What Is a Good SCAT Test Score?
What is an average SCAT test score?
The average SCAT test score varies by level, but typically falls between 410 and 430 for both the Verbal and Quantitative sections. Since SCAT compares students to older peers and uses scaled scoring, a score around this range reflects a median performance. Students scoring above 440 are generally considered above average and may qualify for gifted programs like the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY).
Learn what qualifies as a good SCAT score for gifted program eligibility. Understand percentile rankings, CTY qualification levels, and how to help your child prepare for success.
What Is a Good SCAT Test Score?
If you’re a parent researching the SCAT (School and College Ability Test) to determine your child’s eligibility for gifted and talented programs, you’ve probably asked: What is a good SCAT test score? Since the SCAT compares students to older peers and uses scaled scoring, it’s essential to understand how the scores work and what they mean for your child’s academic future.
How SCAT Scores Are Calculated
The SCAT test includes two main sections: Verbal and Quantitative. Students receive scaled scores, which are not raw scores but converted scores that take into account the difficulty of the questions. These scaled scores fall within specific ranges depending on the level:
Elementary SCAT (Grades 2–3): 400–514
Intermediate SCAT (Grades 4–5): 405–528
Advanced SCAT (Grades 6 and above): 410–537
What makes the SCAT unique is that students are compared to older students—usually two grades above their current level. For example, a 2nd grader taking the Elementary SCAT is being compared to 4th graders.
What Counts as a Good SCAT Score?
A good SCAT score typically falls at or above the 75th percentile, meaning your child scored as well as or better than 75% of older students in that category. However, gifted programs like the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY) generally set a higher bar.
To be competitive for CTY programs, most students need to be in the 85th–95th percentile or higher, depending on the subject and the level of programming they’re applying to (e.g., CTY vs. CTY Advanced).
CTY Qualification Thresholds by SCAT Level
Below is a general guide for SCAT score ranges that often qualify students for CTY’s gifted programs:
| SCAT Level | Verbal Score (CTY Level) | Quantitative Score (CTY Level) |
|---|---|---|
| Elementary (Gr. 2–3) | 430–450+ | 435–455+ |
| Intermediate (Gr. 4–5) | 440–460+ | 445–465+ |
| Advanced (Gr. 6+) | 450–470+ | 460–480+ |
These scores are general benchmarks and may vary slightly each year based on national norms and CTY admission updates.
How to Interpret Your Child’s SCAT Score Report
When you receive your child’s SCAT score report, pay close attention to:
Scaled score (used to compare across age groups)
Percentile rank (shows how your child compares to older students)
A score in the 90th percentile or higher often signals strong academic potential and eligibility for gifted programs. It’s also a strong indicator of your child’s advanced reasoning and problem-solving skills.
How to Improve SCAT Scores
If your child hasn’t yet taken the test or wants to try again next year, here are a few preparation tips:
Practice analogy and logic questions for the verbal section.
Review number operations, patterns, and reasoning problems for the quantitative section.
Use official SCAT practice books or online prep platforms that simulate the actual test format.
Focus on test-taking strategies, including time management and question elimination.
FAQ
Typically, students scoring in the 85th percentile or above are considered gifted and may qualify for programs like CTY.
SCAT scores are usually released within two weeks of your child completing the test.
Yes. Students can retake the SCAT annually, and in some cases, sooner if approved by CTY.
Not necessarily. Some programs accept qualification in just one section—either verbal or quantitative.
