While high school students often view standardized tests like the ACT, SAT, and AP exams with dread, test prep services can be an excellent solution for helping your teen prepare—and even ace them. Here’s how.
Test prep services know that knowledge is power. They equip your teen with an understanding of the test format, content areas, and scoring methodology. They’ll teach your teen how to navigate each section effectively and confidently.
It’s hard not to feel anxious as the testing data approaches. Test prep services provide a structured learning environment where students take practice tests under timed conditions, stimulating the actual test experience. By familiarizing themselves with the pressure of timed testing in a low-stakes environment, teens learn to manage their anxiety and develop effective test-taking strategies.
Test-taking tactics
Test prep services teach tricks to give your teen the edge—even when they’re unsure about the answer. These strategies include:
- Process of elimination, where they learn to identify and eliminate answer choices that are clearly wrong, increasing their odds of selecting the correct answer.
- Critical reading, where they develop skills to decipher tricky wording, identify key information in passages, and answer comprehension questions effectively.
- Time management strategies, where they learn to allocate time efficiently across different sections—and questions—ensuring they complete the test in the given time. They’ll learn tricks like identifying questions they can answer quickly, which frees time to spend on more challenging questions.
Why scores matter
Most colleges and universities waived their SAT/ACT/AP score submission requirements during the pandemic. Many schools remain “test-optional” — but others are reinstating those requirements. And the reality is that strong test scores can give applicants a significant advantage during the college admissions process. Here’s why.
- Many scholarships have minimum test score requirements. Higher scores open more doors to scholarships that can significantly reduce college costs.
- For competitive colleges, strong test scores can become a deciding factor in admissions decisions. A higher score helps your teen’s application stand out among qualified applicants.
- Some colleges still require or recommend SAT Subject Tests. Test prep services can also help your teen excel in these subject-specific exams.
Test prep services are an investment in your teen’s future. They help your teen develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to conquer standardized tests and gain admission to their dream school. Check out our Tutoring & Test Prep blogs for other resources.
