<p>Read through this for good exam prep strategies: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/68210-xiggis-sat-prep-advice.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/68210-xiggis-sat-prep-advice.html</a> They apply to the ACT and any standardized exam not just the SAT.</p>
<p>If you have always done poorly on standardized exams relative to your in-class performance, go have a sit-down meeting with your guidance counselor and maybe the school psychologist to discuss possible reasons for this. If it is just bad exam taking strategies, you can fix that by taking Xiggi’s prep advice to heart. If it is test-induced anxiety, improved strategies can help, and the school psychologist should have more suggestions for you. If you find out that you’ve got an undiagnosed LD (two that come to mind are slow processing speeds and dyslexias), then with proper diagnosis and scheduling, you may be able to get accommodations for future exams. If you did badly because you weren’t well rested, or you were hungry, or because the exam room was cold/hot, then plan ahead so that next time you are rested, decently fed, and dressed in layers so that you can cope with whatever room temperature you encounter. </p>
<p>As for paying for college, spend some time in the financial aid forum and at [FinAid</a>! Financial Aid, College Scholarships and Student Loans](<a href=“http://www.finaid.org%5DFinAid”>http://www.finaid.org) so that you can get a better handle on your options.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>