All good athletes have the will to win. GREAT athletes have the "will to prepare to win." Recognizing the difference will be a major step in your personal development. With that in mind, apply the same belief to preparing yourself to achieve a qualifying sore on the S-A-T or A-C-T exam which will make you eligible to participate in NCAA Division 1 basketball.

When you are participating as a player to compete against an unknown opponent feeling some nervousness is a natural occurrence. If your coach supplies you with a detailed scouting report, which includes opponents strengths and weaknesses, your level of preparedness goes up and your nervousness goes down or is eliminated completely.

In preparing for the "unknown" of the S-A-T or A-C-T exam if you have "the will to prepare" for the exam, you will beat the test. To achieve this goal you must do the following:

1. Go online and make yourself familiar with both the http://www.collegeboard.com/ site and the http://www.act.org/. Both of them contain great tips and even FREE practice questions that can help yoiiu prepare for the exam. Use these sites to familiarize yourself with the exam and you will find your nervousness disappearing.
2. When your school offer classes in S-A-T or A-C-T prep SIGN up and show up for the sessions.
3. Start studying a S-A-T or A-C-T vocabulary list NOW! The same vocabulary words have a tendency to reappear on the exams every year.
4. Practice makes perfect. You hear that phrase from coaches over and over. Beating the S-A-T or A-C-T can be achieved with the same effort.
5. Ask for assistance! Don't be shy about asking for help. It's your future that's at stake! If not you, then who? If not now, then when?

You can find great information on ALL of the internet web sites listed below. Add them to your "Favorites" list and you'll have easy access to important information at your fingertips.

Many successful student-athletes have made these sites part of their educational foundation. We urge you to utilize these sites to increase your awareness and enhance your ability to do well in both the classroom and on the basketball court.

Web Sites:

http://www.collegeboard.com/ - FREE information and tips on preparing for the S-A-T exam. Contains previews on the NEW S-A-T (March 2005) and practice questions.

http://www.act.org/ - Free site on preparing for the exam. Also contains GREAT information on "Career" opportunities for college graduates.

http://www.hoophall.com/ - Love the game and know the history of the game.

http://www.kids.ncaasports.com/ - Must SEE information for ALL! Contains coaching tips, academic information and fun games.

www.HoopHal.com/exhibits/freedontopayopener.htm - Important information about African Americans participation in basketball and its' historical significance.

http://www.tipsforsuccess.org/ - Great Information for students, coaches, and parents.

http://www.hoopu.com/ - Check out the section on "How to Stay Out of Summer School".

http://www.ncaa.org/- Never to early for students, parents and coaches to understand the requirements/responsibilities needed to be successful in college.

Remember, after you review the information on these helpful sites and begin to use it to help yourself, it becomes YOUR knowledge!