By Ben Shestakofsky Standardized tests:the two most beautiful words in the English language. Okay, maybe not. Standardized tests might not have a whole lot to do with the things that make you who you are—what you’re interested in at school, how hard you work to get good grades, what you do with your free time—but like it or not, they play a huge role in how most college admissions officers get to know you. No wonder these often arcane assessments are one of the most dreaded aspects of the college application process. And while we can’t help you start an orphanage in Guatemala to catch an admissions officer’s eye, our Guide to Test Prep can help you improve your SAT and ACT scores! So sharpen your #2 pencil and open your test booklet to page one. Knewton’s Essential Test Tips How to Dominate Reading Comprehension on the SAT4 Quick Tips for the Math Section of the SATHow to Manage Your Time Wisely on the SAT3 Simple SAT Grammar TipsThe Other Freshman 15: In SAT WritingA Short History of Standardized Test Prep Getting to Know Admissions Exams Standardized Tests: Which ones? When? How Many Times?When in Doubt, Pick C: An SAT primerACT Like You KnowThe Lowdown on the SAT Writing SectionTackling the SAT and ACT10 Tips for Outsmarting the SAT