When I was growing up, I never realized how lucky I was to do well on standardized tests. It was something that I just took for granted. I had never had any trouble with assessment testing. My standardized math test scores were always excellent, and my reading exam scores were not far behind. I was a national merit semifinalist on the PSAT, and got into college of my choice despite having mediocre grades. So when I had a daughter with standardized testing problems, I didn't know what to do about it. I had always thought that a standardized test was a simple matter. I figured that it measured your real knowledge. After all, I knew math well, and always got high scores on my math exams. Why should it be any different for her?

The reality, however, is that it can be much different for people with testing problems. Standardized tests are a source of great anxiety and frustration for millions of Americans. The strange thing about it was that my daughter was actually a fine student. She always did well in her homework and, when given sufficient time, would get great test scores. There was something about the format of a standardized test, however, that always tripped her up.

We had her take a Princeton Review course. Although I had heard mixed things about those classes, I knew that they work for some people and was willing to try anything. It brought her marks up a few points, but her standardized tests still showed scores well below her ability. Finally, we took a common sense approach: we had her practice standardized tests at home.

She would have to practice a standardized test every single day. This was incredibly frustrating for her at first, but after a while she got used to the routine. Soon, it was actually something she did not even think about anymore. It had become so much a part of her everyday routine that she didn't stress over it.

Because of this, when she went to take her SATs, she got a good score. It was something that she could sit down and do without thinking about it, you see. She had conquered the standardized test through hard work and diligence study. Now she is in a good college, getting good grades, and making her parents happy. I couldn't be more proud of all she has accomplished!