Sat math Essentials

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P R E PA R I N G F O R T H E S AT M AT H
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minute to study. Your brain works best when you give
it a relatively small chunk of information, let it rest and
process, and then give it another small chunk.
Stay Focused
During your study time, keep the TV and various com-
puter programs (such as AIM) off, don’t answer the
phone, and stay focused on your work. Don’t give your-
self the opportunity to be distracted.
Find the Right Time and Place
Some times of the day may be better times for you to
study than others. Some places may be more conducive
to good studying than others. Choose a time to study
when you are alert and can concentrate easily. Choose
a place to study where you can be comfortable and
where there aren’t any distractions. Ideally, you should
choose the perfect time and place and use them every
day. Get into a routine, and you’ll find that studying for
the SAT will be no different than taking a shower or eat-
ing dinner.
Because the SAT is given early on Saturday morn-
ings, you may want to spend some of your study time
early in the morning—especially in the weeks leading
up to the test—so you can accustom yourself to think-
ing about SAT questions at that time of day. Even bet-
ter would be to dedicate several of the Saturday
mornings before the test to SAT preparation. Get your-
self used to walking up early on Saturdays and working
on the SAT. Then, when test day arrives, getting up
early and concentrating on SAT questions will seem like
no big deal.
Reward Yourself
Studying is hard work. That’s why studying is so ben-
eficial. One way you can help yourself stay motivated to
study is to set up a system of rewards. For example, if
you keep your commitment to study for an hour in the
afternoon, reward yourself afterward, perhaps with a
glass of lemonade or the time to read a magazine. If you
stay on track all week, reward yourself with a movie
with friends or something else you enjoy. The point is