Since the test requires an extended commitment of between two and three months, some college seniors opt to pile it on top of their current studies. Dave Koch, 21, a senior at New York University, started studying for the test over the summer and took it just before the start of his fall semester. “I had just returned from traveling, so it was a great way for me to get back into the academic rhythm,” says Koch. “The writing part was pretty easy for me, and the math was just a matter of relearning it. Then there’s the vocabulary, which you just need to study.”
Koch says he was pleased with his Princeton Review course, indicating that it mainly ensured his stamina was where it needed to be for the day of the test. “It’s pretty draining. Taking all of those practice tests is really the only way to get you used to it,” he says. “In the actual class it was helpful to have someone go over the formulas and tricks with me. But a lot of the kids in the class were at different levels, and that makes it tough if they are taking up time asking questions about parts you are already familiar with.”
Although, Gotla says his studies on top of his work responsibilities added stress to his life, he says ultimately it got him excited to return to school. “While I was studying, I felt like it was taking forever, that the day of the test would never come. But it was great to start using my brain again and getting back into that academic study mode.”
According to Kaplan, the key to successfully navigating the test is starting early. “Give yourself about three months to study for the test,” she advises. Many testing centers offer free diagnostic tests to show where you would score upon taking the exam with no prior preparation. From there it is a matter of familiarizing yourself with the different material and then learning to pace yourself on the three to four practice tests that are included in most courses. “It’s tough looking at a computer screen for two hours, but after the third test it becomes predictable. The practice tests help tell you where your strength and weakness are, and where you need to focus your time,” Gotla says. “I was pleased with my outcome. Really the only thing I would change is pay attention more in my freshman year of college.”
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