advertisement

red line
SuperKids Software Review - The Parent's and Teacher's Guide to Childrens' Software
free newsletter! spacer tell a friend! spacer contests
spacer
software
  reviews
  bestseller list
  price survey
  what's new
  product support
  search
spacer
educational tools
  ask a scientist
  math worksheets
  vocabulary builders
  hangman
  iPhone/iPad apps
  logic games
  brain food
spacer
educational insights

feature articles
spacer
marketplace
  iPhone/iPad apps
  reading corner
  movie corner
spacer
SuperKids home
  about SuperKids
  advertise!
  humor
  links
  help
spacer
  * * *

Promotions




  * * *

spacer all reviews >>> SAT preparation software

SAT Preparation Software -- The Big Picture

The Scholastic Assessment Test. The SAT's. The College Entrance Board examination. Pretty scary sounding words for most high school students -- and their parents. So what should you do? Today's options range from do nothing ("It's an aptitude test, right?"), to hiring a personal coach for your child. Between these extremes lie paper-based study guides, multimedia software programs, and special classes. To see what the experts have to say about these options, check out our feature article on The SAT: How to Prepare.

SuperKids looked at five software programs that variously claim to raise scores, reduce anxiety, and out-smart the test-writers. Do they work? Although no rigorous studies have been published documenting their value, SuperKids believes each of the titles we tested offers the potential to improve a test-taker's performance. If nothing more, studying for the SAT should increase students' familiarity with the exam, and at least temporarily improve their vocabulary.

Which one of these titles is best for your high school student? Four of them cover the same material (one focuses solely on math); they differ primarily in approach and presentation.

  • Kaplan Emergency Prep for the SAT and ACT [for ages 14 and up] from Knowledge Adventure, is a slimmed down version of the Higher Score Guaranteed title below. Best for the student who has little time, and/or a short attention span.
  • Kaplan Higher Score Guaranteed on the SAT, ACT & PSAT [for ages 14 and up] from Knowledge Adventure, is the most entertaining SAT preparation program. It covers test strategies as well as material review. Best for the student who needs and/or likes entertainment for study motivation.
  • The Princeton Review Inside the SAT, PSAT & ACT 2000 [for ages 14 and up] from The Learning Company, provides an effective SAT training program that places more emphasis on test strategies than mastery of the material. Best for well-prepared students looking for an edge.
  • One-on-One with the SAT [for ages 14 and up] from The College Board (the makers of the actual tests) this is a no-nonsense, practice and drill program. Best choice for users with older, less powerful PCs.
  • SAT Math Engine [for ages 14 and up] from Cubic Science, provides extra training and drills for the Math section of the SAT I and II tests. Ideal for students who need additional practice.

Can't find one that meet your needs? Check out other SAT Preparation programs SuperKids has reviewed.


SuperKids Ratings Ratings Key
Title
Publisher
Education
Value
Kid
Appeal
Ease
of Use
Buyers Guide
(Price Survey)
Kaplan Emergency Prep for the SAT and ACT
    Knowledge Adventure
4.6 4.0 5.0 PC / Mac
Kaplan Higher Score Guaranteed on the SAT, ACT & PSAT
    Knowledge Adventure
4.6 4.0 4.4 PC / Mac
The Princeton Review Inside the SAT, PSAT & ACT 2000
    The Learning Company
5.0 5.0 5.0 Deluxe:
PC / Mac

Standard:
PC / Mac
One-on-One with the SAT
    The College Board
4.6 3.2 4.5 PC / Mac
Math SAT Engine
    Cubic Science
4.5 3.9 4.7 PC / Mac
Reviews of Other SAT Preparation Programs


back to top of page



Go to: About SuperKids Educational Software Review
Questions or comments regarding this site? webmaster@superkids.com
Copyright © 1998-2024 Knowledge Share LLC. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy