Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to ACT/SAT Prep Software.

Preparation Methods

ACT

Pronounced "A-C-T", formerly known as the American College Testing Program or American College Test, is a college-entrance exam that emerged in 1959 as a competitor to the College Board's Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Compared to the SAT, the ACT is oriented more toward factual knowledge, rather than vocabulary and analogies.

SAT

The SAT's (pronounced "S-A-T's") are standardized tests, formerly called the Scholastic Aptitude Tests or the Scholastic Assessment Tests, frequently used by colleges and universities in the United States to aid in the selection of applying freshmen.

PSAT

Preliminary Scholastic Achievement Test, most students take this test in the fall of their junior year of high school. However, many students take it "for practice" at some point during their sophomore year. The PSAT is in the same format as the SAT, only a shorter exam. Scores on this exam are important because they determine eligibility for a National Merit Scholarship.

Features

Strength and Weakness Test

A test to determine strengths and weaknesses in different areas of the ACT, SAT or PSAT, the results of these tests help students know what areas they need to concentrate their study efforts.

Personal Study Plan Ability

A guide to help the student develop a study schedule.

Practice Exams and Quizzes

Exams, tests and quizzes that help the student to prepare for the actual tests.

Full-Length Practice Exam

A full-length test, comparable to an actual exam that prepares students for the real test.

Answer Explanations

A full explanation as to why a question is graded correct or incorrect, these help the student understand why they got a particular mark on an answer.

Scoring and Timing Capabilities

This feature times and scores the practice tests in the same manner as the actual exam to help the student prepare for a real testing situation.

Flashcards

Flashcard features offer information in key areas of study.

Score Analysis

Reveals the score, in addition to how a test is scored and other statistics pertaining to the scoring process.

Test-Taking Strategies and Hints

Hints and tips offered by the software, in regards to the actual test, to help prepare the student.

Registration and Tuition Guides

Guides that offer information on college registration and tuition.

Learning Games/Activities

Interactive games and activities designed to assist in the learning process.

Verbal Help and Learning

Verbal assistance and audible pronunciations that teach the student through sound.

Extra Math Test

An additional math test to help increase math skills.

Extra Writing Test

An additional writing test to increase written abilities.

Extra Verbal Test

An additional verbal test designed to increase vocabulary knowledge.

Performance Feedback

Useful statistics, such as best and worst areas, as well as performance results.

Vocabulary List

A list of recommended vocabulary words to study.

Areas of Review

English

A feature that corrects spoken, written and English language skills.

Math

Activities or features that aid students in reviewing their math skills.

Science

A feature designed to enhance science skills.

Reading

A feature offered to increase reading and comprehension ability.

Writing

Exercises offered to increase writing skills.

Verbal

A feature designed to increase skills in the spoken language.

Vocabulary

Reviews to increase knowledge of words used in the tests.

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