Book Review: SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student

SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student by James P. Stobaugh
ISBN: 978-0890516249
Publisher: Master Books
Retail: $29.99
SAT…. scary word! Well, acronym but scary nonetheless! I did not take the SAT when I was in high school. I did take the PSAT my 10th grade year and it went just fine (I had no idea what it even was!) but for some reason “SAT” was something that I never wanted to do. I also was not anticipating going to college when I was in high school so the SATs really didn’t matter to me.
I have kids now and they do plan to go to college. My oldest is just now in 9th grade but she has already been looking into colleges. To me that means SATs are going to be taken! I was sent this book, SAT & College Preparation Courses for the Christian Student from New Leaf Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
The book aspires to:

• Help build disciplined study skills
• Develop an extensive vocabulary
• Encourage in the development of writing skills
• Provide practice for essay writing
• Enhance critical thinking skills for both verbal and math problems through advanced reading selections
• Answer general questions pertaining to the PSAT, SAT, and NMSQT tests

And it includes a free downloadable workbook at the publisher’s website. Also in the book are test-taking suggestions, tips for academic success, and over 50 sample essays to help sharpen essay writing skills.
The first 250 or so pages are the lessons. This is followed by the answers and solutions to the lessons. The next 35 pages are the Appendices (Vocabulary Helps, Book List, Reading Journal, Devotional Journal, Target Scriptures, Test-taking Strategies, Critical Thinking Skills). At the end of the book is a sample high school transcript.
I was very surprised when I received the book. I know it says “for Christian students” but it didn’t click with me that there would be so many scriptures throughout the book. Every single lesson has a verse and devotion. This is set up to be done either in 3 years, 2 years, or if preferred, 1 year. It is suggested that the senior year be devoted to college admissions.
I really like the reading suggestions in the back of the book. They are separated by grade (freshman/sophomore, junior and senior) but many of the books listed *I’ve* never read. Some my kids have both already read.
Because my dd was so stressed entering 9th grade (am not sure why) I have decided that this book, although it looks quite beneficial, would be best used with her during 10th grade. I believe this will be a book that will be a great benefit to both of my children as they prepare for not only the SATs for college but also for critical thinking that will help them in every day life.


I received this book from New Leaf Publishing free of charge in exchange for an honest review.