There are many ways to prepare for standardized tests, but the first step is to lower the anxiety level. Before taking the SAT, find some colleges you like where the average scores are close to your PSAT scores. The worst way to go into the SAT is thinking “If I don’t get these scores up 300 points, I’ll never get into a good college.” In addition to creating needless suffering, that kind of pressure can sabotage months of SAT preparation.

Setting up a schedule of test dates also reduces anxiety. Most students take the SAT two or three times. Knowing there is another chance reduces the “now or never” pressure that can cause you to miss questions you could otherwise answer.

Juniors usually take the SAT for the first time in March or May. In general, I encourage students to start preparing for the SAT about two months before their first test date. Many students take the test again in October or November of senior year, and can spend time over the summer, if necessary, doing additional preparation.

Register for the ACT so you can tell yourself if the SAT doesn’t go well, there’s a different test that you might find easier. I often have students take each test once to see which is better for them, and then they can concentrate on that test.

And remember that many very successful people had less than stellar SAT scores in high school. While you may need to take standardized tests, you don’t need to let them determine your self-esteem.