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Frequently Asked Questions About CTY

If this is your first time visiting The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth website, you probably have questions. Fortunately, we have answers.

Q: What is CTY?

A: The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (CTY) identifies top academic students and provides fun and challenging educational programs for students in grades K through 12. Educational programs include summer day and residential programs, online education, and family academic programs.

Q: What is the CTY Talent Search?

A: Talent Search is a process of identifying and testing academically gifted children, specifically mathematically and/or verbally talented students in grades two through eight.

Q: How does the Talent Search process work?

A: Talent search asks teachers, guidance counselors, and parents to nominate second through eighth grade students who score at or above the 95th percentile on any nationally normed test. When students decide to participate, they:

  1. Complete the Talent Search application
  2. Register to take an above-grade-level test
  3. Take the test at a local test center

Q: Why test through the Talent Search?

A: Because students scoring above the 95th percentile have “hit the ceiling” of what grade-level tests can discern, they may not be getting a full picture of their academic grasp. Above-grade-level tests, taken independently from the pressures of mandated assessment, can provide useful information to students, their families, and their schools.

Further, students receive honors and recognition through Johns Hopkins Talent Search participation. If they qualify for residential summer programs, online classes, or family academic programs, these gifted students can meet others like themselves, stretch their creative and intellectual wings, and discover where their special talents may take them.

Q: How do I get involved in CTY?

A: If you are:

  • a student and you qualify, you can participate in exciting, accelerated learning programs;
  • a parent, you can discuss your talented child’s needs with teachers and counselors or with other parents, or become a CTY Outreach Associate;
  • an educator, you can nominate students to participate in CTY’s Talent Search, teach for CTY, and be honored by CTY for excellence in the classroom.

Q: What programs does CTY offer?

A: CTY Programs:

  • Talent Search
  • Summer Programs
  • Online Programs
  • Family Programs
  • Study of Exceptional Talent (SET)
  • Research

Q: Still have questions?

A: Email CTY at ctyinfo@jhu.edu or call 410-735-6278.