How to Study

Standardized Tests
The various standardized tests used for college and graduate school
admissions—the PSAT, SAT, ACT, LSAT, GRE—require their own
pointers. These, like my oral exams at the end of four years of 
college, are not specific to any course or even one grade. Rather, 
they are attempting to assess your ability to apply mathematical 
concepts, read and understand various passages, and demonstrate
language skills.
Despite their ephemeral nature, you can study for them by prac -
ticing. A solid review of English and math is essential. If you think
geometry is just for squares, you’d better change your tune!
Remember: As far as the PSAT and SAT are concerned, there is no
penalty for guessing, so don’t leave an answer blank!
Changes in the PSAT and SAT
Major changes in the SAT were introduced in 2005. It now consists
of three sections: Writing (multiple-choice questions about grammar
and usage and an essay); Critical Reading (formerly the “Verbal” 
section); and Math.
How to Study
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The new Writing section takes 1 hour—35 minutes for multiple-
choice questions and 25 minutes to write an essay that requires 
you to take a position on an issue and use examples to support it. 
This section is marked (as the Verbal and Math sections still are) 
on a scale from 200 to 800, so a perfect SAT score is now 2,400. 
The SAT II: Writing Test was eliminated as of 2005.
The Critical Reading section now takes 70 minutes, broken down into
two 25-minute sections and one 20-minute section. Analogies have
been eliminated. Sentence-completion questions and long reading
passages remain. Short reading passages were added.
The Math section also consists of two 25-minute sections and 
one 20-minute section. Quantitative comparison questions have 
been eliminated, but more advanced topics from algebra II—such 
as exponential growth, absolute value, and functional notation—
were added. Calculators are still permitted (though it is still possible
to solve every question without one).
As a result of these changes, the test now takes 3 hours and 45 
minutes, 30 minutes longer than previous SAT exams.
Just to make sure everyone is confused, while some changes will 
be made to the PSAT, typically taken as practice by sophomores and
juniors, it will include neither an essay nor advanced math. Go figure.