<p>Hi, I was thinking of taking an ACT prep course in my area instead of the more expensive SAT. I have mild ADD and the longer SAT is very tiring for me. My grades/GPA are good, but I did so-so on my SAT and will re-take. I think with prepping, can do much better on the ACT. I am applying to some SAT optional colleges and hope to use a decent ACT score at others. Has anyone used Kaplan ACT class's? The biggest stickler for some, the time and science areas are addressed with ideas and "tricks" for getting through most of the test. I'm just mulling it over, my parents don't have a lot of money, but if it would help me to be in a class than on the internet, they would do it.</p>
<p>Funny I should come across this thread now. We just installed the Barron's ACT/CD Rom which comes with the Barrons ACT Prep Book- Cost of Barron's Book and CD Rom is about $30. Now, my d is a camp counselor so she won't be using it until end of August when she gets home- so I can't give you any info regarding the specifics of the CD-Rom. D sounds similar to you- good grades but in her case really lousy SAT's. She did do better on the ACT with not much prep. So she is going to prepare more and take it again in October. She absolutely hated the SAT-TOO LONG-too "mind-numbing." She also took the Kaplan SAT class. That might not have been the best thing for a kid like mine. She became so familiar with the test, that instead of being better prepared, her "hatred" for this test grew. She was fine with the ACT. It didn't seem to bother her and she is fine with taking it again. But I am treading lightly as to the best way to prepare for it as sometimes too much prep. works against you. (at least that is what my d's situation is). I would suggest- Try a CD-Rom from one of the Prep books. Give it two weeks- see if it is helpful (also let me know). If it doesn't seem to be doing the trick maybe try a tutoring program. I was going to order the CD rom from the ACT organization for $25- BUT it is not compatable with Windows XP. If you have another operating system, you may want to get the "official" ACT CD-Rom. Good luck with the test.</p>
<p>Thanks, I'll look into that. (We have XP too.) We can compare notes later....good luck to your daughter.</p>
<p>I have the CliffsTestPrep ACT book. Has anyone used this and how good is it? Thanks</p>