Half Year Course – Fall; 90 minutes
Question: Why should a college-bound homeschooler take the SAT?
Answer: SAT scores increase opportunities for merit-based scholarships, support transcript grades, and enhance college applications. Additionally, CSM will use SAT scores to meet entry-level math course prerequisites.
In 2024, the Digital SAT was implemented using adaptive learning technology. The new SAT test is administered online in the Bluebook app program over a shorter testing time. The Reading & Writing section has revised all its question types while the Math section expects students to use Desmos, an online graphing calculator.
This course will teach how to confidently and accurately complete the Digital SAT and help boost scores through knowledge of the testing layout and familiarity with the question types while using time-saving general strategies. This class will target key Verbal and Math concepts, strategies for specific question types, Desmos calculator skills, other Bluebook app tools, and vocabulary practice. Review activities and games will be included weekly.
Grading is based on class participation and the on-time completion of assignments. The homework establishes the regular practice of SAT practice questions – the best way to prepare!
When should students take this course?
- To ensure readiness to tackle the SAT’s Math content, it is recommended that students have completed both Algebra 1 AND either Algebra 2 or Geometry.
- 12th-graders: Use this course to achieve a strong or improved SAT score in the spring of the senior year. This course will help seniors raise junior-year SAT scores or be ideal for a senior that has yet to take the SAT.
- 11th-graders: This course is ideal for juniors following a typical or advanced math progression to take a junior-year spring-semester SAT test.
- Advanced 10th-graders: This course begins to prepare 10th-grade students with advanced math or logic aptitude to compete for National Merit Scholarships in the fall of 2027, their 11th-grade year. See https://www.nationalmerit.org for the scholarship’s details. The scholarship is highly competitive and requires determination and commitment to consistent practice. This class is not recommended for most 10th graders.
- While SAT Prep is NOT appropriate for a student currently enrolled in Algebra 1, a student with strong math skills may take it concurrently with Algebra 2 or Geometry.
- Thinking about the ACT? The overall testing strategies and tips for many math and verbal question types are beneficial for any standardized test.
Prerequisite(s):
- Required: Algebra 1 with a strong C (75%+) or higher
- Strongly Recommended: Algebra 2 or Geometry with a C or higher
- If Algebra 1 was challenging, complete another year or two of math to improve math skills before attempting SAT Prep.
Text(s) and Resources: Purchase NEW or “Like new” USED books to ensure clean pages.
- TEXTBOOK: Princeton Review Digital SAT Prep, 2027, ISBN: 978-8217223237 (Beginning 05 May 2026) Book must be purchased new, ~$25 at Amazon.
- Practice Questions WORKBOOK: SAT Level Up! Verbal, (Princeton Review), ISBN: 978-0593516546 (New $17 at Amazon; used copies available)
- Practice Questions WORKBOOK: SAT Level Up! Math, (Princeton Review), ISBN: 978-0593516539 (New $17 at Amazon; used copies available)
- The Ultimate Guide to Mastering Desmos for the SAT: Everything You Need to Know to Graph Smarter, Solve Faster, and Score Higher, Streamline Tutoring. New $15 at Amazon
Required Free Online Resources:
- Individual student accounts for:
- ThinkWave Student Account (CCT email)
- Princeton Review (QR code found inside the textbook)
- College Board
- Khan Academy
- Install the Bluebook app (College Board) on your laptop or home computer
- Access online Kahoots or Quizlets for use on a computer
- Optional: LINK your College Board account to your Khan Academy account
- Daily check of ThinkWave for updates or communication from Mrs. Graessle
Required Classroom Materials:
- 1” binder with 12 tabbed dividers, with a small amount of lined paper
- Pen for notetaking; pencil for in-class math practice
- Five highlighter pens (blue, yellow, green, pink, and orange or purple)
- One pack of small or medium sticky notes
- 30 Index cards for Vocabulary activities
- Recommended: Bring a laptop to class every day
- Download the DESMOS calculator app to your laptop and/or phone
- Optional: A personal scientific calculator is only recommended if the student owns one and has been using it comfortably and consistently for a few years
Homework:
- Plan for 30 minutes, four to five days a week. Daily regular practice improves SAT scores more effectively than cramming.
- Some homework will be due online, via Thinkwave, every Thursday or Friday.
Other Information:
- The workbooks required for this class provided targeted practice of key skills for the Digital SAT. I endeavored to keep costs low. If you buy used, please ensure you purchase copies that have no writing on the workbook pages.
- For parents saving 2023 or earlier paper-based SAT books or programs, THROW THEM AWAY or into a recycling bin. Outdated SAT guides teach incorrect information. Please invest in Digital SAT instruction dated 2024 or later.
Additional Fee:
- $15 for classroom activities, handouts, online (Kahoot and Quizlet) practice activities, and a grammar rules packet.
Instructor: Carolyn Graessle
Revised: 28 April 2026