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The Best Books, Courses, and Resources for Your Test Preparation

From About.com

As you begin to study and review for your test, it is essential to use the right resources - both in terms of suiting your learning style and finding the best prep books and courses. Some students need in-person instruction, others will do perfectly well with a good study guide in hand. Some books are lengthy and redundant, while others are efficient and concise.

The following information will help you find the best study resources for your particular needs.

  1. PSAT and SAT Resources
  2. ACT Resources
  3. GRE Resources
  1. LSAT Resources
  2. GMAT Resources
  3. MCAT Resources

PSAT and SAT Resources

Since the PSAT is very similar to the SAT, you can prepare for both tests with SAT prep books and courses. You can find dozens of SAT prep books at bookstores and libraries - some are excellent, and others will waste your time. I've narrowed the field down to three options that suit different learning styles.

ACT Resources

All students preparing for the ACT need to take practice tests, but not everyone needs to study the material. I recommend starting with the only book that includes authentic past ACTs, then deciding whether you need a book with a more detailed review of the material.

GRE Resources

The GRE is taken by so many people that there are tons of resources to choose from, ranging from books to courses to free online materials.

LSAT Resources

For many law school applicants, collecting old LSATs has become a hobby. That's because the best preparation for the LSAT is to take a lot of authentic past LSATs, which are called PrepTests. Practicing with these will hone your test-taking skills and improve your response time.

GMAT Resources

There are at least six ways to prepare for the GMAT: books, online lessons, in-person classes, computer programs, small-group tutoring, and private tutoring. Choose the method that best suits your learning style, budget, and time limitations.

MCAT Resources

The MCAT is one of the most expensive tests, with high costs for both registration and buying preparation materials. You could easily spend thousands of dollars while preparing for the MCAT, and that might be worth it to you if it helps you earn a high score. But with a little extra effort you can prepare without breaking your budget.

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