SAT I and II Preparation at Dwight School

Dear Parents of Juniors and Sophomores,

It is at this time of year that thought should be given to preparation for the SAT I or SAT II.

The Dwight School offers formal SAT I preparation classes as follows:

1. English - (Ms Graev) Mondays: 3:15 pm in Room B4

2. Mathematics – (Mr Anstey) Tuesdays: 3:15 pm in Room 302

Targeted SAT II preparation is given as follows:

1. Grade 9: Biology (Mr Wargo, Mr Foster, Ms Abrams)

Students may opt to take adddional class in Biology commencing in January 2006 which includes coursework designed to allow the student to prepare for the SAT II in Biology in June 2006. Students arfe provided with test samples and two diagnostic tests immediatel;y prior to the actual test vdate. However, success in this test requires that students put ain a good deal of time on their own reviewing thye material and taking additional practicve SAT II tests in Biology.

2. Grade 10: World History (Mr Klebnikov)

The SAT II in World History is a prime focus of the course. SAT II questions are used throughout, and a diagnostic SAT II is administered in February to give students a clear idea if they will be ready to take this SAT II in June 2006.

3. Grade 11: Writing (Mrs Lipson, Mrs Esposito)

SAT II-style writing exercises are given weekly throughout the year. In addition, students are exposed to actual SAT II’s in Writing including a diagnostic test administered in February.

The SAT I class held after school on Mondays will switch to SAT II Writing preparation April 1(with the same location and teacher). Students could therefore gain SAT II preparation prior to the June 2006 test date.

4. Grade 11: Mathematics (Mr Anstey, Ms Mani, Ms Lambrou, Mr Klass)

Preparation for the Math Level IC SAT II is included in classwork in the spring. A diagnostic SAT II is given to all students in February.

The SAT I class held after school on Tuesdays will switch to SAT II preparation April 1(with the same location and teacher) thereby providing specific preparation for the SAT II in Math Level IC in June 2006.

5. Grade 11: United States History (Ms Donovan)

The SAT II in U.S.History is a prime focus of this course. SAT II questions are used throughout, and a diagnostic SAT II is administered in the spring to give students a clear idea if they will be ready to take this SAT II in June 2006.

6. Grade 11: IB Chemistry (Mrs Lemme), IB Physics (Mr Gragg):

Although the prime focus of these courses is to prepare students for the IB examination in May 2006, all students will be exposed to a diagnostic SAT II in Physics or Chemistry in the spring. During the last few weeks of school, both classes will focus exclusively on SAT II preparation thereby facilitating the possibility of taking the SAT II Physics or Chemistry in June 2006.

7. Grades 10 or 11: Foreign Languages (Dr Chambart, Mrs Giraldo, Mrs Chiapetta, Mr Mor)

Fluent or otherwise talented linguists will be targeted for either of the foreign language SAT II’s and will be given advice and a diagnostic SAT II in the target language.

· Reading only (for second language learners) – given on several test dates including May and June 2004

· Reading and listening (for native speakers) - given in November only.

During February and March, all eleventh grade students and their parents attend individualized meetings with a College Guidance Director. At that time specific recommendations for taking the SAT I and SAT II’s are made in the context of probable college applications.

All tenth grade students are given personalized advice and a strategy for taking all SAT I and SAT II’s during Spring 2006. This takes place during the personal interviews with Mr Foster that commence in February 2004. However, the strategy for taking which SAT’s and when must be arranged in the light of advice obtained from the College Guidance Office (Mrs Bab and Ms Mani) to whom questions about this strategy should be directed. Now that score choice no longer exists for SAT II’s, it is important that these be taken only when students have sufficient facility with the subject and familiarity with the test.

Students who qualify for nonstandard testing in the SAT (for example, with additional time) must get College Board approval. If they have not already done so, they should contact Dr. Elaine Chambart (Dean of Special Studies: Tel: 212-724-2146 Ext. 203) as soon as possible, and she will take them through the authorization process. The authorization documentation can then also be used for the PSAT, IB and AP examinations.