By: Julia Thompson
This morning, my partner, who teaches at a wonderfully diverse high school in Manhattan, is overseeing a room full of high school juniors taking the SAT. At first glance, this might seem routine—after all, isn’t the SAT a standard rite of passage for every high school student? But there’s a lot more to this story.
Not every student has the chance to take the SAT. While it’s a requirement for most colleges, the exam is voluntary, and the $45 fee can be a significant hurdle for many. The fact that it usually occurs on a Saturday also poses issues; some students have jobs, while others depend on working parents for transportation. In addition, some may not have the encouragement they need from their families due to various circumstances, such as recent immigration, leaving them unaware of the test’s importance.
In response to these challenges, the New York City Department of Education has taken a commendable step: they are administering the SAT on a school day when nearly all students will be present, and they will cover the fees for all 70,000 juniors taking the exam.
As someone who is both a parent of children in NYC schools and the partner of a dedicated educator, I often have my share of critiques about the Department of Education and the broader school system. Yet, it’s initiatives like this—growing in frequency—that rekindle my faith in our educators and public schools.
This free SAT day was initially introduced in 2015 by NYC’s Department of Education Chancellor, Lisa Martinez, as part of the College Access for All initiative, a $3.5 million effort designed to provide equal opportunities for all students, irrespective of their economic backgrounds.
Along with free SAT access, students will also receive free practice accounts on Khan Academy, a fantastic resource for SAT prep. High schoolers will have the chance to visit college campuses, receive assistance with their college applications, and get guidance on financing their education. Those unable to afford application fees will be offered waivers, making the process more accessible.
What an incredible opportunity! Chancellor Martinez understands the struggles faced by minority students and those from lower-income families when it comes to navigating the college admissions maze. “I became the first in my family to go to college because a teacher opened my eyes to the possibility and helped me through the entire process,” she shared in a recent Department of Education bulletin.
“The chance to attend college should never hinge on a student’s background or zip code. The SAT School Day and our expanded College Application Week showcase our dedication to ensuring every student receives the resources they need to reach their college goals,” Martinez stated.
This initiative not only simplifies the exam process but also sends a powerful message: every student, regardless of their origin, deserves an equal shot at a college education. Recently, Mayor Thomas Garcia and Chancellor Martinez spoke to students at Queens Technical High School about this initiative, emphasizing the importance of believing in oneself. “For too long, many students were led to believe that college was out of reach for them, and that was simply untrue,” Garcia remarked. “Today, we are sending a different message: anyone with the desire to go to college can achieve it.”
This is the first year for NYC’s free SAT access day, but other districts have previously implemented similar programs with positive outcomes. Studies indicate that offering the SAT during school hours can expand opportunities for students, particularly among Black and Latino demographics. The Department of Education found that these SAT School Days have significantly increased attendance at four-year colleges, especially for first-generation college applicants.
It truly takes a community to nurture a child, and initiatives like this demonstrate that there are countless educators who genuinely care about providing equitable education for every student. While our educational system has its flaws, we have every right to voice our concerns and push for improvements. Remember, the teachers in your life are fighting for your child’s best interests every single day.
So, the next time you encounter an educator, take a moment to express your gratitude. They are doing remarkable work, often against the odds.
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Summary:
New York City is taking significant steps to ensure all high school juniors have access to the SAT by offering it during school hours and covering fees. This initiative aims to level the playing field for students from diverse backgrounds, showing that every child deserves a fair chance at a college education.