three (3) weeks of applying to Talent Search, contact CTY immediately at 410-735-6278, 410-735-6091 (fax), or ctyinfo@jhu.edu . Students in grades 2-6, along with all students taking the Spatial Test Battery, will call the Prometric testing firm to make an appointment to test. Students must test by dates specified in the charts above. l
Q: More questions about Talent Search? A: Find more information! We want to make your Talent Search experience a pleasant one, so please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. You can reach us anytime via email at ctyinfo@jhu.edu, or weekdays between 8:30AM and 5:00PM (EST) at (410) 735-6278. l
Q: What test did CTY choose to replace the PLUS for 5 and 6 graders? A: CTY selected the SCAT, which stands for School and College Ability Test. The test is given on a computer at Prometric testing centers across the country and is two-to-three grades higher than normally given to students this age. The test measures verbal and mathematical reasoning ability. l
Q: How is the SCAT different from the PLUS? A: For over a decade, the SCAT has established a proven track record with our 2 through 4 grade Talent Search participants, but it offers an even greater advantage to testers and their parents with its ease of use. Because the SCAT is offered year-round, parents have greater flexibility to schedule (or reschedule) testing; SCAT results arrive in a matter of days, not weeks; and the registration itself can be done within the matter of a phone call or a visit online. l
Q: Which test level would a 5th or 6th grader take on the SCAT? A: Students in grade 5 take the intermediate level on the SCAT test while students in grade 6 take the advanced level. l
Q: Do students who previously qualified with PLUS scores need to retest with the SCAT? A: No, students do not have to retest if they qualified with PLUS scores, unless they are in the 7th grade. Students who qualified with PLUS scores will remain eligible for programs until they are in the 7th grade when all students must qualify with scores on the SAT or ACT. l
Q: What is the test taken by 2 - 6 graders in the CTY Talent Search? A: Students in grades 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 take the School and College Ability Test (SCAT). This test runs 44 minutes, although with a break and time to switch sections, the total testing time could be as much as 75 minutes. The test is given on a computer at Prometric testing centers across the country. The test given is two-to-three grades higher than normally given to students this age. The test measures verbal and mathematical reasoning ability. There are 55 items in each section. Students are given 22 minutes to complete each section. Five items in each section are experimental and don’t count toward the students’ scores. A tutorial at the beginning of the test will tell students everything they need to know to operate the computer to take the test. Additionally, tutorials at the beginning of each section will give students practice questions and will instruct students on what they are to do on each part of the test. The verbal section measures a student’s understanding of the meaning of words. The questions are all multiple choice and are answered by choosing a pair of words to complete an analogy. The quantitative section measures a student’s understanding of fundamental number operations. The questions require a student to compare two mathematical quantities and determine which is greater. Some students will score higher than others on this test, but as with other CTY tests, this is not a pass/fail exam. l
Q: What are the test options for students in grades 7 and 8? A: Students in grades 7 and 8 take either the SAT or the ACT. The SAT and ACT are standardized, nationally recognized tests administered throughout the US under controlled, timed conditions. The SAT and ACT both objectively measure the reading and mathematical abilities that a student has developed both in and out of school. The SAT is administered by the College Board, Princeton, NJ. The ACT is administered by ACT, Iowa City, IA. Both are tests generally taken by college-bound high school juniors and seniors. The SAT runs 3.5 hours and consists of three portions: math, critical reading, and a writing portion that CTY will not count. The ACT runs approximately 4 hours and consists of four portions: math, reading, English, and science. The ACT also offers an optional writing portion (with an additional fee) that CTY will not count. Both the SAT and ACT are given as paper and pencil tests at thousands of testing centers across the country. 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. Some students will score higher than others on this test, but as with other CTY tests, this is not a pass/fail exam. The Spatial Test Battery is an additional, optional test offered to 7 and 8 graders. This test assesses spatial ability, something not measured by most commonly available tests and highly useful in many professions. l
Q: Which test does CTY recommend—the SAT or the ACT?
A: We don’t recommend one test (SAT or ACT) over the other. Both tests are acceptable for purposes of the CTY Talent Search in that both tests measure learned abilities. The scores needed on either the SAT or ACT to qualify for Summer Programs or CTYOnline have been set such that neither test provides an advantage or disadvantage. l
Q: How should we decide which test my child takes?
A: Both tests measure similar things, and the scores needed to qualify for CTY are set at the same levels, so the decision is really up to you. Some things you may want to consider are the dates and locations of tests, which can be found in the booklets mailed to you, and on the websites for each test. l
Q: There’s a mandatory writing test on the SAT, and an optional one on the ACT. Does CTY use the results from either writing test for any reason? A: No, we won’t use the writing portion scores of either the SAT or the ACT. l
Q: What are the SAT and ACT web sites?
A: For the SAT, it’s www.ets.org. For the ACT, it’s www.act.org. l
Q: Can my child take the PSAT through the Talent Search?
A: No, only the SAT or ACT are considered as acceptable tests through the Talent Search. The PSAT can, however, be used to qualify and take CTY’s summer or distance education courses, but it must be taken independently of the Talent Search. l
Q: Can students really do well on these tests even without the benefit of higher level instruction in mathematics or language arts?
A: Yes, students with strong academic abilities are often able to answer questions on materials they have not been formally taught. Students who participate in the Talent Search are generally academically motivated and have the intellectual capability to handle this test. Students are not expected to know the answers to all the questions on the SAT or ACT, though each year a handful of students earn perfect scores. l
Q: Does taking a test through CTY put undue pressure on students? A: We have not found this to be the case for most students. CTY’s tests are intended to measure what students know, so we don’t recommend lengthy preparation beyond reading the test information to become familiar with types of questions and test format. Parent support and guidance can alleviate much anxiety. It would not be a good idea to enroll a seriously test-averse student in the Talent Search. l
Q: How should my child prepare for the test? A: Have your child look over the bulletins for the test he or she will take. Pay special attention to the sample questions, as well as information on questions, test format, guessing, and making efficient use of time. Finally, be sure your child gets a good night’s sleep before the test. Give yourself ample travel time to get to the test center on time and without stress. l
Q: Should a student guess, or leave spaces blank, on answers he or she doesn’t know? A: For the SCAT (for 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 graders), and the ACT (for 7 and 8 graders), it is better to guess than to leave an item blank. No points are taken away for wrong answers. For the SAT (for 7 and 8 graders), guessing becomes a little more of a risk, because points are deducted for incorrect answers. For all the tests, good general advice is that students should be encouraged to go with hunches, and also to practice eliminating obvious wrong answers. If your child can narrow down to 2 or 3 choices, it may be beneficial to guess. Because young children in particular sometimes won’t venture an answer if they’re not sure of it, it’s good to talk about these strategies with them. l
Q: Is it necessary to take an entire test if my child is interested only in math or only in verbal studies?
A: Yes. To have a valid score, you must take all standard portions of the SCAT, SAT, or ACT. While CTY does not use the writing section of the SAT or the ACT for program eligibility, the SAT requires its completion; the writing section of the ACT is an optional section. l
l Q: What should my child bring along to the test center? A: For the SAT /ACT: - Your Admission Ticket
- Two No. 2 (soft-lead) pencils and a good eraser
- Your Talent Search Valid ID
- A watch might be helpful (do not bring one with an alarm that beeps)
- An approved calculator may be used on the math portion of the test (ACT and SAT registration bulletins)
For the Spatial Test Battery (STB): - The STB Registration Bulletin (this test is given on a computer)
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Q: What if there are poor weather conditions on the day of the test?
A: For both the SAT and ACT, listen to the radio on the morning of the test. If the test center is closed it will be announced by the SAT or ACT Program or local testing center. If you were registered for the SAT or ACT, you will receive notice of a make-up. If you need further information, you can contact SAT or ACT. If you registered for the STB, and the center is open, you are expected to test; otherwise you will be considered a no-show and will be charged the same way you would be if you did not cancel two or more days in advance. If the center is closed due to weather, you may call and reschedule your test date. For the SAT, ACT, and STB, your make-up test scores will be accepted by Talent Search as official Talent Search test date scores. l
Q: What if my child is ill on the day of the test? A: If your child will be absent for any reason on the test day you’ve registered for, you can reschedule your test. You can find the details for SAT rescheduling http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/sat/testday/absent.html, or by calling (609) 771-7600. You can find details for ACT rescheduling here, or by calling (319) 337-1270. Keep in mind that to receive full Talent Search benefits, you should test within the time frames noted under the Talent Search Basics. Also remember that if you choose not to reschedule your test, neither the test registration fee nor the Talent Search fee is refundable. l
Q: What should my child bring along to the test center? A: You must take your Authorization to Test/Parental Release Form with you to the test center the day of the test. You will be asked to present this when you check in at the test center. You need not take anything else to the test center. l
Q: I have lost my child’s Authorization to Test/Parental Release Form. What should I do? A: If you do not have the child’s Authorization to Test, the adult who drives your child to the test center will need to present a photo ID. Parental Release Forms are available at the test center. You can complete it there when you arrive. l
Q: What if my child is ill on the day of the test? A: If the student is too ill to test, he/she should see a doctor and obtain a note documenting the illness. Fax this note to (443)-751-4988, along with the following information: student’s name and illness, name of the test (SCAT or STB), date of test missed, parent’s name and daytime phone number. The parent should then call Prometric back at 800-688-5796 to reschedule without charge after two days, when the student’s documentation is approved and eligibility is re-set at Prometric. l
Q: What if there are poor weather conditions on the day of the test? A: For SCAT and STB testers, contact Prometric to see if they are open. If their test center is closed, you will be notified either by mail or telephone of the make-up date, which is usually within three weeks of the original test date and at the same location. l
l Q: (7 and 8 graders) I have not received my child’s SAT or ACT admission ticket in the mail. What should I do? A: First, make sure you have done the following:
Applied to the Talent Search: Grades 7-8 at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, and paid the Talent Search application fee. Registered with the Educational Testing Service in Princeton, NJ, or with ACT in Iowa City, IA, and paid the test fee to SAT or ACT using the materials sent to you by Talent Search. If this is the case and you still have not received your Admission Ticket by the Wednesday before the test date, contact the appropriate testing organization. The number for SAT is 866-756-7346 and for ACT it is 319-337-1270. l
Q: (7 and 8 graders) I lost my child’s SAT or ACT admission ticket. What should I do?
A: If you have lost your Admission ticket, contact the appropriate testing organization for instructions. The number for SAT is 866-756-7346 and for ACT it is 319-337-1270. l
Q: (7 and 8 graders) I lost my child’s registration worksheet and cannot remember the date and time for the Spatial Test Battery (STB) testing. What should I do?
A: Call Prometric at 800-688-5796 and tell them you have forgotten the date and time of your test appointment. Give them your student’s name, address, and phone number; they will familyirm that you are eligible to test, and provide you with your appointment information. l
Q: (7 and 8 graders) I lost my child’s Valid ID. What should I do?
A: If there is time, Talent Search can fax or mail you an ID; call 410-735-6278. If there is no time, or no fax available, please see the section in the relevant test registration booklet for acceptable forms of identification. l
Q: (7 and 8 graders who have signed up to take the STB) I lost the information that gives the time and place of my child's upcoming STB test. What should I do?
A: Call Prometric at 800-688-5796 and tell them you have forgotten the date and time of your test appointment. Give them your name, address, and phone number; they will familyirm that you are eligible to test, and provide you with your appointment information. l
Q. (7 and 8 graders) If my child observes the Sabbath on a Saturday, could we arrange to take the SAT or ACT on another day?
A: Sunday testing for the SAT is available for students who cannot take the SAT on Saturday because of religious convictions. Follow directions under "Sunday Testing" of the Registration Bulletin for the SAT Program. You will still be eligible for all Talent Search benefits, including consideration for invitation to Awards Ceremonies and related benefits, if qualified. For the ACT, non-Saturday testing dates are available for students. ACT advises that if there is a test center within 50 miles of your home for any test date, you should plan to register for that date and request that center. If this option is not available to you, do not register. Instead, please write ACT Universal Testing, PO Box 4028, Iowa City, IA, 52243-4028, and describe your situation. Information will be sent to you about arranged testing. You may take the STB on a date and time convenient for you. As long as you test in the Talent Search testing window, you will be eligible for all Talent Search benefits, including consideration for invitation to Awards Ceremonies and related benefits, if qualified. Most Prometric test centers are open weekdays from 8AM to 8PM, and provide Saturday hours, too. l
Q: May I receive a refund of the Talent Search application fee if my child is unable to take the SAT or ACT on the Talent Search test date? A: The Talent Search fee is not refundable. You may take your test on another date (if one is still available) to remain in the Talent Search. l
Q: (Grades 2-6) I called Prometric and they do not have an eligibility number on file for me. What should I do? A: If you have recently submitted your application, you’ll want to allow 3-4 days for computer files to update before contacting Prometric. If your eligibility number is unavailable beyond 3-4 days, call CTY at (410) 735-6278, or email us at ctyinfo@jhu.edu. Talent Search will investigate and resolve your test registration ID situation so you may call Prometric again to schedule your test appointment. l
Q: (Grades 2-6) Can I get a refund of my test fee if I decide I do not want to take the SCAT after I have already made an appointment with Prometric and paid my testing fee? A: Your credit card will not be charged the testing fee if you have an appointment and cancel 48 or more hours in advance. You must cancel your appointment by speaking directly to Prometric personnel; leaving a message on a voice mail or answering machine is not sufficient. If you cancel less than 48 hours before your appointment, your credit card will be charged the full testing fee, and you will not be issued a refund. l
Q: Will there be any charge if I need to reschedule my appointment? A: If you reschedule at least 48 hours before your appointment, you will not be charged any additional fees. Call the Prometric Contact Center and ask to reschedule. You must reschedule by speaking directly to Prometric personnel; leaving a message on a voice mail or answering machine is not sufficient. l
Q: My child can’t take the SCAT on a Saturday. Can we schedule another day of the week? A: Yes, it might be even easier to get an appointment. Call Prometric and discuss your needs. Each test center sets its own business hours. l
Q: (5th and 6th graders who have signed up to take the Spatial Test Battery) I lost the information that gives the time and place of my child’s upcoming STB test. What should I do? A: Call Prometric at 800-688-5796 and tell them you have forgotten the date and time of your test appointment. Give them your name, address, and phone number; they will familyirm that you are eligible to test, and provide you with your appointment information. l
Q: Is my child required to retest each year to retain eligibility for CTY’s summer or online courses? A: In all but one grade level, students who qualified for summer or online programs through CTY’s Talent Search tests continue to be qualified in future years. The exception is for seventh grade, when all students must retest by taking the SAT or ACT, and meet or exceed the qualifying scores necessary for CTY’s summer or online programs. (See eligibility charts for the different grade levels here.) l
Q: Should I enroll my child in the CTY Talent Search in future years? A: Families may enroll their children in Talent Search through eighth grade. Many children participate for several years, even those who have qualified for courses. Why? The tests taken through the Talent Search can provide a continuity of useful information not found elsewhere. The tests can serve as a useful barometer of ongoing student achievement. And students in grades 5 though 8 can be eligible for awards ceremonies again each year. Again, students who have qualified for CTY’s academic programs in the past remain qualified and do not need to retake the tests annually. The exceptions are students in seventh grade (or eigth if they didn't test in seventh), who must retest by taking the SAT or ACT, and meet or exceed the qualifying scores in order to remain eligible to enroll in those courses. l
Q: Do I need to contact you to rejoin the Talent Search? A: We send notifications out every fall to all students who took the SCAT to remind them they can test again and take the SCAT through the 6th grade. We also send notifications in the fall to all students in seventh and eighth grades to remind them they can test again. l
Q: Why not ninth graders? A: Ninth graders begin to have a wealth of programs from which to choose, including broader selections at the high school level and options offered by many colleges and other providers. In addition, while the SAT and ACT test scores are not retained on student permanent records through eighth grade, as of ninth grade, the scores will appear on a student’s transcript when applying to college. Some families do not want these scores on a student’s permanent record, so CTY does not offer a program to ninth graders where this could be an unexpected consequence of participating. l
Q: What accommodations does the Talent Search provide for a child with disabilities? A: Please visit CTY's Testing with Disabilities Page. This page contains all information needed to proceed. l
Q: What is an Awards Ceremony? A: The event is much like a graduation, with speakers congratulating the students. Each student is then called to stage to receive his or her certificate. Qualified students receive invitations in mid-April. I
Q: How do I qualify for an Awards Ceremony? A: Students who participated in the Talent Search qualify for the State Awards Ceremonies based on SCAT, SAT, ACT, or STB scores in the chart below. Students must also be a resident of one of the 19 states or DC where CTY offers full Talent Search benefits. Test | Grade Level (7 or 8) | Required scores | SAT | Grade 7 | Math ≥550 or Critical Reading ≥550 | | Grade 8 | Math ≥600 or Critical Reading ≥600 | ACT | Grade 7 | Math ≥21 or Reading ≥22 | | Grade 8 | Math ≥24 or Reading ≥24 | STB | Grade 7 | STB ≥600 | | Grade 8 | STB ≥600 |
Test | Grade level (5 or 6) | Required Scores | SCAT | Grade 5 | Math ≥480 or Verbal ≥460 | | Grade 6 | Math ≥485 or Verbal ≥465 | STB | Grade 5 | STB ≥600 | | Grade 6 | STB ≥600 |
Test | Grade level (2 - 4) | Required Scores | SCAT | Grade 2 | Math ≥440 or Verbal ≥435 | | Grade 3 | Math ≥455 or Verbal ≥440 | | Grade 4 | Math ≥465 or Verbal ≥455 |
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Q: How much of an honor is it to be invited to the Awards Ceremony?
A: About 25% of 7th and 8th graders and 33% of 5th and 6th graders who test qualify to attend the Awards Ceremony. For 2nd – 4th graders, this will be your first year for awards ceremony eligibility. Considering that all students who enroll in the Talent Search are very bright, scoring at these top levels is a great achievement, and should be a source of pride l
Q: Where and when are these ceremonies held? A: The ceremonies are held in the spring at one or more locations in the following states: Alaska District of Columbia New Hampshire Rhode Island Arizona Hawaii New Jersey Vermont California Maine New York Virginia Connecticut Maryland Oregon Washington Delaware Massachusetts Pennsylvania West Virginia l
Q: How do I know to which State Awards Ceremony I am assigned? A: CTY makes assignments in late March after all the scores have been reported to us. Invitations will go out in early April, and are mailed in ceremony date order. If you have not received an invitation by April 30, and you are qualified for the ceremony, please call CTY at 410-735-6278. If you reside in a state where there is only one ceremony, you will be assigned to that ceremony. If you reside in a state where there are multiple ceremonies, CTY assigns students to sites by home zip code, and proximity to the site. In some areas where we have dense concentrations of Talent Search participants, you may not be assigned to what might seem like the most convenient site. This is due to the capacity limitation of certain sites. We do our very best to make the ceremonies accessible; however, it is not unusual to have to travel some distance to the event. I
Q: What if my child qualified to be invited to an awards ceremony but didn’t receive an invitation? A: Please call 410-735-6278 or email ctyinfo@jhu.edu, and we’ll help take care of this. l
Q: How do I let CTY know that I will attend a ceremony? A: Please use the RSVP form attached to the invitation to let us know by postal mail or the web if you are attending. We also ask for a count of how many guests you plan to bring, to help us better plan the event. I
Q: What if I don’t RSVP by the deadline? A: You may still attend the ceremony if you RSVP late or do not RSVP. We send all the certificates to the ceremony, and list all qualified students in the program. If you RSVP late or not at all, please be sure to check in with the registrars and let them know that you are there. They will make sure your certificate is in the stack of certificates to be presented. I
Q: Does it matter when I test to qualify for the ceremony, or how many times I take the test? A: Starting in 2007, CTY will accept any scores from the CTY Talent Search test taken through the official testing deadline for that test. (January SAT, February ACT, or by February 29* for SCAT and STB). If you do not qualify for the ceremony the first time you test, but test again before the Awards Ceremony deadline and achieve qualifying scores, those scores will qualify you for the ceremony. This is true for both the State Awards Ceremony and the Grand Ceremony. * Extended 02/14/08 I
Q: What other awards are offered to students in top places in each state or nationwide? A: There are four additional special awards made at awards ceremonies: 1) Talent Search participants who score 700 on either the Math or Critical Reading sections of the SAT before age 13 will receive a SET Certificate and will be invited to join the Study of Exceptional Talent (SET). 2) Participating colleges and universities donate one-course scholarships in every state. These opportunities are awarded to 7th & 8th grade students on the basis of - test scores,
- proximity to the college donating the scholarship, and
- any other criteria that the donating colleges may have established.
3) Students in 5th - 8th grade scoring first place in their state are given special recognition and certificates. 4) Students in 5th - 8th grade scoring first or second place in the nation are given special certificates and recognition. l
Q: I already received a certificate in the mail. Is this the same one I would receive at an Awards Ceremony? A: No. The one you received in the mail is a Certificate of Participation or Participation with Distinction (for grades 7-8) sent to all students in the CTY Talent Search. The certificates given at the awards ceremonies are called “State Awards for High Honors Certificates.” l
Q: Is it possible for me to receive my award at another ceremony in a different state?
A: Unfortunately, due to printing schedules of certificates and ceremony programs, it is usually impossible to switch out of the assigned ceremony. l
Q: We were invited to the Awards ceremony but can’t attend. Will we receive my child’s awards?
A: Yes, your award and a copy of the ceremony program and press release will be mailed to you several weeks after the ceremony. If you have not received your award by mid-July, please call 410-735-6278, or email ctyinfo@jhu.edu l
Q: How long does a ceremony last? A: The ceremony generally lasts from 1 to 1 ½ hours. I
Q: What should I wear to the ceremony? A: Most students dress as they would for a special occasion. Please keep in mind that you will be sitting in an auditorium, then walking across a stage area to receive your award and to shake hands. Factors such as activities before or after the event may influence how you dress, and you may wear what is comfortable for you. Remember, however, that you are being honored, and proud parents will want to take lots of pictures! I
Q: Are teachers and school staff allowed to attend the State Awards Ceremonies? A: Yes! We encourage all school staff to attend the state Awards Ceremony at which their students are being honored. CTY’s school contacts will receive information about the Awards Ceremonies in their states in April, and can also check with their students to see if they are attending. The CTY School Report, sent to schools in March, indicates with an “S” which students are invited to the State Awards Ceremony. I
Q: What is the Grand Recognition Ceremony? A: Each year CTY hosts a Grand Ceremony at Johns Hopkins University to honor the students in our 19-state region who meet the Grand level qualifying score criteria. The 2008 Grand Ceremony will be held in Shriver Hall at the Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus with a date soon to be determined. The ceremony itself is similar to the State Awards ceremony, but the students receive a medal rather than a certificate, and the keynote speech is longer and more in-depth. Past speakers have talked about such topics as the sinking of the Titanic and metal strength; the Hubble telescope and its applications for space exploration and photography; and international research and advances in infectious diseases. After the recognition ceremony, the honorees and their families enjoy lunch, campus tours, and other activities. Family members and friends are encouraged to attend and be a part of this special day. If you qualify for the Grand Ceremony, you will receive a separate invitation in April. I
Q: I qualify for both ceremonies. Should I attend the Grand Ceremony and/or the State Ceremony? A: Both ceremonies are similar in format, though the Grand Ceremony is more formal and includes lunch and campus tours. Some students will choose to attend both ceremonies if possible. Though we try to avoid holding Awards Ceremonies on the same day as the Grand Ceremony, we have a short time frame in which to have all the events, and must work with the dates that our host universities and colleges have available for the State Awards Ceremonies. If you are not able to attend the State Ceremony or the Grand Ceremony, you will receive in the mail everything that you would have received at the event. We realize that factors such as distance and travel expense may make it difficult for you to attend the Grand Ceremony; however, be assured that you will receive your medal and program in the mail after the event if you are not able to be there in person to receive your award. I
Q: I registered with the Talent Search but could not test by the January SAT or February ACT test dates, or take the SCAT or STB by February 15. Am I still qualified for the awards ceremony and related awards? A: No. If you did not test by the January SAT or February ACT test dates, or by March 15 (extended 02/27/08) on the SCAT or STB, you would not qualify to be invited to the Awards Ceremony. However, you will receive a special Certificate for High Honors in the mail in August, if you achieve Awards Ceremony level scores. l
Q: I did not register for the Talent Search but took the SAT or ACT and achieved very high scores. May I qualify for Talent Search awards?
A: No. Only students who are registered Talent Search participants can be invited to the Awards Ceremony and qualify for Talent Search one-course scholarships. l
Q: What are CTY’s academic course options for qualifying students? A: CTY offers challenging and enriching courses, either through summer programs or online courses delivered to a child’s home or school. The courses aim to develop the talents of very bright young people so they may make the most of their academic abilities throughout their lives. Visit the following web pages for more information: CTY Summer Courses -- http://cty.jhu.edu/summer/index.html CTYOnline Courses -- http://cty.jhu.edu/cde/index.html
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Q. How does my child become eligible for Academic Programs? A: The tests given through the CTY Talent Search are those used for eligibility into CTY’s summer and distance education courses. See the following program eligibility charts: CTYOnline courses for students in grades 2-12:
http://cty.jhu.edu/cde/admissions.html CTY summer programs for students in grades 2-6:
http://cty.jhu.edu/summer/yselig.html CTY summer courses for students in grades 7 and above:
http://cty.jhu.edu/summer/oselig.html CAA summer courses for students in grades 7 and above:
http://cty.jhu.edu/summer/caaelig.html
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Q: How many Talent Search participants qualify for Academic Programs?
A: About 50% of students in grades 2-6 qualify for summer or online courses. About 30% of students in grades 7 and 8 qualify for CTY summer programs. Another 50% qualify for CAA and CTYOnline Programs. l
Q: How do I know if my child qualified for CTY’s academic offerings?
A: Your score report shows your scores, and you can compare them against the published eligibility charts. Also, course catalogs and applications are automatically sent to qualifying students. Our Summer Programs home page provides grade-level links that take you to the summer catalogs. Catalogs are on CTY's website by late December. Here, you’ll find the CTYOnline Catalog. l
Q: Is financial aid available for the programs?
A: Yes, funds are available on the basis of financial need. In 2005, CTY awarded approximately $4.5 million in need-based finacial aid. A small number of merit-based scholarships are available as well. Refer to Financial Aid pages. l
Q: Can my child participate in the CTY academic programs without going through the Talent Search? A: That depends on the grade level and the program. Students in grades 2 through 6 will have difficulty finding the necessary tests outside of the CTY Talent Search. Students in grades 7 and 8 can take the SAT or ACT outside the Talent Search. And students in 7 grade and above can also use PSAT scores outside the Talent Search to qualify for courses in Summer Programs and CTYOnline. We believe, however, that the extra benefits of joining the Talent Search—especially the chance to see how a child is achieving compared to thousands of others nationally—makes the Talent Search worthwhile. l
Q: If my child participates in the Talent Search but does not take courses right away, do I remain on the Academic Programs mailing list?
A: Yes, you’ll continue to receive catalogs for a period of time. You can always request one anytime by calling 410-735-6278 or emailing ctyinfo@jhu.edu, or find them on our website. l
Q. What happens if my child misses qualifying for courses? A: If your child’s scores are very close, you may wish to have him/her take the tests the next time offered. Or the tests can be taken again in future years. Bear in mind the scores needed to qualify increase as the child’s grade increases. Special instructions for 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 grade students who will take the SCAT within the same year: Students may retake the SCAT at a later date to attempt to establish their eligibility. Students make take the SCAT up to two times per academic year. All requests for retests must be submitted by May 31. To retake the SCAT, submit a written request to CTY at: SCAT Retest
CTY Talent Search
Johns Hopkins University
McAuley Hall
5801 Smith Ave
Baltimore, MD 21209
You can also fax your request to 410-735-6220, or email ctyretest@jhu.edu.
Include your child’s name, birth date, address, CTY student ID (if available), the name of the test you took (SCAT), and the date you took the test. A new SCAT registration bulletin will be mailed to you. l
Q: I’ve heard all students need to re-qualify for CTY summer and CTYOnline courses in their seventh grade year. True? A. Yes, for reasons of program quality, and for a periodic assessment of individual student readiness, students need to re-qualify. Course eligibility for students in seventh grade and above is based solely on SAT or ACT scores (or the PSAT outside of the Talent Search). l
Q: What is the CTY Spatial Test Battery?
A: The Spatial Test Battery assesses student ability in the area of spatial reasoning. This is a computerized test, given at a Prometric test center. The test consists of three parts for 5th & 6th graders, four parts for 7th & 8th graders, and the entire test is usually completed within 90 minutes, sometimes as little as 30 minutes. This test is open to students in grades 5 through 8. l
Q: What are the benefits of taking the Spatial Test Battery (STB)?
A: Results from the Spatial Test Battery give students and families an understanding of a child’s visual-spatial abilities. CTY’s test is one of the only exams of its type conveniently available for students this age. This assessment may bring a previously unrecognized strength to light. Special talent in this area can be of great benefit for the later pursuit of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering, architecture, and other fields. In addition, a high STB score in conjunction with SAT scores can increase the student's chances of qualifying for CTY math and science programs. l
Q: Why does Talent Search offer the Spatial Test Battery (STB)? Why is it used as an additional criterion for eligibility to CTY/CAA Academic Programs?
A: Years of research investigating the validity of the STB have shown that the STB provides an enhanced prediction of success in mathematics and science courses offered by CTY and other programs. Find out more about this innovative test! l
Q: Why should schools participate in the Talent Search? A: The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) is an acclaimed national program that complements, and parallels, a gifted child’s regular school experience. Your school can benefit from CTY and the Talent Search with: - access to services and programs for highly able students.
- a school report listing the names and scores of students from your school who participated in the Talent Search.
- a school certificate recognizing the school’s interest in serving academically talented students.
- your school name listed after students’ names in the Awards Ceremony program.
- a Coordinator Guide to assist you with the Talent Search process.
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