Every year thousands of students write the SCAT exam in the USA. However, only a few manage to clear the test with a score they can be happy with among these people. Many ask “Do I need tutoring for SCAT or can practice tests be enough?” If you are wondering whether you need tutoring, here is a guide for you.
The SCAT test conducted by the John Hopkins University, Center for Talented Youth, is an online exam to test the aptitude of a student against those of senior students in the fields of Quantitative aptitude and Verbal Reasoning.
Are you worried about the approaching tests? You’re not alone! Most students fear the approaching tests, and that causes exam-related fear and stress. The biggest advantage of early preparation and practice is the mitigation of exam fear. So make sure you work hard early so you can take it easy during the exams. Source: JHU-CTY
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Levels of SCAT:
Elementary: The lowest level achievable in the SCAT.
Intermediate: A relatively high level in the test. It shows excellence in both fields.
Advanced: A grade achieved when you have successfully mastered the subject and are on par with seniors tested against in both reasoning and mathematics.
Certain students are awarded certificates for exceptional scores. A few who achieve the top scores are even given recognition ceremonies.
The two ways of preparing for exams are:
1. Getting tutored:
Being taught by an experienced instructor is the standard way to prepare for exams. This has been a pretty standard method employed by most people. Some choose to rely on seniors, while most rely on coaching institutes and academies.
There are two methods of coaching used today, these are:
Offline teaching:
The method used since days of yore, the direct method of educating has been used. However, most of these classes tend to be localized in large cities. They are few and far between.
Hiring a personal tutor can also get quite expensive. Since the pandemic, going to an enclosed space is generally seen as a bad idea. This makes such a method less than ideal for the modern student.
Online teaching:
Since the quarantine, face to face teaching methods has lost their influence and usefulness. Online classes solve the need for social distancing and one-on-one instruction clearing sessions.
Learning from an online coach has several advantages, including the ability to learn from anywhere, learn from the best of instructors even if they are located on the opposite corner of the country, and protect from COVID.
Pros:
- Ensures you have a strong foundation to work on.
- It gives you the option to clear doubts whenever you want.
Cons:
- It tends to be a bit more expensive.
2. Practicing on your own:
Although this is a very difficult method, students who are confident in their abilities sometimes choose to study for the SCAT all on their own. This method is extremely demanding and requires consistent, dedicated effort and a meticulous and complete approach to preparation.
Although not recommended by most as very few can achieve it, it is nevertheless a method some choose. If you plan to practice on your own, make sure to solve plenty of SCAT practice tests.
Pros:
- Give you a strong sense of accomplishment.
- Strengthen your feelings of self-worth and self-confidence.
Cons:
- Require unheard amounts of endurance and willpower.
- Requires consistency and dedication.
- Requires resources, both books and papers.
- No one can explain difficult concepts to you.
Clearing a SCAT test is no easy process. It requires time, effort, and dedication. Most people spend hours working on problems, going through concepts, and reading to work on their skills.
Having a coach through all of it may make things easier on you, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you will do well.
To put it simply, being trained is like fertilizer for a plant. If it is strong, it will grow on its own and benefit from the fertilizer. Otherwise, you’re left with a weaker plant even after a great period of time.
Thankfully, unlike a plant, you can always work harder and harder until you reach your goal. A good guide can make all the difference.
Featured Image by pxfuel.com
