In a recent dream I am sitting in a classroom crowded with students I have never met. A man is walking down the row distributing large test packets. When he hands one to me, I suddenly become aware that I'm holding No. 3 pencils. My calculator is flashing the low battery sign. And, a problem on the test sheet in front of me is like a foreign language. My dream quickly turns into a nightmare.

This is a nightmare I share with many students taking the SATs for the first time. The SAT is a three-hour, 45-minute test that will determine my future. Three hours and 45 minutes to prove myself capable in the areas of math, critical reading and writing. Three hours and 45 minutes to prove what I've been trying to learn my whole life. That's it. Only three hours, 45 minutes and 2,400 points separate me from my dream school.

Sure, people tell you not to worry about it; the score is only one factor for college admissions. However, the SAT scores matter. They are what will set you apart from the crowd. They are what an admissions' counselor sees first.

What if I have a bad morning or I fill in the wrong bubbles? It doesn't matter. Sure, I can take them again, but how many times do I want to live out my nightmare? As few as possible, that's for sure.

While more and more schools are becoming test-optional, many still require scores and use them as the most important factor in the admission process. In a way, I believe the same test administered to each student is a good idea

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because it gives a baseline figure. Conversely, after seeing movies based on stealing SAT answers, and reading books that talk about how stressed students are while preparing for the SAT, I cannot help but also feel the strain.

There are so many ways to prepare for the SAT that I was bewildered as to where to begin. I chose to take a prep class, and it proved to be very valuable. Only when I receive the results of last week's test will I know how valuable. In the meantime, I'll keep my No. 2 pencils ready and extra calculator batteries on hand.

Kayla Hencsei is a junior at Kolbe Cathedral in Bridgeport, and a copy editor for CTTeens. You may reach her at ctteens@ctpost.com.