College is just around the corner, but are you ready for it? Studying can be hard when you don’t know what to study for, and not all people prepare the same. Don’t let your SAT scores fall short of your potential, these helpful tips will better prepare you for your future.

The SAT as a whole is 3 hours, with an optional 50 minutes for the essay question. It is based on two parts reading and writing and two parts math, with and without a calculator. The first section is the reading that includes short pieces of a variety of genres and 52 multiple choice questions, that you are allowed 65 minutes to answer. The writing and language section is next that contains passages with grammatical errors and fixes, with 44 questions in 35 minutes. Then the math no calculator section has 15 multiple choice and 5 free response questions, that must be answered in 25 minutes. One last math section with a calculator allows 55 minutes to answer 30 multiple choice and 8 free response questions. The math questions also provide a few forms and standard facts that can be useful to the test. Breaks are carried throughout the test, instructed by the administrator.

Now that you know what you will be tested on, you can better focus your time on sections that can be more complicated for you. There are a few different techniques you can try before taking you SAT. One popular approach is the PSAT, or Practice SAT. The PSAT is held in schools and set to be exactly like how the SAT is to be taken. you are given the same amount of time and questions and a score on the SAT scale, that will not be sent to schools but for your benefit in seeing how far you stand. It’s recommended that you take it sophomore and junior year, but you can take the PSAT even as a freshman. You can sign up and pay through the school, in the student shop.

Another simple way to study for your SAT is purchasing study guide books. Different books can offer different information so be careful to purchase ones with the correct information. Books information can range from what questions to expect to what elements, in that section, they are testing. CollegeBoard offers one titled “The Official SAT Study Guide”, that gives detailed information about what the test will contain, what types of questions you could be asked, and what other helpful tips to get a great score. The book also includes 4 practice tests to learn how to pace your time.

Practice questions and tests you can take at home are also helpful when learning how to better pace yourself and what question will take up most of your precious time. You can purchase complete practice test that contains questions from past SAT tests or educational websites give practice problems for studying for the SAT. Khan Academy offers SAT Test Prep for free including: online and paper practice tests, individual math and reading/writing practice questions, and personalized SAT practice questions.

After you schedule your test on CollegeBoard and the date comes closer, don’t over worry yourself about studying. Remember to get a good night sleep, and pack all items for the test the night before. It is a good idea to bring quick and light snacks, water, extra number 2 pencils and batteries, your ID, a calculator, and your admission ticket. Arrive early to ensure you get into the correct room and situated. It is also recommended to leave cellular devices at home. The most helpful tip is to pace yourself accordingly and don’t distress. Stay positive, work hard, and make it happen.