Subpar performances on standardized tests have dashed more than a few hopes and dreams of minority athletes who wanted to go to college. But now, some much needed help is available and student-athletes stand to benefit immensely.

The National Alliance of African-American Athletes (NAAAA) and the Princeton Review Foundation have forced a partnership to help high school athletes get the right kind of preparation to pass the college board exams known as the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT). In early November, the two organizations staged a series of one-day seminars in twenty-six cities around the country for that purpose.

The free seminars, known as SAT Pre-Game, were designed to help athletes sharpen their test-taking skills. An estimated 3, 000 youngsters attended, according to seminar organizers who noted that the sessions were the first to be offered on such a widescale basis.

SAT coaching courses, for the most part, are available only to those who can afford them. The courses, which are taught in sixty cities across the country, have a hefty price tag -- ranging from $600 to $700 per child. But with SAT Pre-Game in place, athletes from lower income families now have the opportunity to get properly prepared for the SAT.

At SAT Pre-Game seminars, students start the day by taking a sample SAT, which lasts anywhere from two-and-a-half to three hours. Following the test, college basketball coaches gave motivational talks about the importance of being ready to handle college academics. After those talks and a pizza lunch, the Princeton Review provided a computer analysis of each student's test, outlining individual strengths and weaknesses. The Review also gave specific tips on how students can upgrade their test-taking skills.

Additionally, the athletes got the latest information on Proposition 48 (NCAA's academic standards for student-athletes), along with a guide to Proposition 48 requirements and "Cracking The SAT," a book published by the Princeton Review.