Johns Hopkins CTY Programs & How to Get In

The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (JHU CTY) is an educational program for gifted children. CTY identifies talented and gifted students and provides an environment in which they are able to flourish. JHU CTY offers several programs to the most advanced grade school and high school students all over the world. The CTY consists of a variety of educational programs, each with its own set of rules and opportunities. For each of these programs, a high score on a standardized test such as the SCAT is essential for consideration.

When applying to Johns Hopkins's CTY Programs, you can choose among a variety of testing methods. Out of all the tests available, the SCAT is the only examination available as an option for all grade levels. 

SCAT

• For Grades 2-8
• Evaluates verbal and quantitative abilities
• Two sections- verbal and quantitative
• 22 minutes per section, plus a 10-minute break in the middle

SAT 

• For Grades 7-9
• Evaluates reading, writing, and math
• Three tests + non-compulsory essay
• Three hours for the tests, 50 minutes for the essay

ACT

• For Grades 7-9
• Evaluates English, math, reading, and science
• Four tests + non-compulsory essay
• Three hours for the tests, 40 minutes for the essay

STBT

• For Grades 5-9
• Evaluates visual perspectives (only for grades 7+), surface development, block rotation, visual memory
• Three to four tests
• 83 minutes for grades 5-6, 109 minutes for grades 7-8 

PSAT 8/9 

• For Grades 5-6
• Evaluates reading, writing and language, and math
• Three tests
• Two hours and 25 minutes 

CTY's gifted and talented family program offers one day, overnight, weekend and week-long courses that give academically advanced students and their families an opportunity to explore new horizons and meet like-minded peers. The program includes tours of museums, research institutions, colleges and more.

Registering for JHU CTY's Family Program

To participate in the CTY's Family program, your child needs to apply through the program's Talent Search. You can apply online on the CTY program website, or by submitting a paper application. After you apply, you will receive information regarding testing options available for your relevant grade level.

Students in grades 2-8 are usually invited to take the CTY-administered SCAT. After SCAT testing is completed, the CTY will send you information regarding your child's scores and eligibility for various Johns Hopkins gifted programs.

The Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth offers summer programs for gifted students in Greece. Programs are held at Anatolia College, Thessaloniki, and follow a similar model to that of the CTY's U.S. summer camps. Programs are offered in three formats. For young students in grades 3-6, a day program is available, with courses and activities all held in Greek. Older students in grades 7-11 attend either a day or a residential program, conducted entirely in English. For both day and residential programs, students choose one immersive course to focus on for the duration of the three week program, in either a science or humanities subject.

Registering for the Johns Hopkins CTY Greece Program

In order to enroll in CTY Greece programs, all students are required to take entrance exams which are administered in various cities in Greece.

Students usually take the School and College Ability Test (SCAT). Depending on the child's age and/or grade-level, they will need to sign up for either the elementary, intermediate, or advanced SCAT. To register for the test, parents need to create an account on the CTY Greece website, where they can also view students' scores and apply online to any CTY program for which students are eligible.

CTY's Educational Travel programs offer families of gifted students the opportunity to participate in unique learning experiences at various destinations around the world. The program is held in several locations each summer, and aims to introduce students and parents to the different histories, cultures and environments of these locations. In 2018, for example, travel programs were held in South Africa, Scotland and the U.S. As they learn, participants also have the opportunity to meet other families and gifted students and build lasting friendships. The program is recommended for students in grades 5-12. Younger siblings and other CTY participants in grades 2-4 may be allowed to enroll after a parent speaks with CTY staff about the suitability of the program.

Eligibility for CTY Educational Travel Programs

You can apply to Talent Search online through the CTY website or by requesting a paper application. After you apply, the CTY will provide you with information regarding relevant testing options for your child. After registering for and taking the appropriate test -- usually the CTY-administered SCAT -- you will be notified of your child's eligibility for various CTY programs.

The Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth (JHU CTY) in Hong Kong offers a unique educational summer program for gifted students in grades 2-10. The program provides eligible students from all over the world the opportunity to participate in a challenging academic experience among similarly gifted peers. Children in grades 2-6 attend a day site at ISF Academy. Students in grades 7-10 attend a residential program offered at the University of Hong Kong.

CTY Hong Kong Registration

If you are interested in enrolling your child in the Hong Kong CTY program, the first step is to apply to the CTY Talent Search. You can apply online on the JHU CTY website or request a paper application. After you apply, you will receive information regarding testing options and test registration details relevant to your child's grade level. After selecting and registering for the appropriate test, your child will be invited to testing days. After your child takes the test, you will receive scores and information regarding admission to CTY programs.

Johns Hopkins's well-known Center for Talented Youth now offers online courses for gifted students. The program allows students to benefit from the advanced learning opportunities offered by CTY without having to travel or miss their local school classes. The program provides students in grades K-12 with academically advanced and challenging courses all year long. Courses use multimedia, virtual classrooms, and texts, as well as guidance and evaluation by CTY staff. Students gain access to over 170 courses, which can be accessed remotely from any location. Courses offered include Chinese, computer science, writing, AP math, and more. Courses are available in a variety of formats, with pacing fitted to individual students’ needs. Financial aid is also offered, and many courses are accredited.

JHU CTY Online Program Eligibility

Eligibility for JHU CTY Online is based on the student's performance on one of several tests, depending on the student's grade in school. For students in grades 2-8, testing is normally arranged by CTY’s Talent Search. To apply to the CTY Talent Search, you must submit an online or paper application. The CTY will then send you information regarding testing. Students in grades 2-8 are usually invited to take the SCAT. After testing is completed, you will receive information regarding your child's scores and eligibility for the program.

Students who achieve highly in the mathematical reasoning part of the SCAT are eligible for courses in science, computer science, math and engineering. Those who achieve well on the verbal portion of the test are eligible for writing, grammar, critical reading or social science courses. Students with qualifying math or verbal scores may enroll in forensics, web design, JavaScript, chess, music, or any world language course if the other prerequisites are met. Learn more about CTY SCAT scoring.

If you are looking to have your 2nd-8th grader participate in a CTY program at Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, your child will likely need to take the SCAT. In order to succeed on the SCAT, it is important to set aside time to practice. With TestPrep-Online’s level-specific and child-friendly Elementary, Intermediate, or Advanced SCAT Practice Test packs you can help your child succeed. Start preparing for the SCAT test so your child will gain confidence and be ready to succeed on the day of the test.