Kaplan SAT/ACT/PSAT Deluxe 2002

by Encore

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005BHPM
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 28, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #19,955 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

If you or your offspring is planning to take the SAT, PSAT, or ACT, you're most likely going to need some sort of test prep program. There are many choices on the market and many different mediums in which to study: books, classroom sessions, Web-based programs, software, and more. It seems natural that your choice will depend on how you or your son or daughter prefers to learn, but if you are looking at software programs, Kaplan SAT, ACT & PSAT Deluxe 2002 is a solid choice.

Kaplan has been in the test prep business for years and is one of the leaders in the field. Kaplan's software has expanded over the years from being simply a test prep and learning program and has evolved into a comprehensive college preparation kit. Kaplan SAT, ACT & PSAT Deluxe 2002 is a five-CD set that includes: complete SAT, PSAT, and ACT personalized preparation (programs that guarantee a higher score on the SAT, PSAT, or ACT); the Newsweek guide to more than 1,600 colleges (information on schools and their specialties regarding academics, athletics, admissions criteria, and more); the Succeed in School study skills program (help with general learning and studying skills such as note taking, communication skills, attitude, reading comprehension, and more); and a comprehensive financial aid and scholarship finder (help with understanding financial aid and scholarship opportunities and distinctions). Thus, not only can this program assist you in improving your score on the test, but it guides you through the entire process of studying for the test, choosing a school, paying for it, and succeeding when you get there.

It's clear that Kaplan has attempted to add some fun to the test preparation process. After all, how much fun is it for anyone to review algebra, geometry, vocabulary, and reading comprehension? However, the one drawback to this approach is that it's difficult to discern where the line between fun and childish lies. The animation and music do lighten up an otherwise dull topic, but there are quite a few introductions and sequences from which you cannot opt out. For the student who just wants to get on with the lessons, this can be frustrating.

Overall, Kaplan SAT, ACT & PSAT Deluxe 2002 is a top choice in the market of test prep software. It covers all the bases and more. Furthermore, Kaplan guarantees that by using this program you will improve your score. If it doesn't work for you, the company offers a complete refund. --Kendra Hayden

Amazon.com Product Description

This five-CD-ROM set is a complete guide to test preparation for the SAT, ACT, and PSAT, and also provides information on choosing a college, applying for scholarships, paying for school, and improving study skills. It includes more than 2,700 test questions, 13 SAT simulated tests, four ACT simulated tests, two complete PSAT writing section tests, over 700 quick-study flash cards, hundreds of test-taking strategies, and analyses of timing, answer changing, and your confidence level. There is an enhanced vocabulary builder that covers typical SAT, PSAT, and ACT words, and a progress meter, which indicates percent completion of the study plan.

There are score comparisons of admitted freshman at over 1,000 colleges, Internet links to over 1,000 college Web sites, and a searchable database of 3,500 scholarships with printable contact and application information. You will also get the Newsweek Guide to Colleges, a database of over 1,600 colleges and universities, with a search capability that matches students' needs and interests with recommended schools. The Paying for School disc provides comprehensive information on financial aid and scholarships. Succeed in School is a CD-ROM designed to improve students' overall study skills, including reading speed and retention.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter likes it, so do I, December 7, 2001

By 

Peter Zonneveld (Helena, MT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kaplan SAT/ACT/PSAT Deluxe 2002 (CD-ROM)

My daughter took the SATs about a month ago, and she was panicked, so I bought this software for her. It seemed like a bargain at the time, given the cost of private tutoring and classes. I had read the information here and other places (like c|net, etc.) and liked what I saw. The reviews here were not very good, but I trusted some of the others more.

The results began almost immediately. My daughter would use this about 3 times a week, and you could see that she was becoming less and less stressed about the test. The proof will of course be when she gets her scores back, but she felt confident, and that was the biggest hurdle to help her over.

As for why I liked it, the paying for school and newsweek guide to colleges helped me sort through my responsibilities as a parent, what the financial aid picture will look like for us, and what the campuses she is considering are like - without having to drive to each one.

If your youngster is struggling with standardized tests, and you're not sure what to do, buy this software. You'll be glad you did, and the panic attacks are fewer.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This program has me TOTALLY prepared for Saturday!, October 29, 2001

By 

"straightastudent" (NY, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kaplan SAT/ACT/PSAT Deluxe 2002 (CD-ROM)

wow. I can't believe the other reviews of this piece of software. I bought it in September, when I got back to school. My teacher had recommended this one. I found it was really good at helping me calm down, learn to take my time, understand the question behind the questions. The methods for working the math programs, the ways to read those long, dense passages -have all helped me feel totally confident that I'll do well on the SAT. I've been looking at the ACT disk, too. I'm actually thinking that after seeing it, I may take that test too.

My parents loved the Paying for school calculator, it helped them understand how much it's going to cost, and how the heck to pay for it all. And I know better now why so many people have implored me to save money from summer jobs! :)

Some of the jokes were definitely corny, but overall, outstanding practice, great material, and I feel totally prepared for the big day. Thank you Kaplan!

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Kaplan SAT/ACT/PSAT Deluxe 2002, August 25, 2001

By 

Gail B. Shillingford (Hinesville, GA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kaplan SAT/ACT/PSAT Deluxe 2002 (CD-ROM)

I bought the program three months ago and the company hasn't responded to our emails or telephone inquiries. Very, very poor customer service. The software doesn't work and the company refuses to respond or replace the item. Due to software glitches, we cannot use the program. Definitely a waste of money and no assistance to my daughter.