College Search
Advanced Search Options

Search your needs below, and view information about the schools that meet those needs by clicking "Search."

Step 1: Select Subject Area(s)
Step 2: Select Program(s) that Interest You
Complete step 1 before selecting a program.
Step 3: Select Location
Complete steps 1 and 2 before selecting a location.
 Step 4: Select Degree Level
0
Graduate Schools match your criteria
Search
Advanced Search Options

Use the criteria listed below to find colleges that are right for you. Click "Search" to view your results.

Step 1: Select Subject Area(s)
Step 2: Select Majors(s) that Interest You
Complete step 1 before selecting a major.
Step 3: Select Degree Level
0
Schools match your criteria
Search
feedback

Why Test Prep Works for Standardized Tests

 

 

 

 

At its most basic level, a test is "standardized" when each test taker is presented with identical sets of questions. Those questions may or may not be presented in the same order (so you might get "Version A" while someone else gets "Version B"), but they will be the same. So if you took one of these tests today, you might get the math section first, while your best friend gets reading.

The purpose of a standardized test is to compare the performance of a broad range of students presented with the same task. The SAT, ACT, and PSAT are all examples of standardized tests.

Why test prep works for standardized tests

Because standardized tests follow a specific structure and assess a standard set of concepts, test preparation can help you succeed on these tests. Test prep is effective because it is an accurate representation of what is on the actual exam, because the format and content are standard year over year. Test preparation also allows you to become familiar with the format, timing, and content before taking the actual exam.

When you know what to expect and how to pace yourself on tests like the SAT, ACT, and PSAT, you're more likely to be relaxed and comfortable, which typically leads to better scores than if you're full of anxiety and stress.

Standardized tests are not just for college admission
To apply to a private high school — or to certain programs in public high schools — you usually have to take an admission exam. These are often standardized, and the most common high school admission exams are the SSAT, ISEE, and COOP. Test prep is beneficial for these tests, too.

Standardized tests are also used by public and private schools to determine how well students have mastered material at a certain grade level. Results can then be used to shape schools' curriculum. Some states require statewide testing more often than others and some states do not require this kind of testing at all.

Test prep is key to success

Just like with a test you'd take in math class, the key to doing well is making sure you're prepared. Standardized or not, good scores are all about the test preparation you put in before test day.

 

All Test Prep Tips Info

Test Prep: Choosing the ACT or SAT

Are you ready for test prep and facing the registration deadlines, feeling pressured to choose, and wondering whether the ACT or SAT is better? Relax! The reality...

Test Prep Advice for Students Just Starting Out

Your test is looming on the horizon and you need to prepare. Whatever you choose, do something! Almost anyone can bring up his or her scores on tests like the SAT,...

Test Prep Can Help You Avoid a Culture of Cheating

According to social experts, Americans rank high among the most competitive, stressed-out people in the world. It is a culture that demands the best in all aspects...

Test Prep Includes Requesting Testing Accommodations for Your Child

With thousands of students taking standardized admission tests, it stands to reason that a variety of physical, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, or learning disabilities...

Test Prep and Testing Accommodations for Disabled Students

The College Board, which administers the SAT and PSAT, and the ACT organization offer the opportunity for disabled students or their parents to request reasonable...

Test Prep When You Have a Disability

With thousands of your peers taking standardized admission tests this year, it stands to reason that at least a few of them will have some sort of disability. What...

Test Prep Materials: What to Choose

Now that you've decided to buckle down and get ready for the SAT, ACT, and PSAT, all you have to do is decide how you're going to prepare. Perhaps you think you...

Test Prep: Planning for the PSAT, SAT, and ACT

The time to prepare for the PSAT, SAT and ACT exams is now!  Learn what it takes to get organized. Pick your exam date, get registered, identify the study resources...

How Test Prep Can Help You Beat Test Stress

You're in the middle of a test. Your heart is pounding…your breath is quick and shallow. As sweat beads on your forehead, panic begins to drift in. What's going...

Test Prep Includes Building Vocabulary

Your ability to mimic Webster's Dictionary isn't evaluated by most standardized exams, so you won't be expected to provide definitions for difficult words.  However,...

Test Prep Only One Aspect of Determining When to Test

If you're thinking about taking (or retaking) the SAT, ACT, or another standardized test, don't just pick a date out of thin air and head off to the testing center....

Building Your Vocabulary Helps with Test Prep

Building your vocabulary can help you in many ways, from preparing you for standardized tests to improving your understanding of what you read. Peterson's StudentEdge...

Last-Minute Test Prep Tips

No matter whether you're taking the SAT, ACT, PSAT, or another exam, there are certain things you can do in the days before to ensure a successful experience. It...

Test Prep: Should You or Shouldn't You?

To prep or not to prep, that is the question — and an important one it is when your test scores and your wallet may be at stake. Shelling out hundreds of dollars...

Test Prep Strategies: SAT, ACT, and PSAT/NMSQT

Standardized tests play an important role in the college admission process and you can get through them! Read on and prepare for test success. Taking the PSAT...

Test Prep Strategies for Standardized Tests

The months preceding college might sometimes seem like they're filled with one test after another…PSAT, ACT, SAT… The subject matter might be different for each...


Ask the Experts: Test Prep Tips

Read actual questions from students about test prep and see answers and advice from college planning and admissions experts

Find the Right Approach to Test Prep

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 when you take the...

Survey
Help us improve Petersons.com
Take our brief survey!
Share this Page
Featured Colleges
University of Southern California
The University of Southern California, or USC, is located in a neighborhood ...
San Diego State University
With some of the finest weather in the country and pastimes suited to that ...
University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is one of the most revered and ...
Colorado Technical University Colorado Springs
Accounting: All businesses have Accounting professionals that keep them on ...