A T L A N T A    C I T Y    C O U N C I L

Annual College Prep Series Aims to Raise ACT & SAT Scores
First 500 Students Receive Calculators at Free Prep Test Program 

ATLANTA—How does one score high on those all important college admissions tests? Practice. Practice. Practice. 

The 8th Semi-Annual College Prep Series returns this fall to offer Atlanta Public Schools’ middle and high school students free practice tests for the SAT, PSAT and ACT. 

The College Prep Series is a free, three-day opportunity for students to prepare for college entrance examinations, navigate through the college application process, and to receive advice directly from college testing and admissions experts. For the first time, Prep Series students will receive calculators to use during the math portion of the practice tests.  Orange Business Services has joined the College Prep Series to provide Texas Instruments scientific calculators to the first 250 registered students at each ACT and SAT prep test. All students will also receive the College Prep Guide 
from Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions.

Atlanta City Councilman Ceasar C. Mitchell teams up with Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions twice a year to sponsor the free program. The Prep Series continues to grow in popularity and need as students and parents find many benefits in the event. Nearly 2,500 students have taken the practice tests since the Prep Series began. 

“The state of Georgia’s  recent ACT and SAT scores show that we still have much to do in preparing our young people for these important tests,” Councilman Mitchell said. “The fact that SAT scores this year averaged 1460 down from 1466 last year, and our state scores are still below the national average; mean we have to make sure our students are studying harder in the classroom and at home, and that they are being groomed for these tests. The College Prep Series was launched on the premise to prepare and encourage students to go to college. It is still early in our journey, but I believe the results that we all want for our students will come.” 

Courtney Warmack’s son Chance, 17, took the practice test for the ACT and SAT at the spring 2008 Prep Series. She says the prep test helped her son to receive the results they wanted. Chance graduated a semester early from Atlanta’s Westlake High in fall 2008 and entered the University of Alabama in January 2009. 

“The Prep Series was a great benefit to him. It gave Chance the experience of the actual test setting, including the language and format used, conditions of the testing room, and the stamina required to sit and concentrate for such a long period. These were important to know in advance of the real test,” said Mrs. Warmack.

The Parent Seminar that occurs while the students are taking the prep test was also a valuable experience according to Mrs. Warmack. “The parent session was positive and informative because it provided details and expectations on practically everything such as college admission essays, timelines, financial aid, and much more.” 

The College Prep Series is supported by the City of Atlanta, Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, Mrs. Winners Chicken & Biscuits, Hojeij Branded Foods, Orange Business Services and Hands on Atlanta. 

College Prep Series Schedule 

SAT/PSAT Preparation
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009
Benjamin E. Mays High School
3450 Benjamin E. Mays Drive
8 a.m. to  noon

To register call, 1-800-KAPTEST (527-8378) or visit www.kaptest.com and give the code:  for SAT – SKAT9260 or for PSAT: PKAT9269 (*PSAT test start time is 9:30 AM)

ACT Preparation
Saturday, Oct. 3 2009
Henry W. Grady High School
929 Charles Allen Drive
8 a.m. to 12 noon 

To register for the ACT, call 1-800-KAPTEST (527-8378) or visit www.kaptest.com and give code:  AKAT9039

College Fair Express
Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009
Atlanta City Hall Atrium – 55 Trinity Avenue
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Students can receive their prep test results at the College Fair Express.

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