What is the CAT4 test?
The CAT4 assessment is available to students ranging from Year 2 to Year 11. The test is divided into four distinct sections, each dedicated to assessing a specific cognitive skill. This computerised test features multiple-choice questions, and results are presented in Standard Age Scores (SAS), with an average score of 100 being typical, although many exclusive independent schools seek candidates with a SAS score of 115 or higher.
What does the process involve?
The CAT4 is divided into 4 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Spatial Ability. These 4 sections are then assessed in three separate examinations that take 45 minutes each, 2 hours and 15 minutes in total.
The Verbal Reasoning element measures a student’s ability to understand and manipulate language, while Non-Verbal Reasoning measures their aptness to understand and manipulate visual information. Quantitative Reasoning assesses a student’s competence to use numerical information to solve problems, and Spatial Ability measures how they visualise and manipulate three-dimensional objects.
How to take the test?
The test is designed to be taken between September and November, as this allows schools to use the results to contribute to admissions discussions. It’s important to note that the test cannot be taken at home, unlike the UKiset test, as the controlled environment of a school setting is essential to ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the test results. This is especially crucial given the high-stakes nature of admissions testing, as schools rely heavily on the CAT4 results to make informed decisions about a student’s academic potential and fit within the school community.
Why is the CAT4 important for independent school admissions?
The CAT4 test provides beneficial information to both students and schools alike. However, its utility is particularly relevant to schools, as it provides reliable indicators of a student’s potential success in future examinations such as GCSEs, IB, or A-Levels. In addition, the test can be used to assess how well the school can support each student’s learning needs.
For example, if a student excels in Verbal Reasoning but struggles with Quantitative Reasoning, the results can help their teacher tailor their teaching approach to better address their individual learning needs. Moreover, the test can reveal hidden talents or strengths that may have otherwise gone unnoticed, such as a strong aptitude for Non-Verbal reasoning, which could be useful for students interested in art or design.
Overall, the CAT4 test offers schools a comprehensive evaluation of a student’s cognitive abilities, which can be used to provide targeted support and foster academic success.
How to prepare for the CAT4 test?
Preparing for a test that assesses natural ability can be challenging, but it’s helpful to familiarise the child with exam conditions to prevent any surprises on test day. Practising CAT4-style questions and expanding their vocabulary can also help students become more comfortable with the test format and question types.
At Think Tutors, our experienced UK school entrance tutors possess the expertise and insight necessary to increase the likelihood of success on the CAT4 test.
By honing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, enhancing subject-specific knowledge, and providing comprehensive guidance on test-taking strategies, we empower our students to achieve their desired results. With our support, students can approach the CAT4 test with confidence, knowing they have the preparation and support they need to succeed.
Contact Think Tutors
Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the application process for private education. With a 100% school admission success rate, our tutors are adept at enhancing performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building.
We can either provide hourly or full-time tuition, in addition to homeschooling. We can organise tuition wherever and whenever, with the option of in-person or online tuition. Please contact us if you are interested in finding a tutor to help your child feel confident and succeed in the CAT4 Test.