What's the best SAT prep book?

What's the best SAT prep book?

• Hi everyone! So I'm going into my junior year next year which means taking the SAT. I know it's a little early to start thinking about it, but I'm a strong student and I want my SAT score to set me apart. Taking a class is too expensive so buying a SAT prep book seems like the best thing for me. But there are so many out there! So basically, what prep books do you suggest and why? Thanks! :)

• Answer:

  Hi MG, The most important book is The Official SAT Study Guide (aka the Blue Book) from the College Board. This is the only book with real test questions. Personally I am a fan of PowerScore books---I know the author quite well ;). You can preview free chapters here: http://www.powerscore.com/sat/help/content_chapters.cfm. But there are many SAT prep books written by test prep companies. You can buy books that cover all three subject areas (math, reading, and writing), or books that cover each section separately and in more depth. Look for books that explain the content tested (such as right triangles) and then show you how that content may appear on the SAT. Make sure they have a lot of practice questions after each content section so that you can master each topic. You can also find some good free test prep online. Sparknotes has a decent SAT review, although they omit some important concepts and add a few that are not tested on the SAT. They do not delve into the tricks of the test, but they offer a great review of the content that is required. Vocabulary Flashcards: http://www.powerscore.com/sat/help/content_flashcards_vocab.cfm Math and Writing Flashcards: http://www.powerscore.com/sat/help/content_flashcards.cfm Free Blue Book Database: http://www.powerscore.com/sat/help/content_bluebook.cfm Free Content Review: http://www.sparknotes.com/testprep/newsat/ OFFICIAL SAT PRACTICE TEST 2011-12 https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.com/SR/digital_assets/assessment/pdf/F4D31AB0-66B4-CE32-00F7-F5405701F413-F.pdf Scoring Instructions: https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.com/SR/digital_assets/assessment/pdf/F4D31AB0-66B4-CE32-00F7-F5405701F413-F.pdf OFFICIAL SAT PRACTICE TEST 2010-11 https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.com/SR/digital_assets/assessment/pdf/0833A611-0A43-10C2-0148-CC8C0087FB06-F.pdf Scoring Instructions: https://satonlinecourse.collegeboard.com/SR/digital_assets/pdfs/eri/scoring_2010-2011.pdf OFFICIAL SAT PRACTICE TEST 2007-08 http://www.collegeboard.com/prod_downloads/prof/counselors/tests/sat/2007-08_sat_preparation_booklet.pdf (Note: the Official Practice Tests from 2005, 2006, and 2009 are the same as the tests listed above). To save money, visit your local library to see what they have in the way of test prep. They should have the Blue Book as well as some SAT prep books. Good luck! Vicki Wood