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College-bound students can never start preparing too early to get into the college they want and get some financial aid while they're at it. News10 has put together a list of the college admissions tests most colleges and universities require as well as some basic information about scholarships, grants and financial aid. If you know of additional resources, please send them to us by clicking College Prep Help here.

The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) gives students firsthand practice for the SAT.

PSAT measures critical-reading, math problem-solving and writing skills.

It costs $13. The College Board has fee waivers for 11th grade students from low-income families.

PSAT is also used to screen students for National Merit Scholarhips.

Learn when your school is giving the test at College Board.

The SAT is used to assess a student's readiness for college in part by measuring their verbal and mathematical reasoning abilities.

The test is a 3 hour, 35 minute exam divided into three sections: math, critical reading and writing.

SAT can be taken as early as 9th grade, offers practice questions and a test to hone test-taking skills.

The test costs $41: basic registration is $17 and subject test fees are $8. The fee includes test results sent to the student and four colleges.

Some schools and community colleges offer free SAT tutoring. A practice test is available at The Princeton Review.

The ACT (American College Testing) is another college admissions exam virtually all colleges accept.

ACT tests reading, English and math. Beginning as early as 6th grade, students can start taking the test.

The 215 multiple-choice test lasts 3 hours, 30 minutes.

The non-refundable fee for ACT is $30.50. The fee includes test results sent to the student and four colleges.

ACT is administered in October, December, February, April and June.

Some colleges require the ACT plus Writing which costs $44.50.

Based on need, there are fee waivers available. To apply, check with your school guidance office.

For scholarships, grants and other financial aid, check prospective colleges, non-profit and fraternal groups, foundations, fraternities, sororities.

Go online and look in specific areas such as engineering or under ethnic groups for financial help.

Don't forget the public library and your school's guidance office as resources.

An essay, scholastic records and SAT/ACT results are typically part of the application process.

Some to check: National Merit Scholarship, National Achievement Scholarship Program for African American Students, National Hispanic Recognition Program-(800 626-9795).