Standardized Test Preparation
What is Standardized Test Preparation?
Most students take some form of standardized test at some point during their academic careers. Test preparation can be a major stressor for both students and parents. There are a number of ways to approach standardized test preparation, but the most important thing is to make sure that the process is tailored to the individual student.
There are a number of commercial test prep programs available, but they can be expensive. There are also a number of free or low-cost resources that can be just as effective. The key is to find a method of preparation that works for the student and sticks to a schedule.
Practice tests are a great way to get comfortable with the format of the test and to identify any areas where the student needs additional help. There are a number of practice tests available online or through test prep books.
Many students find that working with a tutor or taking a test prep course can be helpful. A tutor can help identify areas of weakness and work with the student on specific strategies. Test prep courses can provide an overview of the material covered on the test and allow students to practice taking the test under timed conditions.
Whatever method of preparation is used, it is important to make sure that the student is getting enough rest and eating healthy foods on the day of the test. Test taking can be a draining process, so it is important to be well-rested and alert.
Standardized Test Preparation Resources
Spectrum Test Prep, Grade 4
Standardized test preparation workbook for 4th graders with reading, math, and language arts practice plus test-taking strategies.
Spectrum Test Prep, Grade 3
Comprehensive standardized test preparation workbook for 3rd graders covering reading, math, and language arts with test-taking strategies.
Spectrum Test Prep, Grade 5
Comprehensive 5th-grade test prep covering advanced reading, math with fractions/decimals, and language arts with full practice tests.
Kaplan ACT Prep Plus 2025
Kaplan's flagship ACT guide with 5 full-length practice tests, online resources, and their proven score-raising strategies used by millions of students.
Barron's ACT Premium Study Guide with 6 Practice Tests
Expert ACT preparation from Barron's featuring 6 full-length practice tests, comprehensive subject review, and proven test-taking strategies.
Princeton Review ACT Premium Prep, 2026
Comprehensive ACT preparation with 8 full-length practice tests, proven score-raising strategies, and detailed content review for all test sections.
The Official ACT Prep Guide 2025-2026
The only ACT prep guide written by the test makers at ACT, Inc., featuring 8 full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations.
The Official Digital SAT Study Guide
The only SAT prep book from the test makers themselves — includes 4 official practice tests with detailed answer explanations for the Digital SAT.

Princeton Review Digital SAT Premium Prep 2025
Comprehensive Digital SAT prep with 4 practice tests, in-depth content review, and proven score-raising strategies from The Princeton Review.
Barron's SAT Premium Study Guide with 7 Practice Tests
Massive SAT prep resource with 7 full-length practice tests, comprehensive content review, and detailed answer explanations from Barron's.
Barron's Digital SAT Premium Study Guide 2026
Thorough Digital SAT prep with 4 practice tests, comprehensive content review, and diagnostic quizzes — Barron's trusted test prep approach.
CAHSEE
Sal working through the 53 problems from the practice test available at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/hs/documents/mathpractest.pdf for the CAHSEE (California High School Exit Examination). Clearly useful if you're looking to take that exam. Prob...