Committed to preparing for the SAT

The months leading up to the SAT tend to be stressful for a junior taking it for the first time, but at Lawrence Woodmere Academy, students work with their teachers and take advantage of test prep and study guides to properly prepare for the big day. The class of 2017 will be the first class to experience the once again revised SAT in March. A perfect score is again 1,600 and the essay is optional.

Our college guidance counselor, Susan Lettieri, helps students find ways to improve on their PSAT scores, the SAT practice exam. In one of the preparatory courses, the Junior Seminar, students are exposed to computer programs that aid them in strengthening their weaknesses. One popular program, Khan Academy, allows a student to answer practice questions that pertain specifically to his or her weaknesses.

As a student concerned about getting into the best college for me, I felt a little anxious three months ago when I realized how soon the test was coming up and what little time there was left to prepare.

So, I sat down with my parents and tried to figure out a plan to help me focus on getting a good score. My plan was to study at least two hours a week or 15 to 30 minutes a day. That way, I would be able to pace myself with the studying and homework load that comes along with being in 11th grade. Whether it was through apps on my phone, Method Test Prep on the computer, SAT flashcards or test prep classes, I was determined to study as much as I could with a variety of different sources.

Since junior year grades are the most important year for students who desire to go to college, it became obvious to me that I would have to make some sacrifices. The old routine of working all week and relaxing all weekend had to change as test day is quickly approaching.

Because I was committed to preparing for the test as best I could, most of my free time during and after school is now spent studying for the SAT. This means not hanging out with friends and family as often as I had in the recent past. It also means that my leisurely weekends were given up to juggling my SAT prep and other school work.

Staying on track, when there are so many distractions, may be challenging, but with the help of my teachers and parents, I could study in a way that I felt would be most helpful and would prevent me from cramming a week before the test. I am determined to receive a high SAT score by making a plan and taking time out of my day to properly prepare. Hopefully, all the hard work I put in pays off on test day.