by Tina Velgos | by Tina Velgos |
Kaplan SAT & PSAT 2001 Edition |
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Hefty book/software combination is a worthwhile investment
for high school students prepping for SAT and PSAT!
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| This is the full workout! Lug around this huge book (over 600 pages) and you're sure
to beef up your bod' and exercise your brain! Best of all, you have a great chance at
improving your PSAT and/or SAT scores by studying this book, playing the CD-ROM, and
taking the sample tests. If you'd like to buy just one PSAT/SAT book, this is a good choice! You'll find a total of eight full-length practice tests (three tests in the book and five tests on the CD-ROM); 2,200 vocabulary words; 100 key math concepts; an SAT "Emergency Plan" to maximize your score when you don't have much time to prepare; and tons more! Divided into seven sections, this book helps you get a better grip on what the SAT and PSAT will be like. You can learn SAT basics, including a comprehensive look at the SAT Verbal (vocabulary, analogies, sentence completions, critical reading basics, and skills); SAT Math (calculators, grid-ins, quantitative comparisons, problem-solving tips, Top 10 "Math Traps", and math "guessing"; Anxiety/Stress Management hints (including Kaplan's trademarked The Kaplan Advantage Stress Management System); PSAT basics (emphasizing writing skills and Kaplan's "Three-Step Method"; three practice tests and explanations; and SAT study aids (including very handy sections: SAT Word List, Root List, Word Families List, and Math in a Nutshell. Ideally, you'll want to spend a few months going through the book and software. Otherwise, the content could overwhelm you. It's very tempting to procrastinate and put off studying these test prep guides. Don't fall into that trap! The accompanying software, Kaplan's Higher Score on the SAT and PSAT (version 5.0) is a nice break from the written word. Besides five full-length SAT Practice tests, the hybrid CD-ROM includes tutorials (question-type), performance analysis, a customized study plan, two PSAT Practice Tests and Score Comparison with Top Schools. The book is easy to ready, although I recommend reading and highlighting the book (and writing all over the book), one section at a time. If you don't have the time to study this way, be sure to read through Kaplan's "SAT Emergency Plan" which works with the possible scenario--one or two weeks or less...yikes! A little positive reinforcement goes a long way in prepping for the PSAT and SAT (the goal is to avoid test anxiety!) as the book emphasizes there's no need to panic! Sure, you can still can become familiar with the test and be adequately prepared by reading their interesting sidebars and "hints" throughout the book. But, don't be a procrastinator and wait until the last minute (spoken like a true parent or teacher:-). I will say that the software especially comes in handy when you're in a time crunch. Will studying this book and software combination higher your PSAT or SAT scores? Kaplan seems to take this seriously with their "Higher Score Guarantee" offered on the inside cover of this book. You can get your original purchase price back (excluding sales tax, shipping, and handling) if your scores don't improve (or you aren't satisfied with this book) by sending back the book, with your original sales receipt and a brief explanation of why you didn't find the book helpful. How's that for a guarantee? So, don't worry, get Kaplan! |
