Murphy on SAT Preparation Class

Dear Island Trees School Community,

Naturally, one of the main goals in our school district is to prepare students for college admissions. In fact, for most students this is their true culminating K-12 exam. 

There are many things that go into the student admissions process, including SAT scores. Yes, the dreaded SAT – the bane of most high school students.  Fortunately, Island Trees High School has developed a class that will put an end to sleepless nights, knotted stomachs and sweaty palms. SAT Preparation.  
This year long class prepares students for the three sections of the SAT Reasoning Test – Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. The course begins preparing 11th grade students in September for the May SAT.

The class discusses SAT Mathematics concepts on “A” Day and Reading/Writing on “B” Day.  The rotating schedule ensures that our students are well prepared for both Mathematical and English Language Arts concepts leading up to this major springtime assessment. 

Like it or not, colleges use this standardized test to benchmark students in the highly selective college admissions process. In their mind, the scores provide a national standard for students where grade point calculation can differ from classroom to classroom in a given school less alone across districts, counties, and states. Colleges feel they’re able to compare apples to apples whether the student is in New York or Idaho.

Of course, colleges use other factors, including grade point average, strength of schedule, essays and co-curricular participation. With that said, the SAT is and will be for some time a significant factor in the decision-making process for college admissions officers. 

In Island Trees, we want to give our students every opportunity to do well and this course is a vital part of our program.  If your child is entering their junior year, then they need to add this class to their schedule. It’s that important!

If you have any questions about the course, please contact your child’s high school guidance counselor.

Charles Murphy, Superintendent of Schools