~ Review Copy ~

>> Don't be afraid of the ACT. Why? Because we know what's on the exam,
and we know exactly how you should prepare for it.>>
((yay, comforting words))

Our Girl-teen will be the first of our kids to take the ACT. Currently she's a sophomore so next year the 'excitement' officially begins and right now her guidance counselor is suggesting the ACT for her, rather than the SAT.

At one point the SAT was king, but now more universities are turning to the ACT. You would think the two tests would be similar but they're not-- Although it should be noted that the SAT is changing to be more ACT-like. One of the major differences that persists is that you can take the ACT without the writing part. Other differences include the science section that the ACT has, and I've been told, and read online, that the reading selections are more straightforward and less tricky than the SAT.

AS FOR THIS BOOK, this is the first Kaplan ACT book that I've examined. I'm more than familiar with their SAT and GED books, but the only other ACT I've perused is by Grockit. Taking all this into consideration I can say that this book is different. It's approach is more streamlined. The other KAPLAN study guides include DVDs (not all), online access to tests, and a lot of introductory chit-chat. This book has none of those things.

What you get is 8 tests, score pages, and the pages with explanations. Unlike the other Kaplan I've seen there is no pre-test. You just begin with the first test, figure out what you don't know, study up if needed, and then take the second test... and so on.

Surprisingly, I find that I actually like this approach. Or I would for myself. I'd rather just get started than have to take a pretest which will try to divine what it is I don't know. This approach though won't work for everyone. I think it will for my daughter because her dad and I are going to be helicoptering around, ready to do the analysis for her. Others may prefer another approach.

Each test, by the way, is provided in a way that mirrors the real thing. You are told to stop when you finish a section and no go on to the next. This will hopefully make the whole testing situation seem familiar, when the time comes.

SUMMARY
A straight forward streamlined approach. Tests and Answers and Explanations. I can actually see using this book in conjunction with other books or programs. Or for the more competent student, as a means to get into the test taking frame of mind.

~ Review Copy ~