Today, my partner, who teaches English at a vibrant high school in New York City, is overseeing the SAT exam for a bustling group of high school juniors. At first glance, this might not seem particularly remarkable—after all, isn’t it standard for students to take the SAT? However, this initiative is noteworthy for several reasons.
Not every high school student has the chance to take the SAT. While the exam is a critical component of college admissions, it remains optional for many students. The current fee of $45 is a significant obstacle for some families. Additionally, the SAT is typically administered on a Saturday, which can be challenging for students with jobs or for those whose parents are unable to drive them to the testing location. There are also numerous students whose families may not fully understand the importance of the exam, particularly if they are new to the U.S.
In response to these challenges, the New York City Department of Education has stepped in to facilitate an SAT testing day during school hours, ensuring that the majority of students can participate. Remarkably, the Department is covering the costs for all 70,000 juniors in the city.
As a partner of a Department of Education employee and a parent of two children in NYC schools, I have my share of critiques regarding the education system. However, initiatives like this one give me hope for our educators and public schools.
This free SAT day was initially announced in 2015 by Chancellor Maria Sanchez as part of the College Access for All program—a $3.5 million initiative aimed at creating equal opportunities for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
Alongside free SAT access, the Department is also providing students with free practice accounts on Khan Academy, a well-known SAT preparation resource. Additionally, students will have opportunities to visit college campuses, receive assistance with college applications, and get guidance on financing their education. Fee waivers for college application costs will also be available for those who need them.
Chancellor Sanchez understands the unique challenges faced by minority students and those from lower-income households in the college admissions landscape. She shares, “I became the first in my family to attend college thanks to a teacher who recognized my potential and guided me through the application process.”
“This initiative illustrates that college opportunities should not be determined by a student’s background or zip code,” Sanchez emphasizes. The SAT School Day, along with the expansion of College Application Week, showcases our commitment to equipping every student with the necessary resources to pursue higher education.
Recently, Mayor John Rodriguez and Chancellor Sanchez visited Queens Vocational and Technical High School to discuss this initiative, affirming that for too long, many students were told they lacked the chance to attend college. “Now, we are sending a different message: Anyone with aspirations for higher education has a viable path to achieve their dreams,” Rodriguez stated.
This is the inaugural year for the free SAT access day in NYC, but other districts have seen promising outcomes from similar initiatives. Studies show that offering the SAT during school hours has enhanced opportunities for all students, particularly for black and Latino students, leading to increased attendance at four-year colleges, especially among first-generation college applicants.
It truly requires a collective effort to support our youth, and programs like this demonstrate the commitment of many educators to ensure equitable access to education for all children. While we should acknowledge and address the flaws within our education system, it’s essential to recognize the dedication of teachers and educators who tirelessly advocate for the best interests of our children.
So, the next time you encounter a teacher, consider offering them a heartfelt thank you!
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Summary:
New York City is taking significant steps to improve college accessibility for high school juniors by covering SAT fees and providing testing during school hours. This initiative, part of the College Access for All program, aims to ensure that all students, regardless of their backgrounds, have the opportunity to pursue higher education.