Although this school year has been far from normal, there have been new learning opportunities for students including virtual SAT Bootcamp.
Typically, students would have to attend the SAT Bootcamp in person, but after the first semester the district decided to offer it virtually for students.
The school was looking for ways to improve the district’s SAT performance, so offering students a prep course seemed like a logical approach, according to English teacher David Moio. He said assistant principal Greg Capocioni led the charge to initiate the bootcamp here at P-T.
Moio has taught SAT prep classes for many years, and said the main challenge was getting the word out to students that the bootcamp was available and would help them score higher on the SAT.
The SAT Bootcamp benefits the students as they get exposed to SAT questioning and methods that work best on test day.
“They go into the test with more confidence which helps them overcome the No. 1 factor in lower standardized test scores — anxiety,” said Moio.
Moio added the only way Bootcamp would dramatically change is if the College Board makes changes to the SAT, which in that case their instruction would adjust accordingly.
Math teacher Steve Ising works with the Bootcamp and said one of the main factors that contributed to making the virtual change was due to students and parents requesting this. Also it would be useful if the school needs to be online for any reason, as there would be no need to cancel the sessions.
Ising added that the SAT Bootcamp enrollment has been the highest for any session in the last three years. He said the students not only get practice on SAT-type questions, but also learn test-taking strategies that are applicable to the SAT as well as tests in general.
“In the Math sessions, we practice lots of SAT problems, and I explain multiple approaches, since different students may be more comfortable with different solving methods,” said Ising.
Besides relieving those who are concerned with getting the virus, the virtual bootcamp option has been great for students with busy schedules.
Junior student Olivia Fanelli said, “I am happy that the SAT Bootcamp is easily accessible online because I often can’t go in person because of volleyball.” Fanelli joins the Google Meets for as long as she can before practice. She added it is nice that the work she missed is on Google Classroom or recorded so that she can still prep for the SATs despite her schedule.
Fanelli has found the class to be helpful especially when the teachers gave advice on test taking strategies.
Like Fanelli, junior Kennedy Schropp has also found the virtual SAT Bootcamp to be convenient, especially as some students are concerned about leaving their house during these times. Schropp said, “The bootcamp has been helpful because the work is posted online and is easy to print or practice at home.”
Even though this year has been hard to keep up with all the changes, it has often led to new opportunities that could benefit students. The SAT Bootcamp will continue to prepare students whether it’s in class or at home.
Staff editor, Madison Klobucar