After spending countless hours studying to make good grades in high school, your child still must impress college admissions offices with high standardized test scores.

Whether a student takes the SAT or ACT, the resulting scores will impact his or her ability to gain entrance to college and eligibility for scholarships. I know how stressful this can be for students and parents alike.

Even though some schools no longer consider test scores, a majority still do. Therefore, it pays to prepare early.

Free SAT practice tests are offered on the Internet by the College Board (www.collegeboard.com) and Princeton Review (www.princetonreview.com), just to name a couple. Students should access those websites to sample the types of questions they will be asked.

Also, look for test-prep sessions at your child’s school, organizations and local colleges. Even some churches offer prep sessions.

Do not take the PSAT (Preliminary SAT) for granted. This test is normally given in grades 10 and 11 during October. PSAT scores can identify strengths and weakness in math, critical reading and writing). These scores also can help your child compete for scholarships through the National Merit Scholarship program (11th grade only).

For those seeking additional help, parents can pay $150 to $2,000 to private companies that offer SAT or ACT prep sessions. Do your research, however, and seek referrals from other parents. Results vary, and there is no guarantee that a student will do substantially better after a test-prep program.

One thing to remember: Don’t wait until your child is a senior to take the SAT or ACT. I suggest the second semester of their junior year. This leaves time to seek outside help if needed.

Most of all, ensure that your student is developing academic skills in math (Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II), English (reading and grammar), and writing. It's difficult to test well in areas where one lacks the basic knowledge obtained in school.

A test-prep course can help, but they deal mostly with test-taking techniques are not designed to teach subject matter that your student should already know.

While test results are important, don't over stress. Other factors – including a high grade point average -- also well help determine whether your child is accepted into a college. And that’s something your student can take charge of today.
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Macie Caldwell is owner of Macie Caldwell Consulting Services (www.maciecaldwell.org), a Charlotte firm that provides information, tools and resources to parents, students and organizations to assist in preparing students early for college.

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