Preparing for the SAT and/or the ACT

Since the best preparation is consistent work in challenging courses over a number of years, find curriculum that is academically challenging for your student each year. As test time approaches, get some of the study books that are available and work through them. We found that using books from several different publishers was very effective as each one offered different tips and hints. We checked these out of the public library and found them to be very helpful, but they can be purchased at most large bookstores. Also, take a few practice tests. This helps the student learn to pace herself and helps familiarize her with each test section. There are also CD Rom versions that have test prep and practice tests.

Some of the test prep books include books by the following companies:

Barron’s
Gruber’s
Kaplan
Princeton Review


Some helpful websites:

www.number2.com
www.princetonreview.com/college
www.collegeboard.com/student/testing (then click on the SAT Prep Center)
www.4tests.com

There are also test prep courses. These tend to get rather expensive, but you may decide that it is worth the cost. Check on these:
Princeton Review (800–2–REVIEW)
Kaplan (800–KAPTEST)
Sylvan Learning Center in your area