Applying to college is an exciting but stressful experience, and entrance exams certainly add to the stress. A good GPA alone is no guarantee of admission because most universities place a great deal of weight on applicants’ Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) exam scores. The bad news is that having good grades in high school does not necessarily mean a person will do well on the SATs. The good news is that professional SAT preparation can help raise a student’s scores-and lessen stress and anxiety.

Universities look at SAT scores as a gauge of how well prepared the student is for college. Universities recognize that high school GPAs don’t always tell the whole story. So college admissions and financial aid offices also view SAT scores as predictors of student success in university-level work, which can benefit students whose GPAs are not so high-if they know how to take advantage of this opportunity. This is where SAT test prep comes in.

The basic SAT exam is comprised of a series of tests on students’ abilities in such areas as reading comprehension, critical thinking and mathematics. Some universities also include supplementary SATs on specific subject areas such as world history, foreign languages and sciences. Facing all this in a timed testing situation can be intimidating, especially if a student hasn’t had sufficient preparation.

There is a wide variety of SAT test prep programs and approaches out there to choose from, and deciding which would be best for you can be confusing. Options range from test books and CDs the student can work through on their own, to personal tutors and classes, to online study programs. Each can give the student useful practice at exam questions, providing varying degrees of depth and personal attention. Here are some things to consider when exploring SAT prep options: How much time do you have to put into test prep? Are there specific areas in which you feel you need more preparation than others? Do you learn better working independently or with personal attention and support?

Choosing the right SAT test preparation program is an important step on the path to a successful and rewarding university experience.