SAT strategy

Dear Montfort Parents,

This year we have a comprehensive strategy for our students, especially those taking the SATs for the first time.

1. When we return from the Christmas break (January), Mr. Antonios and I will be offering short, guided study sessions on Tuesdays, from 3-4pm. This will consist of discussing the test parameters for particular sections and questions, laying out strategies for time-efficiency and process of elimination, and doing practice exercises. We will alternate between verbal/writing and math every other week. These sessions will be open to students of any grade, but are especially designed for juniors. No additional fees will be requested. Please keep in mind that our preparation at Montfort will be limited in time and scope and are not intended to replace intensive SAT preparation courses.

2. We will build a momentum leading up to the SAT I exam on Saturday, March 13, 2010. We strongly encourage juniors to register in advance for this test date, so please mark this on your calendar. You must set up an account on The College Board web site to register: http://www.collegeboard.com/

3. After March 13th, we will concentrate on preparing juniors for SAT Subject Tests (or SAT IIs) in History and Literature, on Saturday, May 1, 2010. Admissions offices across the nation now recognize SAT IIs (and ACTs) as an important addition to the student's academic profile. Many of the more competitive colleges and universities now require two or even three subject tests for the application! At present juniors are following an AP curriculum in History and in Literature, and so it makes good sense for them to take these subject tests towards the end of their junior year.


Juniors
Juniors will have the summer months to study further, and we strongly recommend enrolling in an SAT summer course. Unless a student happens to be a super-highly-motivated individual, willing to work long hours for many days by himself or herself, there is no better way to get to know the substance and parameters of the SAT. As last summer, we will arrange for courses to be offered at Montfort by an experienced SAT prep teacher, so that our students can benefit from a reduced rate.

A new series of test dates will be offered in the fall of 2010, and all students have the opportunity to improve their scores before college applications are due. Please keep in mind that early decision application deadlines are set any time between October and January (deadlines vary greatly according to the institution).


Thank you for working with us so that our Montfort students will strive for greater achievements and have an increased potential for scholarship opportunities in the future. Wishing God's blessings on all.

John Pilsner
Director of College Admissions and Academic Guidance