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
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

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