Best sat books according to redditors

I think the general consensus is:



Reading | Writing | Math
-------|-------|----
Erica Meltzer Critical Reader | Erica Meltzer Grammar | College Panda Math
| |College Panda Writing | Steve Warner 28 New Lessons - Advanced
| | |College Panda 10 SAT Practice Tests

Your word comprehension and math scores are strugglin', my guy. If you plan to retake the test, here are some tips:

• Your local library has a series of books that allow you to learn SAT words in context by reading Young Adult novels with the vocabulary woven in. Here is a link to the Sparknotes website. One popular title is called Busted.
  
  
• For the math portion, it's very fortunate that all of the math covered in the ASVAB is taught in high school level Algebra 1. Most people take this in Freshman year, so you're probably rusty. Khan Academy has an awesome series of intuitive and easy to understand lectures for free!
  
  If you need any more help, feel free to comment or PM me. I've helped several friends practice for their ASVAB and develop study guides based the areas they need improvement. For reference, I got a 97 on my ASVAB.

For Reading: https://www.amazon.com/Critical-Reader-3rd-Complete-Reading/dp/0997517875

For Writing: https://www.amazon.com/College-Pandas-SAT-Writing-Advanced/dp/098949649X/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=college+panda+sat+writing&qid=1563901164&s=gateway&sprefix=college+panda&sr=8-3 or https://www.amazon.com/4th-Ultimate-Guide-SAT-Grammar/dp/0997517867/ref=pd_aw_fbt_14_img_2/133-6279214-8476330?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0997517867&pd_rd_r=b1b3ba1b-4d03-4aef-8534-fb724df88793&pd_rd_w=tVeGd&pd_rd_wg=AG0DL&pf_rd_p=3ecc74bd-d08f-44bd-96f3-d0c2b89f563a&pf_rd_r=S0E4J8G00TRD6F0ZY1ZK&psc=1&refRID=S0E4J8G00TRD6F0ZY1ZK

For Math: https://www.amazon.com/College-Pandas-SAT-Math-Advanced/dp/0989496422/ref=pd_aw_fbt_14_img_2/133-6279214-8476330?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0989496422&pd_rd_r=6bc275dd-8dee-497b-aa49-17576266463e&pd_rd_w=YjIig&pd_rd_wg=Pc71l&pf_rd_p=3ecc74bd-d08f-44bd-96f3-d0c2b89f563a&pf_rd_r=P3X7H8SAQZT59M5F6FNV&psc=1&refRID=P3X7H8SAQZT59M5F6FNV or https://www.amazon.com/PWN-SAT-Guide-Mike-McClenathan/dp/1523963573/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=pwn+sat+math&qid=1563901232&s=gateway&sprefix=pwn+sa&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

For Essay (if you’re taking it): https://www.amazon.com/College-Pandas-SAT-Essay-Battle-tested/dp/0989496465/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=college+panda+essay&qid=1563901277&s=gateway&sr=8-3

For General Strategy: https://www.amazon.com/SAT-Prep-Black-Book-Strategies/dp/0692916164/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?keywords=sat+black+book&qid=1563901330&s=gateway&sprefix=sat+bla&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

For Practice Tests: https://www.amazon.com/Official-SAT-Study-Guide-2020/dp/1457312190/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=college+board+sat+2020&qid=1563901505&s=gateway&sprefix=college+board+&sr=8-3 (NOTE: These practice tests are available online but I prefer having them on paper, which is why I bought this book.) and https://amp.reddit.com/r/Sat/comments/9544rw/all_qas_tests_and_scoring_in_pdf_form/

Good online resources include Khan Academy, UWorld, and 1600.io. Also, I recommend taking a timed practice test often to follow along with your progress and see what you need to work on. Make sure to do the practice test all at once (don’t break it up into section) and try to do it in the morning like you would in the real SAT. Then, go over your mistakes very carefully (this is VERY IMPORTANT) until you truly understand the mistake so that you won’t make it again in the future. This is the most important step. If you skip this, it’s unlikely that you see any meaningful score improvement. Also, It’s up to you which resources you buy/use based on what sections you need help with. Good luck!

Release date on Amazon: May 7th. https://www.amazon.com/Official-SAT-Study-Guide-2020/dp/1457312190/ref=dp_ob_title_bk

Go and buy the book of 20 on Amazon and take several (only an hour apiece) to determine your best 2. Then take those official tests. You can sit for the December 1 test date. The big ones are the Stem tests, particularly Math 2 and the sciences- physics, bio, chem. You could also do US History, Literature if that is your strength.

https://www.amazon.com/Official-Study-Guide-Subject-Tests/dp/0874479754/

I went from a 31 to a 34 in October. You can do it!

If you don't have a prep book already consider getting this just for the practice tests - it's what I used. I'm not sure on specifically geometry or if you were looking for online resources sorry

All the real CB exams you'll have a very hard time finding online but they are available in CB books.

US History:

There are 4 released exams here https://www.amazon.com/Official-Subject-History-Study-Guide/dp/1457309319/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1539652156&sr=8-1&keywords=9781457309311&dpID=51IAsh0C6OL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

French:

The most recently released exam is in here https://www.amazon.com/Official-Study-Guide-Subject-Tests/dp/0874479754/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1539652341&sr=8-2&keywords=the+official+study+guide+for+all+sat+subject+tests&dpID=516QUs3wKRL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

For simulation exams use Barron's. The PR book is way too easy.

Literature:

Same situation as French. For simulation exams I recommend Kaplan (8 practice tests) and Princeton Review (4 practice tests).

Here you go.

Up Your Score: SAT: The Underground Guide, 2016-2017 Edition (Up Your Score: The Underground Guide to the SAT) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0761186158/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_gIIkzb785G1DT

I empathize and understand! It's why I've tried to keep my resources free or highly affordable.

Even if you don't feel comfortable with the idea of gifting "Acing It'!" to other students once your gifted copy has helped you, you could buy the ebook for $6.99 on Amazon.

If you don't go with College Panda, you might check out the McGraw Hill 50 Math Skills book, which I like for the same reasons I like College Panda (organized by topic; clear presentation of the key formulas; practice problems for each topic). The problem with the McGraw Hill book is that there are a few notable errors. But it's still a good resource overall—just keep thinking critically when you use it so that you don't learn the wrong thing. You can also make your own study guide or formula sheet based on the problems you've answered incorrectly.

There's also going to Barnes and Noble (don't write in the books, obviously) or the library (If you can find a book that hasn't been marked up and, again, don't mark it up yourself) and using those resources with your own notebook— College Panda appears to be independently published, so I don't think you'll find it in either, but there are plenty of other study guides that can help you out.

Here's the McGraw Hill 50 Math Skills Book: https://www.amazon.com/McGraw-Hill-Education-Top-Skills-Score/dp/1259585670/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=McGraw+hill+50+math+skills&qid=1555419254&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Here's the eBook of Acing It! A Mindful Guide to Maximum Results on Your College Admissions Test: https://www.amazon.com/Acing-Mindful-Maximum-Results-Admissions-ebook/dp/B07FNVMGBZ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=acing+it&qid=1555419585&s=gateway&sr=8-1

I'm glad you liked the blog!! Sign up for email updates if you want to be alerted about future ones I publish.

Book is UP YOUR SCORE: SAT (2016-2017)... Don't ask me how I realized that instantly.

I'm using REA's test prep book it's called SAT Latin Subject Test. It's really the ony book out there for Latin. :) https://www.amazon.com/SAT-Subject-Test-College-Admission/dp/0738610763

For the 26 I didn’t study more than a week out for any of them, but for this last one I signed up for a prep class and started studying about a month and a half before the test. Every Saturday I’d take a practice test from the ACT prep book then go over what I’d missed the following Monday and Tuesday and try to figure out what I did wrong and I’d rework all the math problems. I also used the 5 lb. ACT practice book to get extra practice on the types of problems I was struggling with.

I need any of these

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1523381531/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Official-Study-Guide-Subject-Tests/dp/0874479754/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0874479754&pd_rd_r=TV55SY40GF9T9KGMMKKP&pd_rd_w=eHmSr&pd_rd_wg=GQ78g&psc=1&refRID=TV55SY40GF9T9KGMMKKP

https://www.amazon.com/Official-Subject-Chemistry-Study-College/dp/145730919X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1523927942&sr=1-4&keywords=sat+chemistry+subject+test+2018

https://www.amazon.com/Official-Subject-Mathematics-Level-Study/dp/1457309327/ref=pd_sim_14_1?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1457309327&pd_rd_r=Y2NY1QZJK7RGSWQYHDSS&pd_rd_w=zut0F&pd_rd_wg=xvkKB&psc=1&refRID=Y2NY1QZJK7RGSWQYHDSS&dpID=51BcC6Y2-XL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=detail

Do not take the actual SAT just to see how you do. Many colleges request the full testing history and will see your first score.

Instead, do one of these official practice tests from the College Board:

https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat/practice/full-length-practice-tests

My recommendation is to print it out and do it on paper. However, the most cost-efficient option is to purchase the Official SAT Study Guide, which includes the 8 practice tests (it's $19 with ~1000 pages, and you save a lot on printing costs). It can be found here:

https://www.amazon.com/Official-SAT-Study-Guide-2018/dp/1457309289/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524454802&sr=8-1&keywords=official+sat+study+guide+2018+edition

I highly suggest skipping the CollegeBoard's "study guide" (the first ~200 pages or so), as most of it is fluff that won't help you. Instead, take practice test 1 as a diagnostic.

Then, sign up for Khan Academy practice. Khan Academy will help you tremendously considering the position you're at now. They have skill levels from 1-4 for all math concepts. If you have the time and dedication, level up for the math as much as you can. However, KA math is best used as content review/practice and not as practice for the actual math questions. The questions tend to be phrased awkwardly and are not identical to those you will encounter on the SAT.

Instead, once you have a solid grasp and conceptual understanding of the Algebra II topics, sign up for UWorld (free code on the sidebar) and complete as many math problems as possible. Reading and writing are phenomenal on KA and much better than UWorld, though, so I recommend KA for that.

If you have the time and dedication, you can easily achieve your target score of 1450. You still have several months left, and you will be shocked on how quickly your score will go up. Don't waste your money on tutoring services; you'll be able to increase your score far more on your own.

Space out the official practice tests by about 2 weeks. They should be completed under real timed conditions and serve best as diagnostics for how your studying has been paying off. If you don't see an improvement on subsequent practice tests, then something is wrong with the way you're studying. Do not use the practice tests as merely practice questions, because there are a plethora of practice questions available to you on UWorld.

Once you feel confident with your score on the official practice tests, then take the real SAT.

Good luck!

I bought this Panda math book, read all of it, and worked 75% of it.

For the English, I just did a little online Khan Academy practice because my English score was already pretty high. I definitely concentrated a lot more on math.

I also used the normal SAT book, which is pretty helpful too.

If your practice or PSAT scores are really low (like below 1200), I'd suggest you get tutoring instead.

But I don't think the SAT is very difficult. It's very repetitive, so the more practice tests you take and questions you study, the more you'll be prepared for the actual test because it's just regurgitating concepts.

Definitely worth picking up the official study guide. Has one copy of each test in it, and it's only $10. The math 2 book also has two more tests in it (one may be a repeat from main study guide iirc).

Do not get overly stressed about your first SAT. You can retake it as many times as you want, and you can always improve. You are not on any sort of time limit, for the test or for your future. The best way to prepare for your next attempt is by working through the official SAT study guide produced by ETS, who also produces the SAT test (shocker). You can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Official-SAT-Study-Guide-2018/dp/1457309289. If you work through the exercises in the study guide, I am very confident you will improve your SAT score for next time.

1. Hey! Absolutely always go with the books that are created by the writers of the test. For the SAT that would be this: https://www.amazon.com/Official-SAT-Study-Guide-2018/dp/1457309289/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510794005&sr=8-1&keywords=college+board+sat+2018
   
   For the ACT that would be this: https://www.amazon.com/Official-ACT-Prep-Guide-2018/dp/1119386896/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1510794029&sr=1-1&keywords=real+act+prep+book+2018
   
   2)You can find all of the concepts tested on the respective web sites for the tests. ACT.org and collegeboard.com
   
   3)That is a way more complex question. First and foremost, I would tell you to not rely on tricks. Tricks are what sell test prep companies, not improve scores.
   

The subject tests are never released and so there are no past papers to be had. The College Board has 1 large book that contains 1 example of each type of SAT subject test.

SAT Subject Tests Book

Last year the College Board started publishing individual guides. The guides have 2-4 practice tests. There is not a guide for every type of test, but these are the most common ones.

SAT Chemistry

SAT Biology

SAT Math II

SAT Physics

SAT US History

SAT World History

Alright, since you're not going for any electronic resources, I'll list a couple of books. Your main problem seems to be English in general. While the books might help you, I recommend reading a lot. Try historical and scientific articles online or even in a book. Read a couple of classics by Charles Dickens or Victor Hugo.


1- Kaplan https://www.amazon.com/SAT-Prep-Plus-2018-Strategies/dp/1506221300
This book has exceptional EBRW practice and thorough explanation with multiple methods of approaches. The math section is alright, but I feel that it is a little easier than the actual test.


2- Dr. John Chung's SAT math book. https://www.amazon.com/Dr-John-Chungs-SAT-Math/dp/1481959794
A phenomenal book. It has challenging question in the math section that will over prepare you. If you can get a 700 on his tests, you're set up on getting an 800 for the math section.


3- Barron's New SAT 28th edition https://www.amazon.com/Barrons-NEW-SAT-28th-Sat/dp/1438006497
Great book for learning the entirety of standard English convention and reading strategies. The EBRW questions might be a little easier than the actual thing, but the information it provides is meritorious. The math section also has some challenging problems that will over prepare you.

The official SAT study guide (alias blue book.) https://www.amazon.com/Official-SAT-Study-Guide-2018/dp/1457309289
This is the best book to test all you've practiced for. After you complete all other books, take all 8 practice tests. This will prepare you well.


Now for some tips:
1- Focus on your writing section more at the begining. Getting 44/44 in this section while missing 10 on the reading puts your score at 740-760. It weighs more.

2-Write some essays and have someone check them. It'll help you spot mistakes easier.

3-Calm down, you can always take it again.


Good luck!

I took both and can tell you that they are two very different exams. The AP exam is more conceptual based--less factual regurgitation happening there. However, the SAT II is, in contrast, mostly factual based. You gotta get your memorization down.

There is a lot of plant stuff on there which, IIRC, isn't stressed in AP Bio, and is sometimes skipped altogether. Dont confuse what I said with photosynthesis, I'm talking about like parts of the plant (ex: apical meristem, plant classifications).

The SAT II is also easier to study for since you pretty much know what's going to be on the exam. The exam is all multiple choice (like all subject tests) and the questions are a bit different than the AP multiple choice. The beginning of the test will usually provide you with an image, which you then have to label with the choices they give you. That's just blunt memorization right there. The rest of the questions really don't stress concepts.

I remember one that gave me a picture of the heart and asked me to label the major sections (vena cava, right/left atrium, ventricles, etc.) Another question gave me a choices of 4 animals and asked me which one was a reptile. No joke. (That doesnt mean the test is easy though...)

This exam is the only real SAT II Bio released by CollegeBoard. Take a look at it and you will see what I mean--it is very different from the AP. Time yourself, practice with it, and see what you get. If you want the book where its from, here you go.

I recommend taking the Molecular Biology test, since that's essentially the core of what you did in AP. Ecological is easier, but looked as less favorably in admissions.

first i used khan academy (got 8 tests from there)

next, i used two different barron's books (https://www.amazon.com/Barrons-NEW-SAT-28th-Sat/dp/1438006497 and https://www.amazon.com/Barrons-SAT-Practice-Tests-3rd/dp/1438009968/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=VM8TX5EF1ECWW29M9PTA i think) for 11 tests across both books

and finally, my school's guidance dept has an SAT practice test thing (kind of like the one we all got for the PSAT when we registered)

Find an SAT practice book. Doesn't McGraw-Hill make one? BAM!

And do you mean this book? The Official ACT Prep Guide 2019-2020, (Book + 5 Practice Tests + Bonus Online Content) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119580501/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_iO04CbTNEGN6W

First, Get this book:
http://www.amazon.com/Official-SAT-Study-Guide/dp/0874477182

Take a practice test to see how you are initially.

If you haven't done math in a while (two and a half years), definitely go through some math review.

Build up a vocabulary. There are flashcard boxes in Barnes and Nobles specifically for the SAT.

I would also recommend just taking a class. It really helps for the writing section.

The ACT is very similar. I didn't do any ACT specific review books or classes. The main difference is the science section. If you can read charts and graphs, you'll be fine.

Sorry for the sort of late reply. I'd take it one more time -- something that I think really helped me improve my score was taking official SAT practice tests. You can purchase a booklet of these online (and maybe even find them for free on the College Board website?)

Of course, first go over the concepts that you need to review and make sure you thoroughly understand them (for math especially). Are you struggling more with the math or reading/writing sections?

Then, take practice tests -- the more the better -- under "test-taking" conditions (i.e. timing yourself, no extra resources, no breaks or distractions, etc.). After you take each test, review your answers and try to work through and understand why you got each wrong answer wrong.

Good luck!

I found one of these: https://www.amazon.com/SAT-Subject-Test-College-Admission/dp/0738610763

It's from like a decade ago though, so I don't know how useful it is. I guess I'll have to learn as much Latin as I can and see how it goes. That'll probably be as much as I can do.

Yeah it was very hard for me, I only took one which was in the official SAT Subject Test guidebook, https://www.amazon.com/Official-Study-Guide-Subject-Tests/dp/0874479754

I could probably dig for more by asking r/Sat if anyone has any google drives of either Latin tests. Another possibility is simply buying older versions of the Subject Test guidebook in the hopes of a different Latin practice test offered.

1. Order the "blue book" and begin reading/skimming the parts that will get you familiar with format.
   
   
2. Practice, practice, practice. Begin the free practice tests at the back and time out every section exactly as it should be timed! Set an alarm or something but make sure you time it. DO NOT GUESS, use this as a time to figure out what you know and what you don't know 100%.
   
   
3. Go over all of the problems that you got wrong and make sure you understand why you got them wrong! Don't focus on what the right answer is, focus on the process.
   
   
4. Finally become familiar with College Confidential's SAT Prep section and all of the guides that have already been consolidated into one thread.
   
   Additional Tips:
   
   -go through Vocab with flashcards and make it a habit to try and use 5 new words a day in regular writing/conversation to better remember and understand context.
   
   -spend a lot of time on collegeconfidential.com in general, it is by far the largest and most comprehensive resource I ever had while looking at colleges.
   
   -keep in mind that everyone out there agrees that the Writing section is totally coachable, meaning that with a week or two of prep you should be able to guarantee yourself 700-800 points.
   
   -math sections are all very simple as far as concepts but they will try to come up with new tricks and outside symbols that you won't have ever seen in a standard math class. Just remember that the SAT is a far trickier test than the ACT, but that knowledge can be used to your advantage as long as you are never intimidated by things you have never seen before. Try to apply conceptual formulas you learned in regular Algebra/Geometry classes to these problems instead of trying to understand the symbols.

Don't waste your time with that crap, unless that is effective for you. For me, whenever I read I gloss over words I don't know or can't pronounce. If you do this at all then reading won't increase your vocabulary.



For me, what worked was creating a mental picture of the definition based on the pronunciation of the word. The more personalized and outrageous the better. That last part on being personalized and crazy is key.


For example, truculent means "eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant." To me it sounds like "truck-you-lent" so I picture a guy driving a semi truck which costs like 400K who owns the truck, but works for a shipping company. He lends his truck out, but the guy doesn't give it back and so the big burly truck driver is pissed and eager to fight and argue.


I practice recalling the key phrase "truck-you-lent" and associated picture incorporating the definition. After three times I just know the definition without really being able to articulate it well. Its just in there, but it takes struggling and recalling it ~3 times over a 2 week period.


I have a database of GRE words with descriptions of pictures that I have been working on in hopes of writing a book based on the above idea someday. PM if you want me to send it to you.


Also, check out these books for ideas and even words. They tend to be simple SAT words but you need to know them as well for the GRE.

GRE Vocab Capacity: Over 900 Powerful Memory Tricks and Mnemonics to Widen your Lexicon

Vocabulary Cartoons II, SAT Word Power

Vocabulary Cartoons: Sat Word Power

Vocabulary Cartoons II: SAT Word Power

Picture These SAT Words!

Picture These SAT Words in a Flash

Vocabulary Cartoons: Word Power Made Easy

Vocabulary Cartoons: SAT Word Power

How to Build a Better Vocabulary

Verbal Advantage: 10 Steps to a Powerful Vocabulary

Collegeboard sells the Subject Test Study Guide , that supposedly contain real exams.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1457312190/ref=dp_ob_neva_mobile

ACT Redbook

It's the ,you can say a tool to hack SAT Questions and Exploit them. Do some research .
I am going to buy it . You should Also buy
Here is the link : https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.amazon.in/SAT-Prep-Black-Book-Strategies/dp/0615780849&ved=2ahUKEwje_NHS9b7jAhW573MBHYt-C8cQFjAAegQIAhAB&usg=AOvVaw1-rHyAYu3Y_EeKK-Rb7wfG

It's this one.

I found it was super helpful to take practice tests because it helped me get faster (especially on the science section), and figure out what I needed to go over more (especially random topics on the math section, my weakest subject too). As I took each practice test, I noted which questions I wasn't sure about, then after the test I went back and made a spreadsheet containing all of those problems, the problems I got wrong, and what the topic of the question was. Then I looked for patterns (basically what I was consistently getting wrong), and studied those topics. Watching Khan Academy videos for math was helpful if you get bored with your textbooks. I used the official prep book, which I liked. I also tried to simulate testing conditions as much as possible. Good luck!!

Not the SAT 1600. I mean the "New SAT" book by Barron's. Looks like this : https://www.amazon.com/Barrons-NEW-28th-Book-Only/dp/1438006497. I'd suggest just going to a bookstore and just taking pictures of the charts for the essay section. Those charts are really all you need. I've never used IvyGlobal or Kallils, so IDK how those are. Sorry. For me, Khan Academy was my only source from which I studied, and I studied a bit from Barron's new SAT (link above). Good luck on your tests!!!

The Official ACT Prep Guide 2019-2020, (Book + 5 Practice Tests + Bonus Online Content) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1119580501/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_UJWvDb2TC6083

There is one inside the big blue book released by Collegeboard of 20 subject tests, one for each subject.
collegeboard subject test book!

If he's starting off with a good handle on the fundamentals (which given his grades and college credits, it sounds like he is), the biggest gains could come from improving test taking strategies and performance. It's been a long time since I've needed a book like this, but I poked around on Amazon for a while, and this seems like the kind of book that is more about how you play the SAT game. Then take practice tests.

https://www.amazon.com/Official-SAT-Study-Guide-2020/dp/1457312190