A comprehensive and updated SAT prep book is one of the most beneficial tools you can use to prepare for the SATs.
Selecting one that provides information in an easy-to-understand format can help ensure first-time success and give you the confidence you need on testing day.
While there are hundreds of options on the market, so it's important to have a clear idea of what you would like your prep book to cover and the specific needs you'd like it to fulfill.
Let's take a look at six of the best SAT prep books, so you can choose the one that's right for your needs.
Written by the College Board, the creator of the SATs, the Official SAT Study Guide is second to none. There are over two-hundred pages of tips, eight practice tests, and video answers through the Khan Academy. You can trust you're getting an authentic testing experience which is invaluable when preparing for the actual test.
Pros
Every practice test is authentic and created by the College Board
Ample tips and information
Cons
Fewer test-taking and strategy tips than other resources
Some students may require additional test prep resources
Khan Academy partners with the College Board to provide a digital preparation experience to personalize, interact and provide instant feedback while studying actual SAT exercise that were executed on previous exams.
The SAT Prep Black Book, 2nd Edition, focuses on explaining how the SATs work so the student can use critical thinking to determine correct answers. It includes strategies for decoding the complexities of the SATs, breaking it down, and helping students make sense of the test-taking process.
Pros
Proved a variety of strategies since not all students test the same way
Extremely detailed and explanatory
Gives tips on the best College Board resources
Cons
Can seem repetitive
Doesn't contain practice tests
The Princeton Review provides easy-to-read and straightforward preparation without unnecessary fluff. There are nine essay prompts and ten practice tests with detailed answer explanations for greater comprehension.
Pros
High-quality test questions
Gets to the point without being confusing
Includes scoring aides for all tests and prompts
Cons
Test questions aren't from actual SAT tests
Doesn't include many tips or advice
The Princeton Review: Cracking the SAT, Premium Edition 2023, focuses on decoding the SATs using techniques and strategies to increase performance. It helps improve pace time and gives students the confidence to perform well under pressure.
Pros
Unique approach to SAT prep
Eight comprehensive practice tests
Increases student comfort while test-taking for better results
Cons
Practice tests are harder than actual SAT tests
Less detailed math section than other prep books
The Kaplan SAT Prep is a great overall prep book, but its math preparation is where it excels. It has fifteen chapters for math success, two printed, and three online practice tests. It claims 95% of all users are accepted into their preferred college, which is a bold claim, but the money-back guarantee provides authenticity.
Pros
Lots of strategies and practice material
Includes tips and tricks
Great for those needed extra help with math
Cons
May be too basic for more advanced students
Fewer practice tests than other prep books
The Critical Reader: The Complete Guide to SAT Reading is perfect for those who struggle with the reading section of the test. It includes sample questions and teaches students how to break down the information and improve comprehension.
Pros
Over three hundred comprehensive practice question explanations
Breaks down obscure concepts for easier comprehension
Provides strategies and tips to improve testing results
Cons
Doesn't include practice tests
Excessive information can feel daunting
Conclusion
Preparing for the SAT Math test can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. SAT prep doesn't have to be complicated!
To help you get started, these 6 SAT Pre Books for Students will give you all the information and practice questions you need to succeed on the SAT exam.