The scholastic aptitude test (SAT) is of obvious importance to a students advancement into and eventual success in university. What may not be so obvious is the role that SAT preparation plays in the said student's success on the test itself. While some students, after a proper night's sleep and a balanced breakfast, may be able to saunter into the testing facility and score highly on the SAT, most test takers will require at least a modicum of preparation, advice and advanced study to overcome nerves and score as highly as they possibly can. Because of this, the selection of the correct SAT books and the right SAT tutor are of nearly paramount importance.
The range and diversity of SAT books and study guides can be bewildering. A student or parent, worried about SAT performance, walks into a world saturated with choice, and not necessarily any foreknowledge about what to look for. So what is it they should be hunting after? First they should consider the timeliness of the book. A book published recently will have taken the most recent SATs into account when offering study advice and practice questions. The test changes year to year, of course, but experienced authors and knowledgeable test takers can glean trends and shifts in focus that will more than likely carry over to the next test. The discerning customer should also consider the reputation of the publisher. While popularity is not directly correlated to reliability, it is often a good litmus test. For this reason, choosing a book by an established publisher with a national or global reputation may come with less risks than one published by a regional competitor or a start-up.
Often also critical in the SAT preparation process is SAT tutoring. But how does one go about choosing a trustworthy, experienced SAT tutor? While a tutor who themselves scored highly on the SAT may be desirable, this criterion is not actually the first that should be looked at. A student who scored average on their SAT four years ago but has since become a dedicated university student and formidable test taker will be better suited as a tutor than one who scored excellently on his or her own SAT but has since lost the skills needed to master the material. Parents and students should look at the potential tutor's course load, areas of study, current grades and any certifications they may possess.