The nationwide debate continues surrounding the efficacy and potential civil rights violations of college-admissions tests, like the SAT, as discussed in a recent UCR News story and a series of articles in the LA Times.

One prominent argument against standardized testing is the socio-economic barrier created by the high cost of test preparation resources and tutors, which disadvantaged students and underrepresented minorities often cannot afford.

At the start of each new year, we are reminded that many graduate programs also require admissions tests -- ranging from the MCAT, the GRE, and the LSAT, among others -- which perpetuate these obstacles for students who hope to pursue advanced degrees.

To address this critical social justice issue for our community, the UCR Library offers free resources that support student success both in their coursework at UC Riverside and toward their future aspirations.

One such resource is PrepSTEP, a highly-acclaimed eLearning platform with interactive tutorials, practice tests, and more.

Free to use for currently-registered UCR students, PrepSTEP includes a full suite of dynamic eLearning resources, including:

• Practice tests for graduate admissions exams (including the GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MAT, MCAT and PCAT)
• Tutorials in core math, science and English skills
• College success skills
• Career preparation
• Basic computer skills
• Placement test preparation
• eBooks
• Resources for Spanish speakers

To find PrepSTEP on the library’s website, visit: Library.ucr.edu > databases > search for “PrepSTEP” -- or use this short-link (which works best on campus or when logged in through VPN): bit.ly/ucr-testprep

The library’s one-year trial will conclude on June 30, 2020. Extension of the PrepSTEP license will depend on how frequently library users access this resource. Try it today and let your library staff know whether you found it helpful!

Collection Strategist for Arts and Humanities Carla Arbagey is available by email or phone for assistance with PrepSTEP.