Vaulting into Nov/Dec SATs!
Dear MJTP Families,
First, a big thank you to everyone for being flexible with scheduling this past weekend while I chaperoned my high school’s pole vaulting trip. It was an incredible meet — our team took first place, with our top boys’ jumper clearing 17’3”!
Watching our head coach work with the athletes reminded me a lot of what we emphasize in SAT prep: focusing on process over outcomes. One of our younger vaulters was struggling with fear of falling short of her spring goals. It was so debilitating that she couldn't even plant the pole and launch; she just ran right through the pit in dismay.
What did the coach do? He put her only four steps away from the pit. In essence, he forced her to go back to the basics. And from only four short steps away, she cleared 10 feet, which was amazing. Furthermore, he reminded her that great performance comes from being present in each jump, rather than fixating on the final height or fears of past mistakes.
The same is true for the SAT — it’s a mental performance endeavor. When we focus too much on our score goal, our past scores, or the fear of anything outside our control, we lose sight of the moment-to-moment strategies that actually get us there.
Process Over Outcome: Applying the Mindset
As we push forward toward the November 8 and December 6 SATs, remember: our success depends on strategy and discipline, not on anxiety about the score.
This week also includes some PSAT testing, so to those taking it — stay grounded in your process. The PSAT isn’t “easier.” The question styles and patterns are the same; only the context and vocabulary change. That is why we train for the PSAT with hard SAT questions – train harder, test easier. Our strategies remain identical.
Keep practicing the fundamentals:
- Prove every answer choice with our tried and true PROVE-IT patterns. Don’t assume; find evidence.
- Eliminate extremes, interpretations, and partial truths. Watch for subtle traps.
- Read the context carefully. Every correct answer is explicitly supported by specific details in the text.
- Grammar: Perform a quick vertical scan — identify patterns like three plural verbs vs. one singular. Simplify subject-verb agreement passages by removing prepositional phrases and nonessential clauses.
- Transitions: Use your T-chart to determine relationships — continuation, contrast, or cause/effect.
- Rhetorical synthesis: Don’t rush. Read every bullet point carefully; the facts are always there, and we can't assume that we can eliminate without consulting the notes.
Final Thought
Just like pole vaulting, success on the SAT comes from repetition, reflection, and confidence in your process. Each practice test, each section drill, is another “jump.” Focus on technique, not the scoreboard — and the results will follow.
I’m finishing this message from the plane ride home, feeling proud of both my athletes and all of you. Let’s keep building strong habits this week and finish October with momentum heading into test day.
See you soon,
Mr. John
