Review: SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student

SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student
by James P. Stobaugh

About the Author:

James P. Stobaugh was a Merrill Fellow at Harvard and holds degrees from Vanderbilt and Rutgers universities, and Princeton and Gordon-Conwell seminaries. An experienced teacher, he is a recognized leader in homeschooling and college/SAT preparation. He has published several books for students and teachers. He and his wife, Karen, have homeschooled their four children since 1985.

Book Description:

Getting ready for college includes performing well on the SAT. The SAT score helps determine acceptance into college and the acquisition of scholarships. In the new expanded edition of the SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian Student, Dr. James Stobaugh offers the Christian student a unique opportunity to be well prepared for the test. Also, students will focus on the spiritual disciplines of Bible reading, study, Scripture meditation and memorization, and prayer. A former SAT scorer, Stobaugh reports, “the best SAT scores come from students who have serious, disciplined prayer and devotional lives.” For this reason, the introduction to each lesson includes Scripture reading and a devotional journaling exercise.

Critical thinking and essay writing are major themes within the SAT. Stobaugh coaches the Christian student who might otherwise passionately respond to a leading essay question without hitting the marks that the test is measuring.

My Thoughts:

Because college entrance exams are set up differently than typical tests students will take during their high school careers, it’s important for students to understand how to achieve the best results while taking these tests.  SAT & College Preparation Course for the Christian student approaches the exam a bit differently than many other SAT prep books/classes.  While it is helping the student mentally and academically prepare for the SAT exam, it is also helping prepare them spiritually.

The course can be done over a 1 to 3 year period.  (Recommended courses of study are given in the book.)  Students will complete a lesson every week and do a little work each day.  The lessons include:

• Scripture passage with devotional – students will keep a devotional journal
• Reading – students will read, make vocabulary cards, and create a reading journal
• Critical Thinking – students will solve equations and complete critical thinking essay assignments
• Tips – students will receive helpful tips throughout the studies to enhance their learning experience

A free downloadable essay workbook is available.  The book itself has an answer key for self-correcting (or correcting by parent).  It also includes over 50 sample SAT essays to be critiqued by the student.  A suggested reading list is provided for each year.

I am impressed with this SAT & college prep course.  Munchkin will be working her way through the book at a nice, easy pace.  Even if she doesn’t end up taking the SAT exam, she will have learned key study and critical thinking skills which are important skills to possess at any level of student and adult life.

This is not a traditional SAT prep course, so for those looking for a rigorous program, this course will probably not fit your situation.  If you’re looking for a low-key course that focuses less on the specific SAT test and more on test taking skills and preparation, this may be the course for you.

I received a copy of this book from Master Books/New Leaf Publishing to help facilitate the writing of a frank and honest review. A positive review is not guaranteed, and all opinions are my own.