Test Preparation Resources: Strategies for Students
The earliest evidence of standardized testing comes from ancient China, where imperial examinations covered music, archery and horsemanship, arithmetic, writing and knowledge of rituals and ceremonies. The standardized testing of today may not be as colorful, but the practice has become integral to academic success. Luckily, the modern student has access to a variety of test preparation resources on the Web.
Expand All Guide SectionsState Test Preparation
Most states currently utilize K–12 tests, which are designed to test student proficiency in their state frameworks and curriculum. In most states, promotion is linked to performance on these tests. Luckily, there's a variety of state test preparation Web resources that can help you feel fully prepared on test day.
Insights for State Test Preparation
- The best way to find information about testing in your state is to visit the Web site of your state’s education department. There you should be able to find information regarding your state’s testing policies, as well as released tests and sample questions.
- Test preparation books can be purchased for all major state tests, and the Web sites for these book publishers often provide supplemental materials.
Top Sites for State Test Preparation
Scholastic
offers articles designed to help teachers get students ready for testing season; many of them could be helpful to parents helping their kids, too. The No Pain, High Gain article provides particularly helpful state test preparation strategies.
Houghton Mifflin Mathematics
has a Kids' Place section with “Test Prep Practice” and strategies to “Be a Better Test-Taker” for students in grades 1–6.
Studyzone.org
has an elementary test preparation center for students taking New York state tests. Created by teaching professionals, this site is so well organized that even students in other states may find it helpful. The site also offers parents advice to help prepare their kids for standardized testing.
ACT Test Preparation
The ACT is a college entrance exam developed by the American College Testing board to measure general academic ability. For exam success many students are turning to the Web for ACT test preparation sources.
Insights for ACT Test Preparation
- When it comes to education Web sites, you can’t judge a book by its cover. Many sites with excellent content have poor design. Although findingDulcinea normally filters out poorly designed sites, we have made some exceptions in order to bring you the best content possible.
- A variety of test preparation books are available for the ACT, and Web sites for these book publishers often provide supplemental materials.
Top Sites for ACT Test Preparation
ACT, Inc.
is the official Web site of the ACT, and provides free ACT preparation tools including practice questions and answers, and testing tips. Find testing dates and locations, register online and send your scores to colleges and universities.
Number2.com
has a "Personal ACT Companion Tutor" that adapts to your ability level as you go. E-mail reminders are available for vocabulary, helpful hints and test-taking strategies.
Kaplan
offers a free diagnostic practice test with detailed feedback by area. The 3-hour online test replicates ACT conditions as accurately as possible. For a more realistic experience, search for real-life practice tests by zip code.
Test Prep Review
has a section with information on the ACT and offers self-assessment modules in different subject areas.
SAT Test Preparation
Composed of math, critical reading and writing sections, the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is the most popular standardized test used for admission into colleges and universities in the United States. Use SAT test preparation sources on the Web to get prepared.
Insights for SAT Test Preparation
- A variety of SAT test preparation books are available. Web sites for these book publishers often provide supplemental materials.
Top Sites for SAT Test Preparation
College Board's
SAT Preparation Center is the official source for SAT information, including test dates and fees, registration and interpreting scores. In addition to sample questions, the site offers an official SAT practice test each year.
INeedAPencil.com
is designed by certified teachers and expert SAT tutors, and offers lessons and explanations for each type of SAT question. SAT test practice sessions give students a projected score and summary of performance.
Kaplan
has a free SAT quiz bank with more than 1,700 practice questions students can customize into tests at different levels of difficulty. After completing a quiz, students receive a comprehensive analysis of their performance in each subject.
Majortests.com's
SAT test preparation section offers free practice questions in math, critical reading, writing and vocabulary development, created by test-prep professionals.
PrepMe
has an interactive database with more than 3,000 questions in 24 categories. Select the topic, timer and number of questions to be answered in this easy-to-use SAT test preparation tool. Make sure to skip over the ads at the top of the page.
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