Penn offers SAT/ACT prep class

By COLE POLLYEA

Student reporter

 

​As of the 2016-17 school year, a new class has been added to the Penn High School program of studies. It is entitled “SAT/ACT Course” and is designed to give students―primarily sophomores and juniors―an unprecedented opportunity to prepare for the important standardized tests that are administered to high schoolers on a national level.

The “SAT/ACT Course” is a year-long class because, as its instructor, English teacher Mr. De Kever stated, “there is so much that we can review, so many skills that we can practice, that it truly requires a full year. Plus, we’ve got juniors who are maybe taking it in the fall, but also probably taking it again in the spring. This way, they’ve got a full year of preparation.”

But unlike other year-long classes, it is an unweighted course, which means that one does not receive any credit for their completion of it. And unlike other classes, it is a substitute for a study hall, as opposed to an elective.

    Brilliant an idea as it was to begin offering this course, many have asked why this is just now happening. In the eyes of Mr. De Kever, the class has come at an essential time because of some changes made to the tests in the past year.

“My understanding is that the class was created to fill the need that students have for additional preparation … particularly (for) the SAT because it’s been redesigned as of last March,” Mr. De Kever said. “It’s really a much better test but a more difficult test than it was before.”

    This helpful and engaging course is considered by its teacher and students to be an appropriate substitute for the expensive and often unaffordable services of Sylvan and other similar extracurricular programs that offer test preparation of this nature. When asked about its ability to compare, Mr. De Kever responded, “I would ask, why spend money on some kind of SAT prep class outside of school when you can get it for free here?” Well said.

    Mr. De Kever, however, is not the only one excited about what this course can offer to the achievement of students at Penn. A.J. Antonelli, a current junior enrolled in the class, offered insight regarding his decision to take this course.

“I signed up (for the SAT/ACT Course) because I’m looking to improve on my SAT scores, based on how I did on the PSAT…. On the PSAT, I didn’t really know what to expect. But now, taking the SAT, I’ll have help. I’ll have a better awareness of what I’m expected to do.”

    For students who are interested in signing up for this class, it’s not too late. Counselor John Westra commented on the class roster, “There is definitely space. It’s available G1, G2, G4, B1, B2, and B4, and there is moderate space available in each class.” And if a student is interested in signing up, this should take place by meeting with their counselors.

But if a student should realize only halfway through the year that they are interested in signing up, second semester enrollment is allowed and encouraged.