1

First Generation SAT Preparation:

Best Practices for Overcoming Barriers & Motivating Students

2

Let’s Get Ready

Students Helping Students Get To College www.letsgetready.org

Let’s Get Ready (LGR) is committed to expanding access to higher education by providing low-income and first-generation college bound high school students with intensive, FREE SAT prep and critical assistance with the college application process.

LGR’s innovative program is led by trained college students who act as tutors, mentors and role models, leading a movement of students helping students get to college.

3

Program Overview

• FREE eight week program that meets two times per week.

• Intensive SAT test preparation, as well as guidance and mentoring through the college admissions process.

• Classes led by college student volunteers (coaches) in groups of 5 high school students per Coach.

• Built on partnerships with colleges, high schools and/or community organizations.

Let’s Get Ready

4

Let’s Get Ready!

LGR Program Growth & Locations:

• Founded in Mt. Vernon, NY in 1998 by a Harvard undergrad with 40 students

• Original seed money from the College Board

• Over 9,000 high school participants since 1998

‒ 2,000 per year, DOUBLE the number served in 2006

• Has spread to sites throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New England

Amherst CollegeBabson CollegeBarnard College Baruch College CUNY Boston College Clark University Colgate University Columbia University Cornell University Dartmouth CollegeFairfield UniversityHampshire College Harvard University Mt. Holyoke College New York University Princeton University South Connecticut State University Tufts UniversityUMass Amherst University of Pennsylvania Wellesley College Wesleyan University

Current University Partners:

5

Let’s Get Ready

Results:

• Participants increase their SAT scores by 110 points.

• 92% of students go directly to college after high school; 84% attending a four-year school.

• Former students are now returning as coaches, site directors and are even starting new sites on their college campuses creating a cycle of service.

Students Helping Students Get To College www.letsgetready.org

LGR was an incredible program that taught me useful SAT skills, and helped me prepare for

college.  But the best part was the influential staff that created a great learning environment.“

Liz Bajus Summer 2005 Stamford LGR

6

Challenge #1: Motivating Students

•Communicating the Importance of the SAT/ACT

•Benefits of Test Prep Programs

•Communicating What The Test Measures

•Confronting Test Anxiety

•Encouraging Re-testing

7

Challenge #2: Understanding & Using Test Taking Strategies

• Communicating the Structure of the Test

•How the Test is Scored & Guessing

•Time Management

•Target Numbers & Range Finder

•Approaching the Essay

•Unique Strategies for Each Section

8

Challenge #3: Waking Up & Taking The SAT

• Confronting Test Day BarriersForget the Test Date & TimeForget the Testing Location Forget to Arrange a Ride to the Testing LocationForgot the Admission Ticket Late to the Testing Site

9