Puyallup School District joined more than 250 school districts nationwide in SAT School Day. Puyallup High School (PHS) was the first high school in the district to take part in the program. SAT School Day provides students the opportunity to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) during the school day instead of on a Saturday.

The SAT is an entrance exam used by most colleges and universities to make admissions decisions. It is a multiple-choice, pencil and paper test administered by the College Board.  

Colleges use the test to measure a high school student’s readiness for college. It gives one data point to compare all the applicants. The SAT is accepted by most colleges across the United States.

By allowing students to take the SAT at school, students are not faced with barriers they usually encounter. It expands access for students, increases their comfort level, and builds confidence. An added benefit to Puyallup students is the SAT counts as an alternative assessment for graduation.

Studies show SAT participation grows when administered during the school day, especially for students who need transportation or have either work or family commitments on the weekends. SAT School Day gives eligible low-income students access to college application fee waivers along with the ability to send SAT scores at no costs. This removes added obstacles around applying to and enrolling in college for many students.

The attendance rate was very successful with 92 percent of students attending who signed up. PHS predicts it will have a 100 percent increase in participation next year.