Kindergarten Test Study System publishes a series of 7 red folders containing test prep materials that get children ready to take the OLSAT test for admissions to gifted and talented or GATE programs. Their materials offer 177 practice questions, covering all sections of the OLSAT. It sells for $60 + shipping.

Here is what I like about their product:

*It is comprehensive. Each red folder covers a different subtest from the OLSAT, plus there is one practice test that mixes the questions up. The practice questions range from easy to hard (just like the test itself).

• The red folders are a mixed blessing. If you aren't terribly organized, you risk getting material from one folder mixed into a different folder (that's what happened to me). On the plus side, you can buy this study system with another family and split up the folders for a few weeks and then trade off, making this a very affordable investment.

• The price - $60 plus shipping. This seems reasonable compared with other test prep products on the market. If you decide to buy this, you might want to share it with a friend or two. As I mentioned above, it would be easy to split up the folders and trade off.

• Each question comes with a script that the parent can follow when asking the question, along with a helpful way to explain the right answer if your child gets it wrong.

• The questions accurately reflect the types of questions that are on the actual test so practicing with them should be an effective way to prepare your child.

Here is what I don't like about the product:

• The 7 red folders - personally, I got the materials in the folders all mixed up, but maybe you are more organized than I am.

• The questions use black and white clip art that is boring and unattractive. It gets the job done, but is fairly dull. On the other hand, the real test uses boring black and white art, so this is good practice.

• I practiced questions from this book with 5-year-old volunteers. Neither child was terribly excited about doing these questions. The artwork is black and white - rather dull, and the questions aren't easy. They did participate, although they wanted to move on to something more fun pretty quickly.

Bottom Line: This is an accurate, reasonably priced, comprehensive study system. If you buy it, don't overdo it. The boring artwork and difficulty of many of this questions makes it hard for young kids to focus on it for too long. 15 minutes a day is all you need. You don't want your child to be sick of these types of questions by the time he's tested. If you are deciding between this product and those offered by Bright Kids NYC, Arrington Publishing, or Critical Thinking Company, I'd recommend this one or Bright Kids NYC. Bright Kids NYC is more expensive at $89. If you prefer a workbook to 7 folders, Bright Kids NYC is packaged in a workbook. In my opinion, either of these products would be more effective for OLSAT test prep than Arrington Publishing's practice test booklets or the Critical Thinking Company's OLSAT Test Bundle.

Kindergarten Testing Study System can be purchased at http://kindergarten-test.com/

To see reviews of other kindergarten test prep materials available to get children ready for private school admissions testing, GATE and gifted and talented program qualification, and public school ability group placement, visit www.kindergartentestingwithouttears.com.