Juniors now required to take SATs

November 14, 2011
Filed under Featured, News, Top headline

By Grace Gibney

This year’s junior class will be the first group of students to take the SAT college aptitude test for a high school graduation requirement. The test, scheduled during school April 18, is free.

The State Board of Education determined that the regularly required $49 fee for the SAT will be paid by the state.

“It’s an expensive endeavour,” said counselor Gail Barker. “It’s a valuable opportunity for the junior class, and hopefully we will have this same opportunity for every future junior class.”

For the first year in Borah’s history, taking the SAT is a graduation requirement for the current junior class of 2013.

Students will not be able to graduate unless they have completed the SAT. “Some states require different things,” said career counselor Kathi Lecertua. “It is one more step for getting kids to college.”

Juniors will register during the early second semester on the SAT website during their English classes.

Along with registering together, a period dedicated for preparing students for the SAT will be set aside during English classes as well.

“This forces everyone to get in there and get it done,” said senior English teacher Pam Atkins. “This helps them say, ‘Oh, I’m a junior, and now I’m thinking about college.’”

Juniors will take the SAT during regular school hours. If students miss the designated day, students can still take the SAT on the assigned make-up day. If students are unable to attend either one of those days, then the option to take the SAT free will no longer be available and the normal fee will be applied.

This opportunity provided by the state is highly cherished among the Borah faculty and staff.

“If students do well and are pleased with their score, then this time has been valuable,” said Lecertua. “Even if students are unhappy with their scores and desire to take the SAT again, then the time has still been valuable for the students. I hope that students take this opportunity seriously.”

For teachers, the opportunity to take the test and have SAT scores on their transcripts is an improvement.

“There are many kids who graduate high school with no test scores on their transcript,” said Atkins. “This gives students the opportunity to test their current status, get an idea for scholarships to certain universities and what the university demands, along with ultimately improving their scores.”

For every student that completes the SAT test, three students take the ACT according to Lecertua. Although the SAT fee has been paid by the state, a regular fee is still charged for the ACT. Unlike the SAT, The ACT is not a graduation requirement for the class of 2013.

Students may visit the SAT website to find out more about the test. Under the practice tab, students may find sample questions, a practice test, an official online course, and an official study guide. Sample SAT subject questions and official SAT subject study guides are also available.

“I hope this gets everyone thinking about this, not just students,” commented Atkins.