Standardized testing can play an important role in a student’s college application process. Northwood offers two opportunities each year for students to take the SAT on campus, one in the fall and another in the spring.

Northwood held its fall Testing Day on Oct. 19. According to Ms. Franny Gerardi, Northwood’s head of testing and an assistant girls hockey coach, 103 students participated.

“On October 19, Northwood hosted its Testing Day for all 11th- and 12th-graders on campus,” Gerardi said. “There were 103 students who tested on that day: 65 taking the SAT and 38 taking the PSAT.”

Fifteen faculty and staff members helped administer the exams. Their responsibilities included proctoring, providing technology assistance and supporting students throughout the testing process.

“To ensure the day runs smoothly, 15 staff members assist in testing administration, including proctors, technology support from Mr. Martin and additional support from Ms. Carmichael and Mr. Shergold,” Gerardi said.

Students who were not taking the SAT completed the PSAT if they had not already done so. The preliminary exam gives students experience with the test’s format and helps them prepare for the SAT.

Students who did not take either exam reported to the dining hall, where they worked on college essays with Mr. McAuley or caught up on other assignments.

SAT Prep Course

Before Testing Day, Northwood offered an optional five-week SAT preparation course. Nearly 20 students participated in the course, which was taught by Brian Marohnic of High-End Test Prep. The company’s website lists Northwood among the boarding schools where Marohnic has taught.

“This is the largest number of students testing at once at Northwood within the last three years,” Gerardi said. “In the weeks prior to the SAT administration, there was an SAT prep course offered on campus, which a little less than 20 students participated in. That is taught by Brian Marohnic through his company, High-End Test Prep.”

Gerardi said Marohnic has a strong relationship with Northwood’s College Counseling Office and extensive experience preparing students for standardized tests.

Students enrolled in the course met for two-hour sessions once or twice a week over five weeks. They completed practice questions, learned testing strategies and worked on maintaining an appropriate pace.

“The SAT prep course was good for me because it helped me practice questions that I see on the SAT,” Riley Doyle ’27 said. “Brian was a great help in being there for you if you needed help. The course had about 20 people, so having others to help was also a big benefit.”

Marohnic also taught students methods and key details to consider when answering questions.

“We would have packets with a bunch of questions that would prepare you for the questions you would see on the SAT,” Doyle said. “Overall, this course prepared me for the SAT very well and made me feel way more confident while taking the test.”