Are Test Prep Books Worth It?
Students sometimes put off taking the MCAT, GMAT, GRE, and LSAT in the hopes of getting a better score the first time around because they are balancing coursework, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities. Standardized tests, like college admission, require a great deal of forethought and effort on the part of students. If a student is hoping to get into the institution of their dreams, MCAT prep, GMAT prep, GRE prep, or LSAT prep is a crucial part of the process.
Importance of Test Prep Books
Even though there are several advantages to standardized test preparation, many families cannot afford to pay huge amounts of money for tutoring or preparatory classes. However, test prep books are available in a significant budget range, just as college degrees are. There is a multitude of ways to prepare for a test, from personal instructors and huge courses to low-cost guides and free internet resources. It is worth your time and money to prepare for the MCAT, GMAT, GRE, and LSAT if you use test prep books. Here’s why:
Helps you Keep Track of Your Progress
Keeping track of one’s progress might assist students narrow down their selection of potential colleges. It is critical to establish a list of goals, reach, and probable schools as a part of MCAT prep, GMAT prep, GRE prep, or LSAT prep. There is a multitude of elements that go into compiling this list, one of which is the likelihood of an applicant getting admitted based on their grades and test results.
In order to compete in the admissions process, a high GPA is required. While a perfect MCAT prep, GMAT prep, GRE prep, or LSAT prep does not guarantee admission, a poor score may swiftly push a candidate to the “no” list, standardized exams are a means to an end in college applications. Standardized test scores, as well as grades and course quality, are often acknowledged by universities as one of the top three variables in admissions choices. That’s why parents and students alike put a lot of emphasis on improving their exam scores.
Assists to Learn Strategies
Not only do students study material, but they also learn strategies. The assumption that a person’s ability to do well on a standardized exam is completely dependent on their aptitude is a myth. The test-taking technique is just as essential as a solid understanding of the material for students to perform well. Students may get the most out of their study time and performance by working with a great test prep book. MCAT, GMAT, GRE, and LSAT demand a wide range of abilities, including the ability to evaluate question complexity, the process of reasoning, and speed.
Improves Test Scores
Exam marks may be improved with even a little amount of study. How important is it for a student’s prospects of admission to raise their test scores? A slight rise in standardized test scores might play an important role in an admissions decision, as per a NACAC study of prestigious universities. No matter how high or low a student’s test score is, an increase of only 10-20 points might be the difference between a “yes” and a “no.”
Students may increase their MCAT, GMAT, GRE, or LSAT score by 30 points by completing only one or two guided practice sessions. Many students have seen their test scores rise by four points or more after only one or two hours of studying test prep books. Increasing one’s test score by one point, from 27 to 31, might open up previously out-of-reach opportunities for a student.
Summing Up!
Students might expect to see benefits, however, they will have to put in the effort. Test preparation is often ridiculed because of the perception that students get little benefit from it. Students that study hard for their scores may see big changes even if they only gain a few points, despite what some opponents say. It takes a lot of time, work, and determination to improve your results, just like any other exam. Only those pupils who are willing to put in the effort will benefit from test prep books.