Many high schools also offer study booklets and sample tests to applicants to enhance test familiarity and minimize test trauma. Prep courses also offer a range of services such as drilling, daily tests, and vocabulary build-ups. These are basically attempts at identifying an applicant's weaknesses as well as areas of strength. Maybe it's the realization that you've paid good money that makes you work, or simply the routine of going to prep class at a fixed time allows you to practice regularly. All you need is a little bit of discipline, perseverance, and self-confidence.
Students argue that test taking tips and strategies offered in prep courses are invaluable.
This is true, but not completely. The tips and strategies offered are generalizations based on many assumptions and are not student specific. The time, effort, and money put into going through a prep course can be channeled toward at-home studies. Instead of enrolling in a prep course 8-10 weeks preceding the final test date, starting earlier on your own can be less costly and more convenient. It is claimed that enrolling in a prep course can increase your score by 40-90 points.