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Based on the recent release of the
DoDEA 2002 SAT score results, Dr. Bresell, Director, DoDDS Pacific,
reported that “We should all be very pleased that so many
of our students take the SAT because it shows that they are serious
about a post-secondary education. We congratulate them on their
efforts and their success.”
The SAT is only part of what colleges
look at in evaluating a student’s application. “In DoDDS
Pacific, we encourage students to begin as early as middle school
to take challenging courses and to apply themselves in their studies
so they will be fully prepared for whatever might be required
as they pursue their post-secondary course of study,” commented
the Assessment and Evaluation Coordinator, DoDDS Pacific. Increased
efforts are being made to encourage students to begin planning
for college early. This is accomplished through a comprehensive
guidance program that includes annual on-going visitations by
representatives from colleges and universities, selected by the
College Board, to assist students and families with the application
and admissions process, testing, financial aid, and adjusting
to college life. Other efforts include community volunteers, representing
their alma maters, serving as mentors to interested students.
Mentors also make presentations at various college organization
functions.
Dr. Bresell also stated that, “We
are also fortunate to be able to give all DoDDS Pacific students
the opportunity to participate in the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) during
their 10th grade year at no cost to families. This gives our students
a jump start on college admissions testing and helps them focus
on skills, not scores.” The PSAT has no impact on college
entrance requirements when taken the sophomore year because colleges
will not receive the scores; but, it does familiarize students
with what to expect from admissions test without the added pressures
that come with the test their junior year.
“The purpose of the SAT is
to assist students in planning for college and to provide colleges
with a common yardstick to use in assessing a student's readiness
for college,” stated the Assessment and Evaluation Coordinator,
DoDDS Pacific. “What we try to do in DoDDS Pacific is encourage
all students to achieve high levels of learning—and encouraging
students to take tests like the SAT is one way we are able to
support this effort.”
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