<p>I'm an incoming junior, and I'm new to the SAT prep. I prep for the SATs EVERY DAY. This is supposed to be beneficial for me, but then I get too engrossed in studying a subject (doing Writing these days) that by the time I look up at the clock, it's an hour later or maybe TWO (usually until late at night). Of course, I take breaks, but most of the time I'm just sitting on my chair and staring down at my book. I feel like I'm wasting so much time looking at SAT books (I have a lot). Most of the information isn't even going through my head. Am I doing it wrong? Can someone advise me a better prepping schedule? I'm also wondering about other people's prep schedules/time tables. Thanks a ton!</p>
<p>I found it effective to study for short sessions of time. My favorite thing to do was use my off period (45 minutes everyday) to have a snack and look over my review book. I would study each section of the test for one week, and then do a quick overlook of everything the week leading up to the test. I like to keep review sessions short and focused on one topic because I feel it helps me retain knowledge, and isnt as strenuous. You could also try reviewing with friends (though depending on your friends these sessions may be less productive) </p>
<p>Overall the key to successful studying in my experience, is making it as stress free as possible, while still accomplishing the task. Good luck, and remember that different things work for different people so don’t be afraid to try new methods of studying!</p>
<p>You need a hobby. </p>
<p>@falconrunner, sounds like a good schedule! I’ll try it out! Maybe if I focus on one subject at a certain amount of time, then I won’t have to overwhelm myself with so much info! Haha. 
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<p>@bassguitar, I assure you I have hobbies ^_____^ but thanks for the concern! I just want to make the most out of my free time in the summer. </p>
<p>Do timed practice tests then review the answers.</p>
<p>You can try open book untimed practice tests as well. It might be better to use the books to help answer questions, rather than reading them in a way where retention is more difficult.</p>
<p>I think you might be spending too much time reading, which is a very passive activity. My personal approach for the SAT/ACT was to do a lot of questions, zero in on my area weaknesses, and drill them. Doing a lot of practice questions is an active way to study. </p>
<p>First, make sure you read some popular guides to the SAT on CollegeConfidential, like Xiggi or Silverturtle’s guides, as a start. There’s a lot of good information that may change the way you view studying.</p>
<p>The Bluebook for the SAT is of course the bible for realistic SAT questions. But it’s not enough to just do a lot of questions. If you’re weak in algebra but strong in geometry, you need to focus your time in algebra and do a lot of focused practice questions. Then, you really need to review your mistakes and learn from them so you don’t make the same mistakes again. At least half of your study time should be focused on reviewing your mistakes. I did this analysis myself, but if you could use some guidance, try a program like PrepScholar that studies your strengths and weaknesses and gives you focused practice in each skill. Again - to get a higher score, do lots of reviews on your mistakes.</p>
<p>Are you doing practice tests as well? Reviewing prep books and NOT trying to apply the strategies that you learn from them is next to useless. Also, what prep books are you using?</p>
<p>@esat936, I have my own Blue Book 2. Then, I have Gruber’s Complete SAT Guide 2013, Kaplan’s PSAT premier 2012, Barron’s SAT book 2010, and Mcgraw-Hill’s Conquering SAT Math Third Edition. I just get whatever SAT books I can find at the library. It’s a lot of books, in my opinion, and I sometimes don’t know what to do with them, they’re just sitting there on my desk. You’re right… I learn about math strategies but I haven’t been taking practice tests these days. It’s just that when I do math practice tests, I struggle with most of the problems because I don’t know which strategies I should use to solve the problem. So, I just write down the questions I can’t do and write the solutions to get the answers. I wouldn’t call that “taking a practice test.” </p>
<p>@neuerman, You’ve got a point! Thanks for the feedback. Reviewing is the key to success! I’ll start doing more of that. :-bd </p>
<p>Same state right now, however, don’t just cram or continuously dread while reading useless stuff or taking tedious practice tests that may not help you. Use CB tests, certain sections of certain prep books and so forth. Absorb it instead of going through it a year prior. PS, I’m an upcoming junior as well lol</p>