Test preparation can range from simple books to high-tech training, depending on your needs, your time and your financial ability.

Here are the basic options:

1. Study books and guides

At their most basic, test preparation books include several sample tests that simply help by giving you the feel of the SAT or ACT and a sense of how prepared you are to take them. More elaborate texts also supply a wealth of test-taking strategies and workbook drills. They may include DVDs with video tutorials or CD-ROMs with additional sample tests or coaching software.

Pros: Easy access. Affordable.

Cons: Requires serious self-motivation, and personal feedback is limited or non-existent. While you will get a raw sense of the numbers, a tutor or teacher may be more capable of helping you to recognize specifically what you do well, and what you need to work on.

Cost: $15-$50 

2. Video games & software

Kaplan and Princeton Review both have SAT preparation games that can be played on the Nintendo DS system. Princeton’s MySAT Coach features sample tests, mini-games designed to improve test-taking strategies and game drills that are more directed toward the content of the test. The game also tracks progress in all of the test topics. Kaplan’s futureU, which is also available for PCs and Macintosh computers, is a series of games meant to skill-build the test content and strategies, as well as track progress and identify strengths and weaknesses.

Pros: Entertaining and very affordable if you already have a Nintendo DS or home computer.

Cons: More interactive and immediate than books, but similarly, what you learn is only as good as the software and your commitment to use it.

Cost: $25-$35 

3. Online courses

There are a wide array of online courses available. Some are quick and available less than three weeks before your test, while the more comprehensive classes must be taken at least a month in advance and are generally partly self-directed software exercises. The more costly options are real-time classes, taken online with an instructor and other students.

Pros: Easy access, provided that you have a home computer. Many programs guarantee that if you complete them, you will get higher test scores.

Cons: While lots of technical support is available, glitches can happen. Less personal than visiting a real classroom.

Cost: $85-$150 

4. Classroom courses

In spite of technology’s easy access, live classes remain the most popular choice for students who want to bolster their SAT or ACT scores significantly. Sample tests, test-taking methods and strategies, extra help from instructors and the benefit of hearing questions posed by your peers are all part of the deal.

Pros: Live instructors can be more responsive to direct questions. Most programs guarantee that you will raise your test scores.

Cons: Higher cost.

Cost: $700-$1,100 

5. Small group or private/individual tutoring, online or in person

This route is for students who want to get into the most competitive colleges and universities. Students may take tutoring in a group of three in person, or individually in person or online. Naturally, this option is highly personal and designed to identify and bolster your weakest skills. Costs are based on how many hours you set up to spend with your tutor.

Pros: Likely to give your scores the highest bump. Companies provide guarantees.

Cons: Expensive.

Cost: $1,200-$8,000

Tracy Zollinger Turner is an arts, culture and education writer from Columbus, Ohio.

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