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Boston Test Prep Launches Program to Donate Free Online SAT Preparation to Any School that Demonstrates Need
BTP Cares dedicated to helping underserved schools and students conquer new SAT
BOSTON - May 10, 2005 - Boston Test Prep (www.bostontestprep.com) today announced BTP Cares (www.btpcares.com), a philanthropic program to help underserved schools and students around the country successfully prepare for the new SAT®. The Company will donate its premium online SAT® preparation program free to any high school in the United States that demonstrates need. Boston Test Prep estimates that the total donation amount could be valued at more than $5 million.
More than 1.4 million high school students worldwide take the SAT annually; however, estimates show only approximately 50 percent of all secondary schools offer programs to prepare students for the SAT. Access to preparation programs is more critical than ever for students today given the College Board's recently launched new SAT. This test is 45 minutes longer than the previous version and features challenging and controversial new sections such as a handwritten essay.
"The SAT is such an important component of the college admissions process for high school students, but budget cuts have forced schools throughout the country to eliminate curriculum designed to prepare students for the exam," said Ronald C. Pruett, Jr., CEO of Boston Test Prep. "There is a considerable amount of fear related to the SAT - from school administrators and teachers to parents and students - especially in light of the new SAT. Boston Test Prep is rolling out BTP Cares to help schools and students around the country conquer the SAT."
BTP Cares Criteria
Beginning today, schools can submit their application letter for the BTP Cares program online at www.btpcares.com. Submissions must be completed by a Program Sponsor, an authorized representative of the school. This person can be a parent, teacher, guidance counselor or school administrator. Application letters are due by June 15, 2005, and must address four key points:
- Past SAT performance - How have students at the school fared on past SAT exams?
- Program delivery - How would the school offer the program?
- Technical capabilities - What infrastructure does the school have to provide access to students?
- Compelling case for the program - Why is there a critical need for the program in the school?
Application letters will be reviewed by an internal BTP Cares approval committee. Acceptance notices will be sent to each selected school by June 24, 2005. Each school will receive unlimited access to Boston Test Prep's online SAT prep program for one year, for up to 100 students. Schools will have access to Boston Test Prep's online SAT preparation program from September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2006. Once the program gains all necessary approvals from school administrators, Boston Test Prep will provide support to Program Sponsors in setting up the program and supporting users.
Pilot Program
Boston Test Prep has already launched a BTP Cares pilot program at Lynn English High School in Lynn, Mass. Starting in May, approximately 100 high school sophomores and juniors will use the Company's online SAT preparation program to study for the exam. Students will also serve as a focus group, providing feedback to Boston Test Prep that can be used to further enhance the capabilities of its program.
Boston Test Prep believes the future of test preparation for standardized tests is online because it allows for the intelligent integration of all of the elements that go into successful preparation - content, drilling and diagnostics. Currently, there are few programs available to students who prefer to study online for the SAT. Test prep companies are not catering to today's high school students, who rely on the Internet for a variety of academic and entertainment endeavors.
"The reaction to our program from students is tremendous. They love the interactivity of the program and the strong diagnostic features it provides," added Pruett. "We're confident BTP Cares will have a positive impact on high schools across the United States."
About Boston Test Prep
Boston Test Prep (BTP) is a leading developer and distributor of premium, online subscription-based consumer test preparation programs that build real confidence for test-takers. Customers range from high school and post-graduate students to professionals. For more information, please visit www.bostontestprep.com.
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