Academic Success Series

SAT Preparation
For high school students planning to attend an American College or University, one of the most important pre-requisites is a reasoning test called the SAT. Along with a student's high school academic performance, personal recommendations and extracurricular activities, many U.S. colleges consider SAT scores major factors in their admission process.

In order to support local students who wish to take the SAT, St. Michaels University School offers an SAT Preparation Course at various times during the school year. This SAT preparation course is designed to familiarize students with the elements of the SAT examination, to provide them with a set of strategies for each section of the SAT, and to help students develop an individualized study programme in preparation for the test. The cost of the course includes a copy of Barron's "How to Prepare for the SAT" and extra course materials. Full-day workshops include lunch in the cafeteria at Brown Hall. Individual follow-up tutorials are available through private arrangement with the instructor, for an additional charge.

Introduction to the SAT
This course offers an introduction to the SAT, including test format, Frequently Asked Questions, and registration advice. Students will set up an account through the College Board web site, learn some test-taking tips, write a practice test, and receive a score report and feedback on the essay section. Students will prepare a test preparation plan to follow in anticipation of their projected test date, based on time management and the various types of preparation methods and products available to them. This introductory course is an important pre-requisite for those wishing to take any of the other courses. Please bring a pencil and a calculator.

SAT Critical Reading
The Critical Reading section tests a student’s vocabulary and comprehension. This session includes an introduction to the exam components, including sentence completion and passage-based reading, and an in-depth analysis of question types and the language skills essential to success on each. Students will review their plans for individualized review, and discuss some vocabulary development strategies and resources. It is strongly recommended that students take the Introduction to the SAT to complement their learning in this module.

SAT Math Preview
Topics specific to the Mathematics portions of the SAT test will be discussed. This will include a brief outline of the test format for the math sections, calculator use, and understanding diagrams. Results from the practice test will be used as a guide to areas to focus on for review. Practical examples throughout will be selected from the reference, Barron’s How to Prepare for the SAT.

SAT Math
This course is intended as an in-depth discussion of the Mathematics concepts that may be encountered on the SAT Reasoning test. Timed sample math sections of the test from Barron’s How to Prepare for the SAT will be completed and analyzed. A review of relevant senior math concepts will be done based on the needs of the students in attendance. Challenge questions on the various math topics will also be provided and explained. Topics include: number and operation; algebra and functions; geometry and measurement; data analysis; and statistics and probability. It is strongly recommended that students take the Introduction to the SAT to complement their learning in this module.

SAT Writing I: The Essay
This workshop explores the elements of an effective essay. Using sample essays, students will learn how the essay is scored, and identify the characteristics that distinguish an essay on the six-point scale. Based on an argumentative essay structure, students will receive peer and instructor feedback. Students will also receive advice on how to demonstrate critical thinking skills, which are highly valued in the essay portion of the exam. It is strongly recommended that students take the Introduction to the SAT to complement their learning in this module.

SAT Writing II: Test Items
This workshop explores the elements of effective writing. Students will be introduced to the multiple choice test items, including improving sentences, identifying sentence errors, and improving paragraphs. It is strongly recommended that students take the Introduction to the SAT to complement their learning in this module.
* The Writing portion of the exam consists of an essay and individual test items.