With the new year fast approaching, it can easily (or maybe not so easily) slip your mind that SAT testing is still a cloud of disgust hanging over your head. And for all of those looking to go to college, I'm sure it's within your best interest to do well on this test. So, instead of sitting there, thinking about how awful this beast of a test will be, here's seven ways you can be productive and study for the SAT.

1. Take an online practice test.

Believe it or not, but the internet is not just a place filled with food-making tutorials and cute animal videos but a place filled with resources and information! If you are too scared to go into this test blind, simply google SAT practice tests, and chances are you will find a lot more than you think. The purpose of this is not necessarily to score amazing and go into the real thing overly confident, but to get a feel for how the test is laid out, and the amount of time it will take in order to complete each section.

2. Pick up a review book.

For under 20 dollars you can have an immense amount of sources at your fingertips. This is very helpful if you have a lot of time to study for the test, too. Read that book front to back and learn about all the necessary strategies and tactics needed in order to be successful. They usually do come with a variety of practice tests and problems, along with in depth explanations of each practice problem given. And of course, these are wonderful in that they will always be relatively inexpensive and widely available.

3. Take a class.

Not up to the self-teaching situation with buying a review book? Maybe signing up for a group class is more your speed. This way you can not only get instruction from trained individuals, but you will be assigned homework, which will then in turn force you to continue studying for this test. And I mean that in the best way possible, it can be very difficult to find motivation to want to study for something that feels impossible. The group setting will also allow you to get to know other people, while being introduced to their strategies, while raising questions that you may not have ever considered.

4. One on one tutoring.

If you don't do well in a lecture style environment, consider getting a private tutor that can help you with specific things that you are struggling in, while also ensuring that you are doing homework and never are straying from your studies. Although these can be a bit pricey sometimes. It is very convenient for the many of us who still cannot drive, and need a person to come to their house in order to receive tutoring.

5. Start a study group.

If what you need is a compromise between work and play, round up a few friends and decide to meet once a week and go over a few problems at your favorite coffee shop, or even each others houses. This is good for those who need something a little bit more than just studying. Although it can be easy to get off topic, it can be a good start and establish some consistency in your studying habits.

6. Take an online class.

The college board is constantly offering live online classes and sessions where you can learn all about the test and receive some extra help in some areas that you are struggling. These are great because they are always happening at very random times, which is good for those with a schedule that is constantly changing, and cannot make a formal commitment for a time and place for studying.

7. Take the PSAT.

This is similar to the first suggestion but very much important. Taking the PSAT is the best way to simulate what it would be like to take the SAT, without the same amount of stress that comes along with the real thing. Not only will it get you used to waking up early on a Saturday for an exam, it will help you see what it's like to take a test in the given time periods in a place that you are not necessarily comfortable in.