Charles Horn is a sitcom writer and author of The Laugh Out Loud Guide: Ace the SAT Exam without Boring Yourself to Sleep! Horn has a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University.
Why did you write The Laugh Out Loud Guide: Ace the SAT Exam without Boring Yourself to Sleep!?
I used to tutor students for the SAT and I saw how they would struggle with boring SAT questions that had no relevance to their lives. As a comedy writer, I felt I could inject some much-needed humor into an otherwise joyless study process.
What are the top 3 things you hope people learn from your book?
My book can help students achieve higher SAT scores while releasing much of the pressure that comes with preparing for the test. Studies have shown that comedy increases recall, reduces stress and makes subjects more interesting.
What did you learn about the subject when writing it?
I had a surprising amount of fun creating the comedic SAT-style questions for the book. It confirmed that studying for the SAT does not have to consist entirely of boring material. Adding a fun element to the mix can be extremely helpful and advantageous.
Why are the SATs so important?
A great SAT score can lead to admission to top schools and full scholarships. A terrible SAT score can lead to a career flipping burgers.
Why are language skills important for students of all ages? Why is humor important?
Language is how we communicate with each other. The better you can communicate, the better you can get people to help you rather than work against you. Humor makes people happy and is an effective tool to get your message across in a positive and memorable way.
Any additional test-taking advice?
Take many practice tests. Keep reviewing your weak areas and taking more practice tests until you are satisfied with your score.
How has a college education helped your career?
College isn’t strictly required for sitcom writing, but there are a surprising number of well-educated writers out there. I personally find that there is a certain logic to comedy, from constructing funny and interesting situations and stories to crafting smart and clever and outrageous jokes.
What was your favorite part of your college experience? Did you have a favorite class?
My favorite classes usually involved cool mathematics. Some areas of math are actually quite elegant and beautiful.
Learn what to expect from taking the SATs and test-day tips.
Pingback: Author Spotlight at Campus Explorer - Learning is Funny