Studying for your SAT (Part 1): Why is it so hard to study for the SAT?

   The almighty SAT seems to be an increasingly more important component of the college application process. Whether that is a correct way to evaluate students or not, it is still an unfortunate reality for many students. Let's be honest: the SAT is a long, grueling, unpleasant test for the most part, however, there are some things that you can do to make your SAT experience less unpleasant.
   Since there is so much information about the SAT, this entry will be divided into several parts, each giving you specific information on each SAT section and how to study for that section. But first, some general information about studying for the SAT:

   First off, please, please, PLEASE ACTUALLY study for your SAT!
   This might seem like an obvious piece of advice, but it is probably the most valuable I can give to you. Why? Well, most students do not study for the SAT very much, or they "study" (AKA, have 5, 982 browser windows open on the internet, one of which has free SAT study questions on it). Some students do not have to study for their high school classes, and they believe that the SAT will be the same way. For a precious few students it is a breeze, but for most of us, the SAT is a whole different animal than most high school classes.

Why is the SAT so hard to study for?

   There are a couple key components to the SAT that make it so difficult to study for, and it has nothing to do with the actual test material:

• The advantage/disadvantage of your SAT score is not immediately visible. It isn't like a high school class where you know if you get a "B" on the test, your grade will drop three points. Your SAT score has a more abstract effect on your college application process, since there are many factors that go into the application that can change the weight of your application.

• That said, the SAT isn't "required" for college applications. You could always take the ACT, which some students tend to find easier, which leads to some students not studying because they think if they don't do well on the SAT, they could always take the ACT. The problem with this belief is that the ACT might not actually be easier for you, and you're wasting your money by taking the SAT and not committing to it. Commit to it, do well, and you won't have to take the ACT and pay more money. Or, take the ACT and commit to it, and you won't have to pay more money. Simple.

•  Lastly, the SAT is a long test. A very, very long test. Many students do not come in with at least a full run-through of the SAT under their belts and are not prepared for the mental endurance that the test takes.

   Now, the SAT might seem even more daunting now, but studying for it does not have to be so daunting if you sit down and plan out your study.

What can I do when planning my study time?

   Okay, you know yourself better than anyone else. The most important part of planning your study time is to not lie to yourself. For example, if you aren't the type of person who can focus while studying online because you tend to wander through the vast world of the internet, then don't study online.
   Choose whether you want to study from a book or from the internet. Each method will have free and paid for services that you can use. For example, you could borrow some SAT books or check them out from a local library, or you can spend the extra money and buy a book that you can physically write in.
   The internet will have many more free services, but keep in mind that the actual test is administered on paper. If you're like me, taking a test on a computer and taking a test on a piece of paper are two entirely different things.
   Of course, I will provide some suggestions for both free and paid for SAT study services in the very near future.

So, what's next?

   Breathe. You can tackle and conquer this test, I promise. This post contained a lot of information, but I hope that it was helpful. Stay tuned for the next installment of "Studying for your SAT!"