The Princeton Review: Inside the SAT & ACT 2003 Deluxe

by The Learning Company

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006AAJ3
• Item model number: 381498
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 18, 2002
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #13,819 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

This software decodes the mysteries of the SAT and ACT exams, offering insider tips and a range of learning strategies that will ensure student success. With customized study planning, diagnostic tools, and sample exams for students' use, Inside the SAT & ACT 2003 Deluxe from the Princeton Review guarantees higher scores on either test.

The package serves both as an exam-taking coach and a tutor--two separate but equally necessary tasks. A general strategies section outlines the principles behind the construction of the exam, aspects of the SAT that have nothing to do with core learning. The strategies show students how to eliminate obviously wrong answers on the multiple choice test, explaining the exam designers' philosophy so that those facing the SAT know how best to allocate their time and intellectual resources.

Once the tricks of the trade are well understood, though, the program guides a user through all of the material one might expect to see on the exam, reviewing the math and verbal skills needed to bring home a winning grade. The tutorials are detailed and well organized, offering an excellent supplement to high school instruction.

Inside the SAT & ACT also offers a section on college admissions, allowing users to search over 1,600 colleges based on criteria including the price of tuition, the gender or ethic make-up of an institution's student body, or basic admission requirements. This allows students to target preferred schools and determine what kind of SAT scores will be needed to ensure their admission.

Not surprisingly, Inside the SAT & ACT leans heavily toward delivering content, placing little emphasis on extras like a sleek interface or stylish graphics. This no-nonsense format gets the job done, even if some users may find themselves hating the sounds that accompany the educational drills--a harsh clang denotes a right answer for many exercises--by the end of their 12-week program of study. The occasionally irritating aspects of the package, though, are a small price to pay for the additional exam preparation this software provides. Parents and college-bound students alike are sure to be pleased with the results that this package can deliver. --Alyx Dellamonica

Amazon.com Product Description

Inside the SAT & ACT 2003 Deluxe from the Princeton Review puts the test experts on your side. Filled with practical tips, detailed lessons, customized study plans, and even an inside look into the test-makers' minds, the software teaches proven test-taking strategies that produce the scores needed to get into the schools of your choice. Take full-length practice tests, review diagnostic scoring analyses, and track your progress. The Princeton Review method guarantees higher scores.

A prestigious Parents' Choice award winner, Inside the SAT & ACT 2003 Deluxe also offers 150 entertaining video lessons, real Princeton Review instructors, and tips for both the Preliminary SAT (PSAT) and the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT). And when you're ready to take a break from test prep, search the college database for updated information on scholarships, loans, and the perfect college for you. Getting into the college of your choice has never been easier.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great software, May 31, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Princeton Review: Inside the SAT & ACT 2003 Deluxe (CD-ROM)

I think that this is a great software. I found the information very useful for both the SAT and ACT. The SAT tips are very useful. However, I didn't agreed with several tips on the ACT prep software.

I was not comfortable taking the practice tests on the computer. On reading passages, it is timed but you need to scroll down. This takes some times. Also, the practice tests are somewhat too easy.

I would recommend you use the book "Getting into the ACT" and/or "Ten real SATs" in addition to this. In these two books, retired tests are used.

The software itself is great for learning the content and strategies for the tests, but the practice tests are not as good as the books I mentioned.

44 of 69 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good information...lousy delivery!, October 11, 2002

By 

Phyllis K. Boyajian (Pasadena, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Princeton Review: Inside the SAT & ACT 2003 Deluxe (CD-ROM)

The information in this product could really help a bunch of kids...unfortunately my 14 year old tuned out as soon as the presenters started talking like a motivational speaker. You know the type...always smiling, really upbeat, almost mesmerized, "Mary Kay salesperson" form of speaking?

Additionally, the typical, lazy, loser guy who always takes the easy route is a scathing stereotype and in my opinion leaves everything to be desired.

If you want the kids to listen, find the happy medium between the plastic smile and the monotone drone. Run your program on some real kids and see which styles they respond to best. Also take a look at your target audience and what their habits and likes are. You may find stereotyping the loser "skater dude", as your sample idiot may not hold your viewers attention very well.