Empire State Review Team 
The New York City Department of Education (DOE) announced the launch of a free SAT prep program for high school juniors and seniors, aimed at improving college readiness and reducing disparities in test scores. The program, available at 150 public schools, will provide in-person and online tutoring, practice tests, and personalized study plans.
“Access to quality test prep should not depend on a family’s income,” said Schools Chancellor David Banks during the announcement at a high school in the Bronx. “This program levels the playing field for every student.”
The initiative is part of the DOE’s larger College Access for All program, which seeks to increase the number of NYC students attending higher education institutions. “Standardized tests are just one part of the puzzle, but they remain an important gateway to college opportunities,” Banks added.
Students and parents welcomed the announcement, with many citing the high cost of private test prep services as a barrier. “This will help so many families like mine,” said Maria Gonzalez, a mother of two high school students in Queens.
The program will begin in November, with registration available through school guidance counselors.
