SAT ESSAY score of 10/12 oct 2014

THIS REAL SAT ESSAY RECEIVED A SCORE OF 10 out of 12

October 2014

ESSAY SCORE: 10

POSSIBLE SCORE: 2 - 12

ESSAY PROMPT

Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment:

Some politicians and educators advocate teaching values and character in schools. They claim that children need guidance to develop honesty, kindness, and trustworthiness and that schools should consider it their responsibility to foster these qualities just as they aim to foster academic skills. But good character simply cannot be taught in classrooms and through textbooks. Attempts to make values part of the curriculum will only take time and resources away from important academic subjects.

ASSIGNMENT:

Is it wrong to try to teach values and character in the classroom? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.

ESSAY IMAGE

March 2014 SAT Essay

This REAL SAT Essay received a score of 11 out of 12

ESSAY SCORE: 11

POSSIBLE SCORE: 2 - 12

ESSAY PROMPT

Think carefully about the issue presented in the following excerpt and the assignment:Many people are philanthropists, giving money to those in need. And many people believe that those who are rich--those who can afford to give the most--should contribute the most to charitable organizations. Others, however, disagree. Why should those who are more fortunate than others have more of a moral obligation to help those who are less fortunate?

ASSIGNMENT:Should people who are more fortunate than others have more of a moral obligation to help those who are less fortunate? Plan and write an essay in which you develop your point of view on this issue. Support your position with reasoning and examples taken from your reading, studies, experience, or observations.ESSAY IMAGE 

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Pumpkin Carving at Kweller Prep

sample Macaulay essay

Question: It is 4 p.m. on Tuesday. What will you do next? Write about your extracurricular pursuits. Why and how do you choose the activities you are involved in? How do your activities reflect your values and affect your school, community or the world? (500 words or less)

3:00 p.m.

I stood in front of the classroom, chalk in one hand and worksheet in the other, waiting for silence.  A dozen pairs of eyes looked up at me eagerly, ready to learn, and so I began to write.  With every stroke of white that graced the blackboard, twelve pen strokes on paper followed.  Section by section, I enriched the students with the curriculum for the day: algebra, geometry and reading comprehension.

4:00 p.m.

“Any questions?” I asked, after having gone over all of the material.

Their hands went soaring, each trying to get higher than the other as if the world would end if these questions went unheard. The enthusiasm was rather charming.  Among the outstretched arms, the wiggling fingers and the “oohs” and “aahs” was a thirst for knowledge and a desire to understand.  Each student had his/her own desire and very clearly exemplified it by asking question after question, sometimes even asking a new question before I was finished answering the previous one.  

This reaction was, however, not uncommon.  As a tutor, I was used to endless questions.  I was used to spending more time answering questions than actually teaching a lesson and I was used to having to repeat myself. On occasion I would feel tired and worn out, but never did I feel frustrated or discouraged.  I knew that each student surely had the potential to understand just as much as the next student, but it was all a matter of time.  Some students required more attention than others, but I had no problem with being patient and cooperative.  

As I soon learned, the tutoring center was not only a place for my patience and ability to cooperate, but also a place for my encouragement.  Working with middle schoolers soon proved how frequently the average adolescent said “It’s too hard!” or “You’re so stupid!” and these were phrases I did not like to hear.  It was disheartening to know that so many students lacked the confidence to believe in themselves and in each other.  Despite devout focus on math and reading, my most important lesson to my students was always a lesson in confidence.  I was constantly urging children to believe in themselves, and constantly urging others to stop picking on those who did not.  I could never stress enough how important it is for one to have faith in oneself, especially when problem solving in real life or in academics.  

Though I never could have imagined myself as a tutor a year ago, I now cannot see myself doing anything else with my spare time.  The feeling of accomplishment that accompanies enlightening the mind of another is strong.  I feel quite privileged to have a job that comes with the benefit of watching, and helping, others work to their full potential. Tutoring does leave a lasting impact on the students who partake in it, and I am proud to say that my lessons hold more than one purpose.

Hunter Test Day, Scoring, and Admission Information

Hunter Test Day, Scoring, and Admission Information

Test Day

If your child's name is misspelled on the admittance ticket, please make the correction on the student's ticket.

Do not bring your child to the exam if she or he is ill. There is only one exam, given on one day. There is no make-up exam for children who are absent on test day, regardless of the reason. The administrative fee paid at the time of application is non-refundable.

Make sure that your child arrives to the testing site on time. Check your ticket for the arrival time for your location.

PARENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ENTER THE TEST LOCATIONS NOR IS THERE A WAITING AREA AT ANY SITE. Below is a list of business and cultural institutions that you may wish to visit while you wait for your child.

Hunter College Campus Schools (94^TH between Park and Madison Aves)

·         Starbucks Coffee:  96^th Street & Madison Avenue, 96^th Street & Lexington Avenue, 92^nd Street & Third Avenue, 87^th Street & Lexington Avenue, 85^th Street & Lexington Avenue, 84st Street and Third Avenue.

·         Barnes& Noble Booksellers:   86^th Street between Lexington and 3^rd Avenues

·         New York Public Library: 96^th Street between Lexington & Park Avenue

·         Metropolitan Museum of Art: 85^th Street & 5^th Avenue, opens at 9:30am (pay what you wish)

·         Guggenheim Museum: 5^th Avenue and 89^th Street, opens at 10am

·         Restaurants:   Along 96^th Street, also Lexington and Third Avenues

·         Shopping: Along Third Avenue, 86^th Street corridor

Hunter College West and North Buildings (68th and 69^th Streets)

·         Starbucks Coffee: 66^th Street & 3^rd Avenue, Third Avenue between 60^th & 61^st Street, 69^th & 1^st Avenue.

·         New York Public Library:  67^th Street between 1^st and 2^nd Avenues

·         Restaurants:   Along Lexington and Third Avenues between 59^th  & 63^rd Streets

·         Shopping: Lexington Avenue and 3^rd Avenue between Hunter College and 53^rd Street

·         Central Park Zoo: 64^th Street & 5^th Avenue, opens at 10:00am, several indoor exhibits

Parents are not permitted to enter the pick-up areas without their tickets and are not permitted into the pick-up areas before the times indicated on the tickets. PLEASE NOTE that arrival and pick up times differ from site to site. Follow the instructions from your ticket only.

After the Test: Scoring and Admission

After the exam we will record the attendance. Once complete, our system will send an email confirming attendance to all those present for the exam. You may print this letter and turn it in at your child's school to ensure that the missed day is excused.

The multiple-choice sections of the test will be computer-scored and hand-checked for accuracy. The 500 candidates with the top scores on the multiple-choice sections of the exam will have their Writing Assignments read and scored by a faculty panel. Approximately 170 students with the top Writing Assignment scores will be offered admission to the HCHS Class of 2020. A limited number of students with the next highest Writing Assignment scores will be offered places on the wait list.

Children who are admitted to HCHS will not receive their scores from the entrance exam, and will not have access to that information during their time at HCHS. Those who are not admitted will receive only their multiple-choice score.

We will mail decision letters in mid-March. We ask that you NOT call, email, or come to our office to inquire about when you will receive a response. All letters will go out at the same time, and we will post on our website (www.hunterschools.org/hs/admissions) when they have been mailed.

We will not release scores or any other information about the exam by phone or email. If you have not received a letter of admission, wait list or denial by March 17th, please email HCHSAdmit@hccs.hunter.cuny.edu to inquire with your child's full name and application ID number.

Those who are offered admission will receive enrollment forms and be invited to Hunter Day, an introduction to the school which will be held on the afternoon of Tuesday, March 25th, 2014. Please make sure to check your mail so that you do not miss being informed of the outcome of your child's exam.

We will not respond to inquiries or requests to review admissions decisions. HCHS will not rescore exams, reread essays, or reconsider admissions decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the purpose of the admittance tickets?

A: These are your tickets for student admission to the testing site and parent admissions for student pick-up. Students are required to have a ticket to enter the check-in location. Parents/Guardians are required to have a ticket to enter the pick-up location. Print both tickets and keep them in a safe place until the day of the exam; no one will be admitted without a ticket.

Q: Where do students go on the morning of the exam?

A: Students must report to the check-in location indicated on their tickets. Guides will direct them to their assigned test rooms. Parents are not permitted to enter testing locations or go with their children to the test rooms.

Q: Where are the check-in locations? What time should I be there?

A: Check-in sites are as follows: (Guides and Public Safety officers will be available at all sites.)

·         West Building, Hunter College: enter at 68th St and Lexington Avenue

·         North Building, Hunter College: enter on 69th Street (between Park and Lexington Avenues)

·         Hunter College Campus Schools: enter on 94th Street (between Park and Madison Avenues)

CHECK IN TIMES ARE DIFFERENT AT EACH LOCATION - CHECK YOUR TICKET!

Q: What should students bring to the exam?

A: Students must bring two number 2 pencils with erasers and 2 black or blue ink pens to the exam. Students with cell phones will not have access to phones during the exam to avoid disruptions during testing. Calculators and other nonessential items are not permitted. Students should dress in layers that can be removed or added since the temperature in the rooms may vary.

Q: May students bring snacks or drinks to the test rooms?

A: No; HCHS student aides are available as escorts to the bathroom and to the water fountain. No eating is permitted.

Q: Where do parents wait for their child during the exam?

A: You will leave your child at the test location and return later for dismissal. Waiting areas and parking are NOT available. Please see above for some recommended places to wait during the exam. Make sure your child has a number to reach you in case s/he becomes ill during the exam.

You will pick up your child at the location listed on the Parent Ticket at the time designated. Different sites will begin at different times to ensure an orderly dismissal. You will not be allowed to enter the pick-up location before the time noted on your ticket.

Q: May the student go home alone or with someone other than parent/guardian?

A: No; parents/guardians must pick up their children at the end of the exam. At the end of the exam, students are dismissed at the designated pick up locations. Please make sure that your child has a number where you can be reached if you are delayed, or if s/he becomes ill during the exam.

Q: What happens if there is a storm or other emergency that cancels the exam?

A: If the NYC Department of Education orders ALL schools closed, the exam will be postponed to Friday, January 17th, 2014. Once the exam is administered there is NO MAKE-UP EXAM for students who are absent from the exam for ANY reason. The administrative fee is non-refundable.

Q: When will parents know the result of the exam?

A: Results will be sent to families in March. Please DO NOT CALL THE ADMISSIONS OFFICE TO INQUIRE ABOUT YOUR CHILD'S EXAM SCORE.

If your child is one of the children offered a place in the entering class, you will be invited to come to the Introduction to Hunter Day on Tuesday, March 25th, 2014 (3:00-6:00 PM).

Q: How is the exam scored and how are children admitted?

A: Immediately after the exam, the multiple-choice sections of the test will be computer-scored and hand-checked for accuracy. The 500 candidates with the top scores on the multiple-choice sections of the exam will have their Writing Assignments read and scored by a faculty panel. During this process they will be identified only by Admissions ID numbers. Approximately 170 students with the top Writing Assignment scores will be offered admission to the HCHS Class of 2020. A limited number of students with the next highest Writing Assignment scores will be offered places on the wait list.

Children who are admitted to HCHS will not receive their scores from the entrance exam, and will not have access to that information during their time at HCHS. Those who are not admitted will receive only their multiple-choice score. 

DRAFT: PRACTICE ESSAY: My Trip to the Central Park Zoo

 DRAFT: PRACTICE ESSAY

My Trip to the Zoo

On a seemingly perfect autumn afternoon in mid-October, my mother escorted three of my friends and me to the New York City Central Park Zoo. It was Columbus Day weekend—an absolutely perfect opportunity to explore all that the zoo had to offer. The night before our trip, my friends brought their sleeping bags and slept over at my house, in my room. We were so excited in anticipation of this trip that we could not hold it in. I must have slept just a few hours and even saw some of my favorite zoo animals- lions, tigers, and bears-  in my dreams.

By 8:00 am the next morning, we were on our way. My mother packed the three of us peanut butter and jelly sandwiches (our favorite!) and plenty of water so we would stay hydrated on our journey. The first thing we did was hop on the subway- the F train- which led us directly to the center of the city. Just steps away, we arrived at the most magnificent place I have ever been to in New York City – Central Park.  The wind was rustling the leaves as we were mesmerized by the evanescent changing colors.

When we first arrived at the gates of the zoo, we were surprised by the large amount of visitors everywhere. Although we expected a crowd, we were certainly not prepared for the hundreds of people waiting to get in. After what seemed like an hour, my mother finally purchased tickets for my friends and I and we entered this magnificent place.

The Central Park Zoo was the most picturesque place- we could easily see the Manhattan skyline and the trails of New York’s most famous park. We were just steps away from Fifth Avenue. Cute wobbly penguins greeted us as we entered and an announcement was made that a Dolphin show would start in fifteen minutes. To the right, there was a cat exhibit featuring leopards from China.  We didn’t know where to turn first! A flock of sea ducks – aflutter beautiful waterfowl from around the world were on our next stop. Shortly after, we strolled over to meet “Gus” the Polar Bear, an icon of the Central Park Zoo. Near every exhibit, there was a detailed description of the animals and their origins. We even saw six banded mongoose pups that were exploring their home at the Central Park Zoo! This was the first time I had ever seen a pair of snow-leopard cubs and they were absolutely breathtaking. While watching them play behind the class, I pondered how I had never before seen such a beautiful thing.

The day flew by so quickly! At the zoo, we saw everything from penguins and polar bears to warm tropical rainforest critters. We encountered big cats in the big city at visited at least one dozen exhibits, including the Allison Maher Stern Snow of Leopards. I saw everything from the Emerald Tree Boa to the Dart Poison Frogs.  The alligators were hissing, grunting, and roaring while the snakes were hissing and sparrows were chirping. It was a perfect day.

Now it’s your turn. At the zoo, what did you:

1. See

2. Touch

3. Taste

4. Smell

5. Hear

Thanksgiving Holiday draft

DRAFT: PRACTICE ESSAY

My Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving

Smell: Over Thanksgiving, the scents of autumn emanate throughout our house. The aroma of the stuffing ingredients being prepared, the turkey is so much more than just an edible centerpiece for the table. The combination of the turkey roasting and burning fireplace are just some of my favorite Thanksgiving Scents. Thanksgiving as a whole possesses one of my favorite feel good aromas. As I perceive the scent of the roasting turkey, my olfactory nerves heighten. Yankee candle with a turkey and stuffing scent.

Taste: My family and I host a perfect traditional Thanksgiving dinner filled with green beans and turkey gravy. Spiced Sweet Potato Muffins. Minced gingerroot and dried orange peel enhance the taste of these spiced muffins. I especially love the whipped ginger butter served with these holiday treats.

Touch: I help cook food over Thanksgiving. The morning of Thanksgiving, I help my mother to set the table. As I place the chilled glasses on the table and set down silverware which we use just once a year for this holiday, I observe my mother with oven mitts, place down the hot dishes carefully one at a time. One of my family traditions the morning of Thanksgiving is to attend Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I always grasp my father’s hand firmly so I won’t get lost within the crowd.

Hear: At the parade I hear people struggling to speak over one another causing people to speak louder and louder. Hear Songs like “Jingle Bells” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”

See: The first holiday of the winter season is Thanksgiving. This is my second favorite holiday. My mother usually hosts a large Thanksgiving dinner for our extended family – nearly twenty people. This is the one time each year I get to spend so much quality time with my cousins and receive presents from my uncles and aunts. After eating a festive meal consisting of roasted turkey, homemade cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie, we conclude the evening by dividing up into groups and playing board games. This past year, my uncle downloaded an APP called Risk, where we gather troops and try to conquer the world.

Now it’s your turn.

Describe your favorite holiday: 

What do you:

Smell:

Touch:

Taste:

Hear:

See: