Taking the SAT’s is very stressful. They can decide what colleges you can apply to and if you score really well, you can get scholarships. Before you take the SAT’s, you should study and ask other students that have experienced the test themselves. You also need to meet with your guidance counselors or sign up for practice tests. Some people test really well, while others need to study and take the SAT several times. Just ask senior Brendan Hussey. "You don’t need the SAT’s; they’re not that important," he said. I asked Brendan how he did on the SAT’s, and he said not so well. "I still got into every college I applied to." If you are not like Brendan and really need the SAT’s so you can get into a certain college, here are some ideas.

First, sign up to take the SAT. This is important, do not put it off; go to collegeboard.com with your parents and make an account. Then sign up for the next SAT in your area. The next date is on June 6th. Yes, it is that simple. The next step is to study and meet with your guidance counselors; maybe get a few practice SAT booklets. And for the real thing, here are some tips I got from seniors that have taken the test themselves.

"Be relaxed," said senior Katie Gage. "Know that it is important, but don’t stress too much because you will get nervous and mess up." Also know that the first time taking the SAT does not have to be your last, if you do not do as well as you expected. You can mix and match different scores when you take the test multiple times. If you do well in math your third time, you can mix it with the English you scored well in on your first SAT. "Your first SAT, it wouldn’t hurt to study," said senior Kaela Plante, "First you should learn how to take a test."

To wrap things up, talk to your guidance counselors about practice testing, so you will be prepared. Listen to what others have to say that have already taken the test, but take into account what you want to do also. Do not study just because someone told you to. Do what is beneficial to yourself, what will help you in the long run. Do not spend too much time stressing over the SAT. Although the test is important, you only have to take it 1-3 times, then you do not have to worry about it ever again.