With school back in session and college applications sending students into a frenzy, there has never been a better time to take standardized tests.

Many students have found themselves signing up for the SAT or ACT, either to squeeze in a score before college deadlines roll around, to try to improve a past score, or to get a head start on requirements before the bustle of senior year.  However, first-timers and seasoned pros alike could both benefit from a little extra studying. The question is, how does one study for a test that is different each time it is taken?

There are numerous resources, available online and in physical formats, that can help students prepare for both the SAT and ACT tests. One accessible and effective way to prepare is by using online study programs, such as Khan Academy and Kaplan Test Prep. These tools allow students to practice the kinds of questions that will be on tests, and help them track their progress as they improve.

Before I took the SAT, I used test prep websites to brush up on basic algebra and geometry that I had not studied since middle school. This definitely helped prepare me for the math questions on the test, and my score noticeably improved because of the extra studying.

Besides online methods, there are also guide books equipped with practice questions and test-taking strategies that students can study. There are official prep guides for the SAT and ACT available for purchase, but other popular choices include books such as Barron’s New SAT and The Princeton Review. Having a physical pencil and paper to work with simulates the actual test conditions, which can help students feel more at home when the test comes around.

Students can also utilize practice tests to prepare for the real thing. Taking practice tests will provide students with experience so they will know how to manage their time and stay focused during the actual test. Practice tests can be found online as well as in books, and are the best way to preview how the actual test will go for a student.

In my personal experience, practice tests showed me which sections of the test I needed more work on. I noticed that my English scores were always higher than my math scores, so I studied more math questions before I took the SAT to improve my weak areas.

If students benefit the most from one-on-one instruction or would like a physical classroom setting to prepare in, Mt. Vernon High School offers an SAT prep class after school.

This 4-week program meets two days a week after school until 5:10, and covers math and English topics that could appear on the SAT. The class costs $95, which includes an SAT prep book that students can keep after the class to further study. Any junior or senior who is interested in taking this course should fill out this form.

Repetition truly is the key to success, so even light studying over a few weeks can help a student put their best foot forward when applying to colleges. My advice to anyone preparing to take the SAT or ACT is to do your best, but not to stress too much over a perfect score. Standardized tests are not the single determining factor into your future.