Do I need to take test preparation courses when I take standardized tests?

If you are like many people, you probably do not like standardized tests so much. Fortunately, you can take test preparation courses to help better prepare you for this grueling experience.

Standardized tests are here to stay because more and more schools, undergraduate and graduate, are now using them as an additional measure and/or requirement in order for students to get in to their academic programs. This is true whether their programs are competitive or not. Fortunately, there are test preparation courses available through private companies such as Kaplan and Princeton Review. Of course, as for any product, there is a price attached to these products and they can get a little pricey.

Because I was a poor student (as most students are), the price was a big factor for me to consider when I was deciding if I should take the Graduate Records Examination (GRE) test preparation course. However, I was sure that I needed the extra help because the last time I took a standardized test was when I was 12 years old. Even though I have been taking tests during all of my academic life, I knew that standardized tests can be tricky.

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Keep in mind that, even though you are taking other standardized test such as the MCAT, LSAT, PSAT etc., most of the information you find here generally applies.

So what did I end up doing?

I took the GRE test preparation course with Kaplan. Did I pay full price? Of course...not. I was fortunate to know that Kaplan offers financial aid to students, just like me, who can not afford to pay full price. The process to apply for their financial aid was easy and the people at the test center were helpful and friendly. However, there are certain requirements that you need to submit to be able to get financial aid. Aside from this, you can also have the GRE test fee waived if your income from the previous tax year meets the income requirement.

If you do decide to take a test preparation course, whether it's for the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, PSAT etc., be prepared to do a lot of work and practice (unless you are really smart, then you probably don't need to take the course). Having said that, I want to share with you some of the things I wish I knew before I took my GRE test prep course. I would also like to share my GRE test taking experience before, during, and after THE TEST DAY. This information will save you time, money, and some hard work in the long run.

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