John Hopkins - Center For Talented Youth
What is the John Hopkins - Center For Talented Youth?
CTY conducts the nation's oldest and most extensive academic talent search and offers educational programming for students with exceptionally high academic ability.

For more than 20 years, the Center for Talented Youth (CTY) at Johns Hopkins University has identified America’s top academic students in grades two through eight and provided challenging educational programs through their 10th grade year. Students who score at or above the 97th percentile on standardized tests normally taken in school are invited to participate in CTY’s Talent Search, during which they take an additional set of standardized tests used to measure mathematical and verbal reasoning. Qualifying students may choose to enroll in CTY programs including summer residential programs, online courses, and one-day conferences on special topics. CTY also publishes Imagine, a five-issue-per-year periodical that is full of opportunities and resources for gifted students.

More information on John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth.
Why Would I Want to Take The CYT Tests?
Qualifying students may choose to enroll in CTY programs including summer residential programs, online courses, and one-day conferences on special topics.

CTY Talent Searches identify, assess, and recognize students with exceptional mathematical and/or verbal reasoning abilities. Students qualify for participation in the Talent Searches by scoring at or above the 97th percentile on a nationally normed, standardized aptitude or achievement test. Students scoring in the top three percentiles are "hitting the ceiling" of their regular tests.

The Talent Search gives students the opportunity to take a test designed for older students, one with a higher ceiling. This testing will reveal more about their academic abilities and will allow them to compare their results with those of other highly able students. They will also learn about educational options and opportunities for students with similar abilities, and they will receive recognition for their outstanding achievements.

The Talent Search provides full benefits, including awards ceremonies for top scoring students in grades 5-8, in 19 states (AK, AZ, CA, CT, DE, HI, ME, MD, MA, NH, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, VA, VT, WA, WV) and the District of Columbia. The CTY Talent Searches are available to students in grades 2-8 only.

More information on the Talent Search.
Who is Eligible?
Students need to score at the 97th percentile or higher on a standardized test, such as the Cognitive Abilities Test, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, or the Terra Novas. As an aid to parents, Juneau's elementary EL teachers send registration information and test score information to parents of students who are eligible to take the test.
How do I Participate?
Eligible fifth grade students are given information necessary to register early each fall. It is important that they deliver this information to their parents, who will decide whether or not to pursue testing. The easiest way to register is online through the John Hopkins CTY Talent Search Registration website.

Please note: CTY changed how they are administering testing in Alaska. Beginning with the 2006-2007 school year, we are now considered an international site and testing is no longer offered at UAS. In addition to having to secure individual proctors for the test, the fees for doing this have skyrocketed. ELPAC is interested in helping solve this dilemma; meanwhile, I don't think any students are currently being tested in Juneau for CTY programs.
Sheryl Hall Wittig ~ Page last updated on Friday, March 9, 2007.