In honor of McHenry Community High School being a national SAT testing site March 11, administrators are offering the school’s 11th grade students the opportunity to take an additional $60 college-readiness assessment for free.
All juniors will take the state-sponsored SAT on April 12. But school leaders are hoping to encourage students to take the March 11 test, too, in an effort to improve scores.
School leaders announced the special incentive to families this week to encourage students to take advantage of the additional opportunity to take the SAT. This is the first time McHenry Community High School District 156 has served as a national testing site.
The SAT measures academic achievement in reading, writing, math and language, and is considered a barometer of college and career readiness. SAT results are often used for college admissions, scholarship decisions, military fitness and more.
“We want our students to achieve their very best score to ensure they have multiple post-secondary options and opportunities upon graduation,” District 156 Superintendent Ryan McTague said.
The March 11 test date is one of several optional SAT testing dates nationwide. The deadline to register for the March 11 test is Feb. 10.
At McHenry High School, the mandatory state-sponsored SAT testing for juniors is April 12.
“This is a great opportunity for our juniors to improve their scores,” said Carl Vallianatos, District 156 assistant superintendent for learning and innovation. “Not only is the March 11 test at their own school, the district will cover the cost.”
The district covering the cost will happen as a credit to each registered student’s account. Eleventh-grade students need to register for the test and pay for it initially. District officials are hoping at least 200 students will take advantage of the March 11 testing.
In addition, MCHS juniors who register for the March 11 test will get a $5 Starbucks gift card and be entered into a drawing for prizes as part of the school’s “Scores Rise A-Latte” program sponsored by Black Diamond Plumbing and Mechanical.
McHenry High School also offers ZAPs test preparation sessions in February. Visit the SAT page on the District 156 website for more details on the SAT and preparation.
