Core Mind Builder Pro, by Core Learning

I got a chance to play with Core Mind Builder Pro for Windows XP/Vista, and I wasn't really sure what to expect when I started with it. I got it for review purposes - but I've always enjoyed puzzles. Scores never meant much for me on these sorts of things, but the feeling when one sees the solution just appear is... addictive. The trick is usually knowing how to look at the problem.

As soon as I got some free time, I played with it the first time - establishing a baseline for myself. I'd share my scores with you, but if they are higher than average it would mean some would think I cheated and if they were lower than average, some would think I was a moron. I'm happy not to tell you and give you no reason to believe either way. What I will say is that it does take time to go through the test - there are a few curve balls in there. The clock ticks, it ticks, it ticks... after a while you can tune it out, though I think the added sense of pressure might add something to the experience.

The score was actually a little lower than I had expected. I was sure that I had nailed quite a few, but in going through the review I found some mistakes that I had made in haste - and a few that I had quite simply looked at the wrong way. Tick tock. Some people might be turned off by that, but it is sort of like working the weaker muscles in your body to strengthen them. That is the overall goal of Core Mind Builder Pro, after all - if you wanted a quick fix for strengthening your mind, there are none to be found. It requires some effort.

Over the next few days, as I had time, I did some of the building exercises. It was actually refreshing to work on problems that were so much more finite than I have grown used to, so in an odd way it was relaxing. And I learned a few things along the way.

Honestly, I never thought a piece of software like this would be useful, much less entertaining. When I took the test again a week later, my score had improved significantly. I can say now that while the software isn't for everyone, Core Mind Builder Pro does suit certain people very well: People who like to keep their brains active, people who might want to practice the stress of taking an exam with limited time, and people who love puzzling through problems. As they say on the site:

...Use these brain teasers for a pure mental challenge, or more seriously, get prepared for formal entrance tests such as the SAT, LSAT and MCAT."...

For the niche market that Core Learning provides for, their Core Mind Builder Pro is a KnowProSE 9 out of 10. The interface is self explanatory, the problems are challenging and the solutions are clearly explained. I expect I'll have fun playing with this for at least a year - because even if you ace a test once, it doesn't mean you'll have the same problems next time.