Many of the hopes and dreams that our children have about their future may seem unending. But as they embark on the tasks that lead to preparation for college, their goals suddenly seem too high and unreachable.  As they view the entrance requirements such as grade point averages, standardized test scores, extracurricular activities, and community service, they soon dash their goals and settle in for what they view as obtainable.  What most students find out too late is that the path to obtaining their goals must be planned even before they enter their freshman year of high school.

 

     One of these entrance requirements for your child's college acceptance is a standardized entrance test.  Most colleges recognize scores from two tests, which measure reading, mathematical, and writing skills:  the SAT reasoning test and the ACT test.   While there has been much debate in the media of the fairness of these tests, most students can perform well if properly prepared.

 

     The preparation for these tests must start as early as their freshman year in high school. Both tests offer online preparatory programs and guides that offer retired practice questions.  Their web sites also include test taking tips, test strategies, and a question of the day. 

 

     In addition to these official guides, there are many unofficial preparatory test booklets that can be purchased at your local bookstore.  These booklets also offer test taking strategies and practice tests that can be utilized for preparation.  Also at no cost, most local libraries stock these reference materials for checkout.

 

     Another method that your child can utilize is to attend test preparation workshops offered by many national testing preparation organizations for a nominal fee. One of these test preparation organizations, Princeton Review, also offers free practice test sessions in various locations across the country that can be registered online. Also information about many preparation workshops at local community centers, universities, and high schools can be obtained through the classifieds of your local newspaper or from your child's high school guidance counselor.  Many high school instructors and educational professionals also offer private tutoring for these tests.

 

     Preparation is the definitely the key in assuring success as your child prepares for college.  By utilizing the discussed tips, the standardized entrance requirement test should be one less roadblock that your child must overcome in reaching this goal.

 

 

References:

Preparing for the ACT, 2009/2010, ACT, www.actstudent.org.

SAT Reasoning Test, 2010, College Board, sat.collegeboard.com.

SAT Test, "The Good and the Bad", Grace Fleming, About.com Guide.