Kaplan PSAT/NMSQT 2010 Premier Live Online [Paperback]

Kaplan (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 486 pages
• Publisher: Kaplan Publishing; Pap/Psc edition (June 2, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1419553003
• ISBN-13: 978-1419553004
• Product Dimensions: 10.6 x 8.4 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 2.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #601,358 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars "Premier" Flop, February 27, 2010

By	Seri - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kaplan PSAT/NMSQT 2010 Premier Live Online (Paperback)

My father bought this study guide for me to prepare for the 2010 PSAT/NMSQT. I worked through it diligently and completed all of the practice tests. When I calculated my scores based on the book's scoring system, it appeared that I would get a good enough score to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition!

However, when I took the "official" PSAT practice test that is provided for all students registered for taking the PSAT, I noticed that the Kaplan practice tests were not at all similar! In fact, my score on the official practice test was much lower than the scores I had usually received on the Kaplan tests. Comparing the practice tests side by side, I noticed that Kaplan's math questions are significantly easier than the actual College Board questions (Math is my weakest subject, so I know when math questions are too easy to be realistic SAT-esque questions!), which doesn't help when you're trying to boost your math score.

The strategies for approaching the reading comprehension and writing sections in the book are basic as well; they encompass Process of Elimination, positive & negative connotations for word blanks, etc. For students who are really striving for a high score, I recommend Barron's "2400" and plenty of practice with CollegeBoard SAT practice tests (prepping for the SAT will help for the PSAT). In addition, Princeton Review's 11 Practice Tests for the New SAT (and PSAT) is an excellent resource; their practice tests are formatted more closer to the real SAT and offer explanations for each answer.

However, if you are a student who is struggling academically or who has never really learned basic math concepts, etc. this book may help. This book makes basic information easy to understand and offers organized appendixes with fundamental math concepts, vocabulary words, and important prefixes/suffixes. For an academically talented student who should know all the basics, this book will do nothing but waste your time.

I have been continually disappointed with Kaplan (I've also studied from their book "SAT Strategies for Super Busy Students"), and I will not be using their products in the future.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars No online link, September 14, 2009

By	Prep School Mom "PSM" (Indianapolis) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Kaplan PSAT/NMSQT 2010 Premier Live Online (Paperback)

We are experiencing similar difficulties with regard to the online component that was to accompany this book. Without the online link, this was a wasted purchase.

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful PSAT prep aid, February 16, 2010

By	S. Edwards "traveller512" (Austin, TX, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kaplan PSAT/NMSQT 2010 Premier Live Online (Paperback)

Purchased this item for my son before he took the PSAT in October 2009. We expected him to do well, and he did, but a little preparation never hurts. He thought the book was generally helpful. The most outstanding feature for him were the "Tip Boxes" placed at frequent intervals throughout the volume.