News Post

To enhance student achievement on the PSAT/NMSQT and SAT tests, St. Joseph’s Academy established the Academy Scholars Program in 2025. Now in its second year, the program is offered to a select group of high-achieving students based on their sophomore-year standardized test scores, strong academic ability and the self-discipline needed to complete the required work. 

The Academy Scholars program begins in May of invited students’ sophomore year with a Welcome Breakfast, when they receive access to individualized online prep materials. During the summer, scholars study with experienced faculty members to work through the official SAT Study Guide Book and cover test structure and content. They also progress through the online program.

During the following fall semester, scholars work together during in-school College Prep Days with the guidance of faculty members to continue enhancing their test-taking skills. Additionally, they participate in weekly lunch meetings with a senior mentor. This year, nine seniors who were members of the inaugural Academy Scholars program and scored well on the PSAT are serving as mentors to participating juniors. Each week, mentors meet with their cohorts to discuss skills and strategies for the PSAT, share each other’s successes and progress in the program and motivate each other to keep working toward their best test score.

This year’s senior mentors are Rebecca Berlin, Sadie Bowman (a National Merit commended student), Sadie Bozeman (a National Merit semifinalist who scored a perfect 36 on the ACT), Madelyn Campbell, Amelie Schmitt, Neala Thompson, Gracie Trahan, Addison Willmann (a National Merit commended student) and Lucy Bea Wood (who scored a perfect 36 on the ACT).

Neala Thompson said participating in the Academy Scholars program as a junior provided a level of accountability to her test preparation. “I completed extra practice questions that I might not have completed on my own time,” she said. “It also helped me to recognize problem types that I had not seen before.”

She wanted to serve as a mentor this year to help juniors feel better prepared for the PSAT this fall. “I feel that test prep coming from someone who has taken the test in the past year is helpful,” she said. “I believe that with the help of student mentors and faculty, this program will become a very beneficial and highly rewarding test prep program for those who choose to participate.”

Sadie Bozeman said she chose to serve as a mentor because she wanted to give back to the program that helped her score well on the PSAT. “I love helping others and sharing what I’ve learned, so I find mentoring my group extremely fulfilling,” she said. “I enjoy building relationships with the juniors and creating a group that fosters growth, accountability and possibility.”

Bozeman hopes participation in the program enables juniors to glean useful tips for taking other standardized tests in the future. “I also hope our group sessions empower them to self-motivate in studying and preparation,” she said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to be a mentor. It has taught me so much about leadership and what it means to guide a group to success.”

Rebecca Berlin said the Academy Scholars program helped her prepare for the PSAT by strengthening test-taking skills within a supportive environment. She wanted to return the favor to juniors looking for the same kind of assistance. “As a junior, I was very scared for the PSAT because I knew the importance of the test for college scholarships, acceptances and more,” she said. “Hearing tips and advice from someone with firsthand experience was one of the most valuable parts of the program for me, and I wanted to provide that same support to the juniors coming after me.”

She said she especially enjoys meeting with her small group and working through difficult problems together. “I like being able to explain concepts in different ways and help my group members become more confident in their own abilities,” she said. “I hope they learn all the tips and tricks I have to offer, that they do their PSAT preparation and feel a little less scared when it comes to actual test day.”

Amelie Schmitt said being part of the inaugural Academy Scholars group not only helped her earn a high score on the PSAT, but it has since bolstered her approach to taking the ACT and SAT, increasing opportunities to earn scholarship awards. She wanted to serve as a mentor this year to play a role in helping the juniors prepare for the PSAT with the hope of gaining National Merit status. 

“I enjoy working with the juniors and helping them through the beginning of this year and all the stresses that come with it,” she said. “I hope the Academy Scholars program has a positive impact on their journey as they navigate through taking the PSAT, ACT, SAT and even some AP exams. Being a part of Academy Scholars is something I am so proud of, and I strongly encourage rising juniors to consider being in the program.”