With the SAT just around the corner, students are stepping up their preparation not only in school but also on their own time.
Students at GJHS prepare for the SAT in a variety of ways, both inside and outside the classroom. The SAT and PSAT test days will be on Apr. 14 and 15.
“As a school, we commit to helping students prepare for the SAT and depending on the teacher, students might use practice tests, warm-ups or online tools like Khan Academy, especially in English and math classes,” said GJHS English teacher Mariah McCune.
This year, GJHS introduced an SAT Success Camp, a free after school program led by GJHS teacher Eric Brunner and principal Jory Sorenson. The camp will focus on helping students understand the test format, manage their time effectively, and build confidence through practice. Students use online platforms, teacher-created materials, and individualized instruction based on their skill levels. The course will teach students how to use AI to create their own SAT practice. AI will personalize an SAT pre-assessment based on the student’s skill level and make them a final test to take at the end of the course to see their growth. On the first Tuesday of the SAT Success Camp around 30 students attended.
Brunner explained that understanding how the SAT works can reduce anxiety. When students know how long each section is, how many questions to expect, and what skills are being tested, they are less likely to feel intimidated by the test.
The SAT Success Camp is every Tuesday after school from 3:30-4:30 p.m. in room 304. Everyone is welcome to attend.
High school course selection can also play a role in SAT preparation. From an English perspective, Advanced Placement (AP) classes may offer additional benefits.
“AP is created by the same company, College Board, that designs the SAT,” said McCune.
The reading and writing questions in AP classes are similar to those found on the SAT, though AP courses use more advanced texts. As a result, many AP students find the SAT reading and writing sections more manageable after practicing higher-level material.
“I do think my AP classes help me prepare for the SAT because a lot of the work we do in my classes translates to what is on the SAT, especially in AP Language,” said GJHS junior Penelope Kuehlhorn.
Outside of school, many students take preparation into their own hands. Some work through SAT prep books, take online courses, complete practice tests, or even hire tutors. The Official SAT Study Guide book can be found online and typically costs around $35. The book can also be checked out from the Mesa County Library or delivered to the school’s library. Other online courses to prepare for the SAT include Edmentum, Khan Academy and Bluebook, which are all free.
According to College Board, a “good” SAT score ranges from 1200-1350, while the average score leans toward 1050. The maximum score you can achieve on the SAT is 1600. College Board suggests that students who practice 15-30 minutes a few days each week (6-8 hours total) in the months leading up to the SAT have a 90-point increase in score. Students who practice around 20 hours before the SAT are associated with around a 115-point increase in their score
Teachers encourage all students to take the SAT seriously, regardless of their plans after high school. The SAT is a graduation requirement. According to the Colorado Department of Education students must earn at least a 470 in English and a 480 in mathematics in order to graduate. If a student does not meet the graduation requirement for the SAT, they will have an alternative option such as Work Keys.
“Even if you’re not planning on going to college right now, it’s something you can fall back on later,” said McCune.
GJHS freshmen will take the PSAT on April 14, sophomores will take the PSAT on April 15 and juniors will take the SAT on April 14. Students taking the exam will only attend school for the first half of the day. The exams will take place inside classrooms.
Freshmen and juniors will not attend school on Apr. 15 and sophomores will not attend school on Apr. 14. Seniors are off school both days.
