SAT® Program Reaches Out to Students at College Fairs Around the Country

Dec. 2011

Programs and Services

At college fairs in almost all 50 states, students and families have encountered College Board representatives eager to share resources and insights about the college application and enrollment process.

The SAT® Program has partnered with large organizations, such as the National Association for College Admission Counseling, National Hispanic College Fairs, and Black College Expo, as well as regional and local groups to bring materials and personal contact to prospective students.

“From a program perspective, this gives us a chance to connect students, parents and school staff to the SAT and Subject Tests through conversation, not just a brochure or a computer screen,” said James Zika, a senior director in the SAT Program. “It allows us to contextualize these tests as an important step on the road to college and to help them understand how they are used.”

People are sometimes surprised to see the College Board there, he said, but they’re always grateful. Many of the students and families reached this year are navigating the college application process for the first time. Parents especially are pleased to see representatives of the College Board ready to explain both the SAT and the larger process of applying to college.

“The feedback has been incredibly positive,” Zika said. “We learn a lot from being there as well, about student and family needs and what misconceptions people may have. We’re continuing to look at how we can expand the program in the next few years.”

Zika said priority is given to visiting fairs where many first-generation college-goers or often-underserved students may be helped. Schools or organizations interested in having an SAT representative visit are invited to contact the program.