The water for frogs of the day A & S - Standardized test scores are very low under stress; and even at best students do well on these tests, but not as well when they are under pressure. This is true in all subjects, not just math. Students who have taken the SAT or ACT have higher scores than those who have not. In addition, students who take the SAT or ACT are more likely to go to college and to graduate from college. Therefore, it is important to prepare students for these tests. One way to prepare students for these tests is to give them practice tests. Another way is to teach them test-taking strategies. A third way is to help them manage their stress. There are many books and websites that can help students prepare for the SAT or ACT. Some of these resources are free, while others are expensive. It is up to the student and his or her parents to decide which resources to use. It is also important to remember that the SAT and ACT are just one part of the college application process. Other factors, such as gpa, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation, are also important.