Buckingham County High School (BCHS) is offering a unique program to prepare students for upcoming SATs, which many times makes or breaks a student’s acceptance into college.

The Princeton Review SAT prep courses are limited to about 30 students, according to High School Principal Rudolph Roethel, and students are expected to attend each Saturday session from 9 a.m. until noon.

The students are broken up into two groups — math and verbal.

“Collectively understanding that we needed to offer more [opportunities] for our students, last year we began offering an intensive Princeton Review SAT preparation course for our students,” said Division Superintendent Dr. Cecil Snead.

“We had good participation in our inaugural year and anticipate increases each year for our students; thus, better positioning them for higher SAT scores that would be competitive for many four-year universities.”

The Princeton Review is dedicated to aiding students with SAT preparation.

Brian Culbreth, a Princeton Review assistant vice-president, said the review offers a collective total of over 4,000 teachers and tutors to help students prepare for SAT tests and other standardized tests.

“We were delighted to work with … Roethel and his dedicated teachers on this project,” Culbreth said.

“Six BCHS teachers each completed 24 hours of training in our Princeton Review techniques to help students prepare for the SAT, use our strategies to improve test-taking skills and do their best on the test.”

Culbreth said each teacher-training program is specifically customized to meet the needs of individual schools.

Test preparation sessions involve a variety of strategies focusing on the improvement of test-taking skills. Teachers that undergo the training program are provided with a syllabus, course materials, practice tests and access to online test-prep tools, according to Culbreth.

“I have taught the class in conjunction with five other teachers,” said High School Librarian Maggie Shanley.

“I really enjoy teaching the class and hope that the students are using the information and techniques to better prepare themselves for the SAT.”

Last year, SAT scores for Buckingham averaged out at 445 in critical reading, 447 in math and 432 in writing according to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE). About 75 students participated in the SAT test-taking process.

Roethel said “the SAT prep class gives our students additional tools thereby enhancing their success on the SAT.” He said that an increase in SAT scores has been noticed. 

“As many parents know, SAT scores are vitally important and not just for college admission decisions,” said Culbreth.

“They are also used to determine many awards for scholarships and financial aid.”

Roethel expressed his pride in the commitment of the students and teachers at Buckingham County High School.

“Society has become very complex and competitive. The more opportunities we provide our students, the greater the likelihood for success,” said Roethel.

According to Shanley, 18 students are currently attending the nine-week SAT prep classes.

Sessions are open to all students, however juniors and seniors are given priority for SAT classes.

SAT examinations are scheduled for Dec. 5.

It’s expected that another nine-week session will be held in the spring to aid with the new SAT, Shanley said.

The Princeton Review offers a variety of test preparation services ranging from tutoring, online resources and print/digital books.