Should You Take a Prep Class for Standardized Tests?
April 25th, 2007 by Andrew
Most students submit to a battery of standardized tests, especially if you go to graduate school. In fact, you’ll probably even have to take a standardized exam to get into college.
Lots of standardized exams
Here are a just a few examples of standardized exams students and future-professionals might encounter:
- High school graduation test (perhaps administered by local government)
- SAT - college-level exam
- ACT - college-level exam
- GMAT - graduate management admission test
- LSAT - law school admission test
- MCAT - medical college admission test
- bar exam - required to be an attorney
- medical boards - required to be a doctor
You get the picture. There are lots of exams out there. Not everyone will take all of these, but you’ll likely encounter a couple during your higher education years.
Classes, to study for exams
Along with these exams, a thriving industry of prep courses has arisen. Review courses vary from a day-long workshop to multiple weeks of lectures.
Prices for these courses also vary. Some can be quite low, but others can be over $2,500. Thus, it’s logical to question the value you’re actually getting in return.
The main benefits
The best feature of prep classes is that they provide a structured study atmosphere. In a way, you’re paying someone to help give you the discipline to trudge through studying and preparing for the exam.
For tests with specialized knowledge (like a specific profession’s certification test), you are also getting help understanding the material. It could be very helpful to have a knowledgeable person in the field explain the test material, especially if some things are unclear to you.
When to take a prep class
With all of this analysis done, I personally have a couple of recommendations regarding exam prep classes. There are only two times I would suggest taking them. (But I’m open to other suggestions in the comments.)
1. Self-discipline is difficult. If you have problems buckling down, creating a study & prep schedule, and sticking to it, you should consider a prep class. The cost might be well worth it, if you’re skeptical that you can put in the prep time on your own.
2. Specialized material that is unclear. If you’re facing a specialized exam and you have lingering questions about the material, think about a prep class. You can probably get the material down on your own (or with a friend’s help), but a prep class might be worth the money.
Other than that, I would suggest purchasing study books and going at it on your own. That approach isn’t right for everyone, but it’s worth a thought.
What have you done?
What has been your experience with standardized tests? Do you take preparation courses? Study on your own? Do you just wing it? Leave a comment and fill us in.
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