Preparing to Test Our Future

A Deeper Look At Maclay’s SAT Prep Course

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Standardized tests have grown to be a key asset in our lives. Our scores can dictate our classes, and the colleges we get into. As a response to the importance of testing, Maclay has implemented a new program: a nine-week SAT prep course. This course is designed to help students raise their testing scores, which is done through immense practice. 

“What I saw was looking at it from an athletic kind of standpoint; the more you practice, and then you have scrimmages or mock tests…when you get ready for the real test, then you'll be better prepared,” Upper School Director Charles Beamer said. “You'll know the tricks, you'll know the plays, you'll know how your opponent, which is the SAT or the ACT, is going to ask those questions.”

The course itself is meant to offer an in-depth experience to the individual user, adapting to their needs. The course is designed by professionals from outside Maclay; a company dedicated to preparing students for the SAT known as Magnolia Prep. Magnolia Prep was chosen for Maclay after much debate; it would be difficult for the school to pull its own teachers out of their classrooms, but an outside company was difficult to find. Magnolia Prep was settled on due to its use by other schools, and its professional tutoring roster.

 “They have a track record of working with other schools, and a track record of students that work with them who excel on this test,” Beamer said. “They were able to actually hire a tutor to move from another state, and actually come and live in Tallahassee to be that main teacher for us. And that's something that we were not able to do with other companies.”

The course itself works with the needs of the user, allowing individuals to practice their weaker skills and improve them. This hands-on adaptable experience helps students excel on the SAT. Not to mention, the course is available to everyone. It is a rare opportunity that everyone, regardless of their situation, is able to receive such benefits. The SAT prep course being a school elective allows for students to practice and prepare for the test, even though they may be busy or unable to afford a tutor. By allowing all students to take the course, Maclay offers everyone a chance to improve; giving opportunity to every student regardless of their circumstances.

Although it has major benefits, the course has received some backlash from students. Some say the course is a waste of resources, and the grading is too difficult. At the end of the day, Maclay is meant to be a college preparatory school, and, with the recent need for SAT scores on college applications, it would be near impossible to prepare students for college without some sort of course. In addition, with this being the first year of the course, much is still being worked out. 

“We've redone the grading scale to make sure that it is attainable for students and that it's doable by students.” said Beamer. “We also have told students that if they need further training to speak with the instructor just like we do with any class here at Maclay, the instructor will work with you.”

Ultimately, this program is set to be a permanent part of Maclay. Although aspects are being altered, such as the grading scale, the course itself is here to stay. It is important to recognize that this course is truly a tool that can help students achieve major goals; whether that be getting into a dream college, or taking an advanced course in the future.