don’t let the test take you

don’t let the test take you

The SATs are just months away, and it’s never too early to start preparing. The 2009-2010 edition of “Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT” ($11.95, Workman publishing) teaches you to “outsmart” the test with the help of six kids who scored a 2400 and who got into schools such as Duke, Harvard, Yale and Cornell. Not too shabby.

At the very least, you should read the first section, about the SAT. The test can be a pressure-cooker, not only because your future is riding on it (we kid!), but also because understanding the test alone is hard enough. The next chapters are divided by the sections of the test: critical reading, math and writing. The tips are thorough, especially the vocabulary guide in the critical reading section, which provides example sentences and silly cartoons.

phelps at the VMAs

LOS ANGELES — He does comedy, writes books, mixes it up with the hottest stars in music and Hollywood. With all this, who needs swimming? Certainly not Michael Phelps — not anymore, at least. But as a presenter at the 2008 Video Music Awards, all that fresh Olympic bling will certainly help.

The swimmer who took home a record-breaking eight gold medals from the Beijing Games joins Miley Cyrus, Lindsay Lohan and Ciara as presenters at the Sept. 7 VMAs telecast from Los Angeles. British comedian Russell Brand will host.

It’s been a busy week for Phelps, who announced he’ll write a book about his road to Olympic history (to be released in time for the holidays) and plans to host the season premiere of “Saturday Night Live.”

Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale and Corbin Bleu of the “High School Musical” franchise will also present at the VMAs, as will “Twilight” actors Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner, MTV said Thursday.

The network also announced performers Katy Perry, T-Pain, Lupe Fiasco and The Ting Tings.

seeking college STARS

CLEVELAND — The PlayhouseSquare Arts Education Department is now accepting applications for the new College Students Take A Role at the Square (STARS) Program. Modeled on the teen version of the program, college students are invited to volunteer as ushers for the opening nights of KeyBank Broadway Series shows and other performances at PlayhouseSquare. Applications are available online at playhousesquare.org/artseducation or by calling (216) 348-7909.

The College STARS volunteer program provides students with on-the-job training in customer service and the performing arts combined with an opportunity to give back to the community. Applications are due Oct. 3.

kanye at the DNC

DENVER — What Kanye West regretted when Barack Obama became the Democratic party’s presidential candidate: That his mother, Donda, hadn’t lived to experience it.

“It’s an incredible time to be around. I wish my momma could have seen this day,” the 31-year-old rapper told a crowd gathered for his performance early Thursday morning.

Jamie Foxx then joined West onstage. The pair then launched into their hit “Gold Digger,” about money-grubbing women.