PRINCETON REVIEW INSIDE THE ACT/SAT
ages 14 and up
The Learning Company, www.learningco.com; $39.99
Windows and Mac
Cartoon characters with attitude set the somewhat irreverent mood in this full-featured ACT/SAT prep software, but their methods are sound. This comprehensive title features plenty of test-taking strategies, 10 full-length practice tests, step-by-step lessons and hundreds of vocabulary words. Its personalized study system tracks a child's progress in practice tests and drills and adjusts lessons to fit. It lists average test scores for entering students at more than 1,000 colleges, a guide to the admission process and Web access to college applications and scholarships. Call 800-716-8506.

KAPLAN HIGHER SCORE ON THE SAT, PSAT & ACT DELUXE
ages 14 and up
Knowledge Adventure, www.adventure.com; $39.95
Windows and Mac
Kaplan's six-part plan takes into account your child's schedule, strengths, weaknesses and more, to develop a personalized study plan for raising college admission test scores. Features five full-length simulated tests, test-taking strategies, almost 3,000 sample questions and interactive lessons about math and verbal concepts guaranteed to be on the final test. Its approach is more straightforward than Princeton Review's (see above). Call 800-542-4240.