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One major factor college admissions officers take into account in choosing future students is the SAT. Whether or not one scores well on the test can make or break the chances of getting in to a particular college. Although the definition of “doing well” varies depending on the student asked, many would agree it is best to score as high as possible.

To make sure they do “well” on the SAT, many of my peers are turning to test preparation classes, books, private tutors and even private counselors. Out of those 4 methods of preparation, the popular choice seems to be test preparation classes. When it comes to the pricing of these classes, the majority is expensive; but most students and parents do not seem to even flinch at the proposition of the major dent in their savings accounts. That indifference to spending anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, and a reliance on possibly ineffective methods, results from an inescapable desire to gain admittance to an ideal university.

Usually, entrance into test preparation classes is suggested to, if not forced upon, the student by parents. Although the parents will not be going to college for their son or daughter, their influence on the student’s participation in prep classes is still large and sometimes even domineering. I, myself, have been “persuaded” by my mother to take expensive SAT preparation classes and would have much preferred private tutoring, which is actually cheaper than the classes in which I am currently enrolled.

For 4 hours a day and 5 days a week, I sit in a cramped room with either excessive or no air conditioning on. Similar to the school’s random ventilation, is the sometimes present – sometimes not absence policy that seems to resonate well with the majority of students. There are those who never come to class, those who come to English but not Math or Writing and vice versa, those who come on time everyday to play Mario Kart on their Nintendo DS’s and those who should be commemorated for their tenacious efforts in finishing their daily practice test and paying attention in class.

I would consider myself a part of the last group of students, even though my attendance is not necessarily perfect. How I and my fellow classmates manage to bring ourselves to this boot camp, I am not quite sure – but one thing is for certain, it is definitely not our love for standardized tests.

My primary reason for attending class everyday and completing the cartload of homework is simply the fact that I am living for the future. I guess on some bright, pleasant morning I finally stopped throwing tantrums and complaining and woke up. I realized that this has helped me and will continue to help me in my future endeavors. Also, I consider my teachers to be very helpful, likeable and savvy in what they teach; and I find pleasing my parents quite cheering.

So, if you’re after that coveted seat in the university of your choice, and you are either considering test preparation or are forced to go through it, just remember that it will all pay off in the end. Better yet, find that driving force that will keep you committed and focused on whatever hell you may have to go through and make sure to never lose it. Perseverance is key and if you happen to have that on your key ring, you are sure to achieve your goals – whatever they may be.