The day of April 13 marks the scholastic aptitude test date, otherwise known as the SAT; as it draws inevitably closer, so does the overwhelming urge to procrastinate. Luckily, this year and years prior, ACHS hosts SAT prep classes for juniors desiring assistance to increase their knowledge, either in math or English. Earning a 1300 or higher is not as easy as it seems, but these prep classes may turn inner fear into confidence.
The classes are currently administered by Jill Farrell, ACHS Math Department Chair, and Anne Eichman, Social Studies Department Chair. Though neither have involvement within the prep class environment, both are busy behind the scenes months before its establishment.
“Most of our work happens in the months prior to beginning the actual sessions,” Eichman said. “We acquire the materials, meet with the teachers, oversee student registration and then make sure that students are placed into their classes correctly.”
There are two separate sessions developed for enrollment with two different time frames. Every Tuesday, from Feb. 8 until March 15, the math session runs in-person from 3:30-4:30 p.m., or virtually from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Likewise, the English session runs every Wednesday, from Feb. 9 until March 16, with the same time slots.
Fortunately for students who miss any of these sessions, a newly added SAT booster session held on Tuesday, April 5, may assist with any last-minute preparations before testing day. However, juniors should not take these classes lightly; spacing out during the sessions now may lead to consequences later on, negatively impacting their score overall.
“You can go to class and not really go to class, and you can physically be there but not mentally,” Farrell said. “Take advantage of the resources you have [because] there’s a reason why we’re walking you through these problems.”
Junior Benjamin Georgia is one of many students who advantageously uses resources accessible to him. Unsatisfied with his scores, Georgia took it upon himself to do better.
“After the first review session, I’m feeling very confident,” Georgia said. “Mr. House [ACHS math teacher] made me feel very confident and showed us what we would need to remember and what we wouldn’t need.”
If students continue to feel unsure about their performance, there are plentiful resources available outside of the classroom: practice tests within the SAT book, online tests and the online platform Khan Academy. On April 13, students should dedicate all their hard work to the test.
“Take the assessment seriously and give it your best effort on test day,” Eichman said. “Don’t waste this opportunity to showcase your knowledge and skills.”
Towards the middle of the second semester, school may grow debilitating, but SATs are a rite of passage in high school. Instead of overstressing, email Eichman or Farrell about attending the SAT prep classes as soon as possible.
