Test Preparation
Standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT are part of the college application process. If you abhor (good vocabulary word) these tests you may be able to avoid them by applying to test-optional colleges. If you are trying to determine whether the SAT or ACT would be a better test for you to take (you don't usually need both), here is a great guide from Applerouth that might help you understand the difference between the tests.
The majority of students do take standardized tests. You can reduce test anxiety and boost your scores by incorporating test prep into your daily routine. Here are some free or low-cost resources.
Free Online Test Prep Resources
- The official ACT site
- The official SAT site
- Sample tests form the official International Baccalaureate site
- TOEFL test prep for ESL and international students
- Varsity Tutors free practice tests
- SAT prep from I Need a Pencil
- Download the Wordsmyth Online SAT dictionary
- SAT and ACT prep from Number2.com
- Build your SAT and ACT vocabulary and help distribute rice to alleviate world hunger with freerice.com
- Sparknotes.com delivers terrific ACT, SAT and SAT Subject Matter Test prep
- SAT prep from Khan Academy
- Free SAT puzzles and tips from a quirky blogger
- Great SAT math and physics resources (free) from Erik the Red
- Wonderful compilation of helpful SAT prep from Best College Reviews
- Veritas Test Prep offers free test prep videos
Low-Cost Online Test Prep Resources ($40 and under)
- Barron's prep for the SAT or for the ACT
- With Shmoop you can prep for the SAT, for the ACT, or for AP tests
Test Prep Apps
Face-to-Face Test Prep in Portland, Oregon
Individual or small group test prep has a cost; however, many families decide it is a worthwhile investment. The following test prep providers are highly trained professionals in the Portland, Oregon area who have worked with our college counseling students and gotten great results:
- North Avenue Education (Southeast Portland)
- Stumptown Test Prep (Johns Landing, Southwest Portland)
- Abby & Brett Larson (Southwest Portland)
- College Bound Test Prep (Beaverton)
- Annie Corbett (SAT or ACT Math prep)
- NW Anxiety Institute (Northwest Portland)
Virtual Test Prep Options
- Arborbridge (Virtual one-on-one)
- North Avenue Education (Virtual one-on-one)
Tutoring in Portland, Oregon
- Math, Organizational Challenges: Deborah Barany
- Math, Physics: Take Morikawa
- Chemistry, Physics, Astronomy: Joseph Minato
- Math, Physics, Chemistry: Daniel Ballard
- Spanish: Aly Castillo
- English (AP Lit and Lang): Jaime Duncan
- Hebrew and Japanese: Josh LeBlanc-Shulman
- North Avenue Education (Southeast Portland)
Educational Testing in Portland, Oregon
- Jim Johnson, PhD (Eastside) 503 252-3906
- Colleen O'Mahoney, MSpEd (Westside) 503 244-7513
- SAT registration
- SAT fee waiver request. This info tells you that you must get the waiver from your school counselor
- SAT accommodation request (needs to be requested three months in advance!)
- ACT registration
- ACT fee waiver request. This info tells you that you must get the waiver from your school counselor
- ACT accommodation request (needs to be submitted three months in advance!)
"We had no clue had to navigate the test-optional landscape of college. Should our son do test prep? What scores would be worth submitting and where should he apply without submitting scores? The College Admission Coach team gave him clear guidance, and we are all thrilled with his admission results."
- Katherine, parent
- Katherine, parent