Summer SAT Academy at Colgate University

KAA Prep is a summer SAT academy located on the campus of Colgate University (ranked the most beautiful college campus in America by Princeton Review). We seek to combine one of the most innovative and intelligent SAT programs in the country with the full benefits of a summer camp: at KAA, scores shoot up, but more importantly, students have the summer of their lives.

First, our SAT program is designed to take any student--high or low scorer, diligent or disorganized learner--and provide her with the structure, mentorship, and diverse learning experiences to maximize her SAT abilities. Every student meets their SAT "Coach" on the first night of camp--an inspirational teacher who monitors their progress, meets with them 1 on 1, crafts assignments just for them, and serves as a counselor, role model, and instructor. Our program begins the next day, and balances traditional elements of SAT prep with innovative, dynamic activities: students study the most effective strategies and content available through classroom instruction; then they develop their own personalized approach to the test through 1 on 1 and small group meetings, testing their skills regularly through practice tests. Outside of the classroom, they hone their skills through interactive games and debates, coaching review sessions, competitive SAT-themed academic competitions, and 24-hour access to the best SAT teachers in the country. Most programs put students in a classroom and give them practice questions as homework: in everything we do--homework, class, and evening activities--we seek to balance three pillars: access to teachers, exciting and fun teaching, and a personalized approach.

Still, the SAT should not consume summer: we want our students to do better on the SAT, but we also want them to grow as individuals and as learners. Students select from elective courses (without homework--they're opportunities to expand their minds) like environmental science and constitutional law; they take essay writing courses taught by inspiring young instructors; they play sports like volleyball and ping pong, swim in the pool, attend campfires and barbecues, and go hiking in the woods of beautiful Colgate University. Our teachers are friendly and energetic--they play sports with their students and hang out with them in the evenings, and each is committed to ensuring that each of our students has an amazing summer.

At KAA, we believe that students who resent the SAT are not as likely to improve as those who associate that improvement with lifelong friendships, meaningful mentorships, guitar jams around campfire rings, pool parties, and a community of achievement. Our SAT program is one of the best, most rigorous, and most personalized in the country--it can give structure to disorganized studients and it can take a high scorer and give him unprecedented, 24-hour access to amazing teachers--yet we understand that students are more complex than just an SAT score. Summer is an important time--at KAA, no student has to choose between emotional growth and a great SAT score.

Camp Focus

Academic and Pre-College Camps: General Academics

Academic and Pre-College Camps: Leadership

Academic and Pre-College Camps: Math

Academic and Pre-College Camps: SAT Prep

All Activities