Here's why:
* High Stakes: The test determines admission to some of the most prestigious public high schools in New York City, creating significant pressure. This pressure can impact performance.
* Competitive Applicant Pool: A large number of highly motivated and academically gifted students take the test, making the competition fierce.
* Rigorous Content: The test covers a broad range of topics in math and verbal reasoning, often going beyond what's typically covered in a standard eighth-grade curriculum. The questions require not just knowledge but also strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
* Time Constraints: Students have a limited amount of time to answer a large number of questions, demanding efficient test-taking strategies.
* Unfamiliar Question Types: The format and style of questions can be different from what students are used to in school.
In short, while some students find the test manageable with sufficient preparation, many others find it extremely difficult. Success generally requires a combination of strong academic foundations, dedicated study, and effective test-taking strategies. It's not uncommon for students to study for months to prepare.