Find the Right Approach to Test Prep Tacoma WA

Find the Right Approach to Test Prep

By Howard and Matthew Greene

The only bad way to prepare for standardized tests is not to prepare. You don't need to work with a tutor for three hours a day between now and next summer, but you do need to do something.

Priority #1: read
The simple, most powerful way to prepare for the SAT or ACT is to read. A lot. With a dictionary. If you love to read and develop your vocabulary, then you've got a head start. If you dislike reading and avoid it at all costs, then you're going to need to develop some conscious strategies as early as possible in order to build your skills and prepare for exams that are heavily weighted toward verbal skills.

Beyond that, you need to think about your particular needs.

The self-study option
It might help you to think about test prep along a continuum, from least to most intensive. The less intensive (and less expensive) approach is to work on your own with one or more prep guides, perhaps in conjunction with some online resources. This requires a lot of self-direction and motivation.

You'll want to plan on 20 to 30 minutes every day or so, for several months in advance of a test date. You can set aside half-hour blocks to take practice tests, and even take a weekend day to take a full exam. After self scoring these tests, you can work on the areas that gave you the most trouble. Even if you plan to explore more intensive options, this is a good way to get a head start.

Author: Amy Ambler

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