What Happened to the SAT Prep Course?

By: Ian Harden

Did you know that Cony used to have an SAT Prep Course? 

Between 2011 and 2015, Ms. Hannigan, Ms. Bourget and Ms. Pelletier worked together to teach this class, with Ms. Hannigan teaching the math component and Ms. Bourget (later Ms. Pelletier) the English. It was a nine-week course where half the students went to English one day (the other half went to math), then switched every other day.

The class generally attracted between 30 and 50 students, mostly juniors and seniors, in the years it was offered. Students taking the course focused on official SAT practice, addressed SAT strategies — such as guessing and checking — and worked on pacing. The class also helped students get to know the structure of the test and how it’s scored by playing Jeopardy and doing practice packets and problems.

The main reason why Cony no longer offers the SAT Prep Course is due to a staffing issue. According to Ms. Hannigan, “the problem was that we needed staff to teach other courses.” However, it’s surprising that the course is no longer offered as Ms. Hannigan thought the course was successful and saw “scores usually increase by 100 points for both English and math.” 

Another problem may have been that only a small population of students enrolled compared to how many students took the SAT. Nonetheless, Ms. Hannigan “thinks the course should be offered again because the practice has good problems that make you think and focus on critical thinking and prepares you well for the test.” 

Even students feel that the course should be offered again. Senior Ayannah Osman says, “I feel that if we had chances to prepare for such a rigorous exam, many people would perform better.” 

Senior Mallory Turgeon says, “Taking an SAT Prep class would give me more free time on my own. I wouldn’t have to study outside of class, on top of homework, clubs and sports. With all of my responsibilities, it gets super busy, so having a set time everyday to study would be amazing.” 

If the course was successful, and many students clearly want to do better on the SAT, then shouldn’t Cony try to offer the class again?