Score Builder for the SAT, PSAT & ACT

As my oldest son reaches the point of preparing for the SAT, the subject of test preparation programs has come up often in our house. While Joe enjoyed the Inside the SAT program, it did not spark any innate interest, or great desire to study. Everything has changed with the new Score Builder program.

Every day, I must fight for the computer, as Joe studies intently for the SAT and ACT. This program caught his attention due to it's similarity to Score Builder Algebra. If your teens enjoyed that program, they are sure to enjoy this new SAT prep

program. The format, upbeat teen-oriented study hall, and robotic tutor are exactly the same. You will find the Pro One label on this program (a label I have often berated) but don't let that fool you. This is a Learning Company program through and through.

It is important that you encourage your teens to take the evaluation test first. It was a bit hard and dull for Joe (because so much was unfamiliar to him yet) but it has helped immensely. Once the program knows where you are academically, it lays out a course of study for you. You tell the program how many weeks you have to prepare. There is even a 'cram' mode.... but I wouldn't recommend this technique! If you get behind, you must reset your course a bit. We wished there was a 'go at your own speed' option, but I suppose that would encourage procrastination.

Each day, your child signs in, and picks up the lesson for the day. The first few lessons involve the ins and outs of taking the SAT. If your child becomes bored with this portion, let him know he will soon be 'into the real stuff.' A few arcade type games are thrown in for good measure, but they are all academically oriented. Although fun, this is a very serious program.

Tutors walk your child through every portion of the SAT and ACT. If they are unfamiliar with a certain concept, they will be taught the basics. If they are totally lost, this program may not teach them everything they need to know. It is not a complete substitute for learning.

Every once in awhile, your child will be asked to take a practice test. These are real tests, and are not easy! Joe is half way through his first one, but feels the program has already helped him prepare. These tests are in Acrobat files on the CD.

The program does not tell you this, so don't feel silly when you can't find the tests you are supposed to access.

While both Inside the SAT and Score Builder are good programs, this one has more teen appeal. Boys in particular may find Inside the SAT a bit too sedate with it's pastel drawings. This one has worked in our house. I can recommend this program highly to any teen who is motivated to begin preparing for his college entrance exams.

Grading for Score Builder

Educational Value: 4 1/2

Entertainment Value: 3 1/2

Replay Value: 4

Ages: 13+

Buy Compton's Learning: Score Builder for the SAT/ACT at Amazon