Get ready to ace your SAT test with the best SAT prep books for 2023. Our comprehensive review will help you choose the right book for you.
The purpose of this article is to provide guidance to students on how to effectively prepare for the SAT by reviewing and recommending some of the best SAT prep books available. The article evaluates each book based on criteria such as content accuracy, organization, and helpfulness of practice questions and provides top picks and guidance on which book(s) would be best for different types of students.
The Best 5 SAT PREP Books 2023
Preparing for the SAT can be an overwhelming task, with a multitude of resources available that all claim to be the best. As one of the most important tests a high school student will take, it’s important to choose the right materials to help them succeed.
To help make that decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 SAT prep books for 2023, along with a brief overview of their features and benefits.
Here is the Top 5 SAT PREP Books list:
1- Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus (2023)
2- Barron’s SAT Study Guide (2023)
3- Princeton Review SAT Premium Prep (2023)
5- College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide (2019)
Keep reading for more information about each SAT PREP book on this list.
#1 Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus (2023)
If you’re looking for a book that can give you complete coverage of all three sections on the SAT, Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus does just that.
This one-stop shop for test prep has everything from full practice tests and detailed content review to video tutorials and online resources to help you get ready for your exam date.
Even though there are numerous study guides out there, many experts agree that this is one of the best ways to prepare yourself for your upcoming test date – not only because it gives an excellent overview of each section but also because it offers hundreds upon hundreds of hours worth of practice questions in addition to five full-length exams.
In total there are over 1,400 practice questions in the book; I found Kaplan’s practice material to be highly realistic and particularly helpful in predicting the kinds of patterns I would see on my actual exam day!
Book Features:
- Five full-length Kaplan practice tests: 2 in the book and 3 online.
- More than 1,500 practice questions with detailed explanations.
- Pre-quizzes to help you figure out what you already know and what you can skip.
- Mixed practice quizzes after every chapter to assess how much you’ve learned.
- A practice question at the beginning of each lesson to help you quickly identify its focus; dedicated practice questions after every lesson to test your comprehension.
- Expert scoring, analysis, and explanations online for two official College Board SAT Practice Tests.
Pros and Cons of Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus
Here are some pros and cons of Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus book:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive content review | Can be overwhelming for those looking for a brief overview |
| Provides strategies and techniques for each section | May not be helpful for advanced test takers |
| Offers six full-length practice tests | Practice tests may not be as accurate as the real SAT |
| Includes access to online resources, including quizzes and video lessons | Online resources may not work for everyone |
| Affordable compared to other test prep options | May not be accessible to those who prefer digital or audiobook formats |
| Written by experts in the test preparation field | Strategies may not work for every student |
| Covers all sections of the SAT exam, including the optional essay section | Some chapters may be too basic for advanced students |
| Provides answer explanations for all practice questions | Some explanations may be unclear or incomplete |
Overall, Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus book can be a valuable resource for students who are preparing for the SAT exam. However, it may not be the best fit for everyone, and students should carefully consider their individual needs and preferences before deciding whether or not to use this resource.
» Purchase Kaplan’s SAT Prep Plus 2023 on Amazon «
#2 Barron’s SAT Study Guide (2023)
If you’re looking for practice exams, Barron’s SAT Study Guide will fit the bill. There are four complete practice exams between the covers, and the book gives you access to two more online.
That means you’ll have plenty of opportunities and time to run through the test and practice your test-taking skills. This guide also features a diagnostic test that can help you to get familiar with how the SAT works, enable you to focus on your weak points to improve upon and get you into the right mindset to approach the exam.
The Barron’s guide does require a degree of drive and self-application to really get the most out of the book. You’ll need to be willing to dive in and take it seriously, engage at a high level with the content and keep laser-focused on your goal. No book can give you that kind of focus, however; that’s on you! But if this sounds like something YOU could do–and want!–then pick up this excellent resource from College Board directly here now or from Amazon here.
If we were talking about just one specific section (like Math), then I’d say check out Princeton Review’s Cracking The New SAT Math & Writing Book . If we’re talking about all four sections though? I’m going with Barron’s because their diagnostic tool helps me figure out where my weaknesses lie so that I know what areas need extra work before taking my test date.
Book Features:
- Four full-length practice tests in the book.
- Two full-length online practice tests
- One full-length diagnostic test to help identify strengths and weaknesses so you can pinpoint your trouble spots and focus your study.
- Barron’s extensive vocabulary list in online flashcard format.
- An overview of the SAT, an explanation of the test’s scoring method, and study advice from experienced teachers.
- Test-taking tactics for the exam as a whole, and special strategies for each part of the test, including detailed instruction in writing the SAT essay.
- Subject reviews covering all sections of the test, including Reading, Writing and Language, and Mathematics.
Pros and Cons of Barron’s SAT Study Guide
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive review of all sections of the SAT | Practice questions may be more difficult than actual test questions |
| Detailed answer explanations for each practice question | Some errors have been found in the book |
| Online practice tests and video lessons | Some readers may find the writing style dry or dense |
| Strategies for managing time and maximizing score | Some readers may prefer more interactive study materials |
| Access to additional online resources | May not be as useful for advanced students or those who need more specialized help |
» Purchase Barron’s SAT Study Guide on Amazon «
#3 Princeton Review SAT Premium Prep (2023)
Rounding out our top 5 is the budget-friendly but still comprehensive guide to tackling the exam, Princeton Review SAT Premium Prep.
It’s similar to the Barron’s guide in that it gives you a thorough overview of the exam with all of the concepts you need, plus strategies for how to manage time and approach the test questions. It offers four complete practice exams in the text, and gives you access to more online (how many depends on whether you get the regular or premium edition).
Each question is provided with a thorough answer and explanation so you can consider your approach to answering. This will help get you into the proper mindset on test day. An additional online component provides a useful scoring tool for the practice tests. It also includes a range of test-taking tips and tricks that are certain to improve your approach to taking the SAT, and your final score and results.
The book is a bulky one with nearly 900 pages of content. The bookworm in me loved this, but for others the page count can make it a bit intimidating. However, it’s so well organized and laid out that using it is a breeze. It’s one of the few study guides out there that can be used all on its own. It’s jam-packed with all you need to get ready to take the exam.
Book Features:
- 9 full-length practice tests (4 in the book, 5 online) with detailed answer explanations.
- Drills for each test section (Reading, Writing and Language, and Math).
- In-depth online score reports for all practice tests.
- Powerful tactics to help you avoid traps and beat the SAT.
- Pacing tips to help you maximize your time.
- Online Access to Videos to teach you SAT test-taking strategies and commonly tested topics
- Online Access to college and university rankings, college admissions advice, and financial aid tips.
- Online Access to Multi-week study guides.
- Special “SAT Insider” section packed with helpful info on picking your perfect school and writing application essays that stand out.
Pros and Cons of Princeton Review SAT Premium Prep
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Extensive content review and practice exercises | Some readers may find the writing style too informal |
| Access to 8 full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations | May not be as useful for advanced students or those who need more specialized help |
| Strategies for managing time and maximizing score | Some errors have been found in the book |
| Interactive score report with personalized study recommendations | May not provide enough practice questions for some students |
| Access to additional online resources | Some students may find the practice questions too easy |
» Purchase Princeton Review SAT Premium Prep on Amazon «
#4 SAT Prep Black Book Second Edition
The book provides an in-depth look at the test, from its design to the types of questions you might encounter and why those questions are included. It also provides details on the format and structure of the test, as well as tidbits of information such as how you can watch out for trick questions and why those questions are there.
Personally, I found this to be very helpful. It helped me identify answers that were there to distract from the real answer, and explained the reasons for them and how to escape this particular trap.
Finally, it breaks down a number of online SAT practice exams with thorough answer explanations for four of them. This can help you determine why you may have missed a question so you can do better the next time around!
The SAT Prep Black Book is an outstanding guide for students of just about any level because it can help you not only learn tricks but also change how they look at Your Test Overall – This aspect especially aided me in planning my own test-taking strategy.
Book Features:
- It covers every aspect of the test with advice that actually works, making it unique in the SAT prep field. It doesn’t just review material from your high school classes! Instead, you’ll learn to exploit design flaws in the SAT, using its own “SAT tricks” against it.
- The Black Book contains 600+ detailed, systematic, easy-to-follow walkthroughs for real SAT questions from the College Board, so you know that what you’re learning actually works. You’ll see every question from the first 4 official SAT Practice Tests attacked in a way that clearly demonstrates the ideal thought process on the SAT. (You’ll need your own copies of those real SAT practice tests, which you can get for free from the College Board’s website. You can also find them in the College Board’s 2016 or 2018 “Blue Book.”)
- The Black Book is a clear, concise roadmap to the SAT. (See the selected highlights below). It explains exactly how every SAT question works, and how to beat it in the least time possible.
Pros and Cons of SAT Prep Black Book Second Edition
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Focuses on test-taking strategies rather than just content review | May not provide enough in-depth content review for some students |
| Provides detailed explanations for each practice question | May not be the best option for students who prefer a more structured study approach |
| Emphasizes understanding the test and its patterns | Some students may find the tone too casual or conversational |
| Includes unique approaches to tackling different types of questions | May not be as useful for advanced students or those who need more specialized help |
| Offers guidance on how to overcome test anxiety and manage stress | Does not include as many practice questions as other prep books |
» Purchase SAT Prep Black Book on Amazon «
#5 College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide
If this book has a downside, it’s that it doesn’t really offer tips and tricks, but instead focuses on making sure you have the skills so you don’t need them.
The College Board does an excellent job of breaking down each question type into its component parts so that you can focus your studying on particular areas where you might need improvement.
I found this particularly helpful with questions pertaining to context; if there was something I didn’t understand about word choice or sentence structure, they would explain why certain answers are correct while others are not.
In short: if you’re looking for a comprehensive guide to all things SAT (and don’t mind spending money), look no further than this official guide released by the College Board itself!
Book Features:
- 8 official SAT practice tests, written in the exact same process and by the same team of authors as the actual exam.
- Detailed descriptions of the math and evidenced based reading and writing sections.
- Targeted practice questions for each SAT question type.
- Guidance on the new optional essay, including practice essay questions with sample responses.
- Seamless integration with Official SAT Practice on Khan Academy.Age range: Teen.
Pros and Cons of College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Includes 8 full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations | May not provide as much in-depth content review as other prep books |
| Authored by the organization that creates the SAT, so it closely reflects the actual test | Some readers may find the explanations to be too brief |
| Includes practice questions from previous SATs | Does not offer as many test-taking strategies as other prep books |
| Provides access to online practice resources | Some readers may prefer a more interactive study approach |
| Can be used in combination with other prep materials | May not be the best option for students who need more specialized help |
» Purchase College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide on Amazon «
Importance of using a prep Book
There are several reasons why using a prep book can be an effective way to study for the SAT:
Comprehensive coverage:
Prep books provide comprehensive coverage of the material that will be tested on the SAT. They typically include detailed explanations of the test format and the types of questions that will be asked, as well as strategies for tackling each type of question.
Practice questions:
Prep books include a wide variety of practice questions, which are an essential part of preparing for the test. The practice questions are designed to mimic the types of questions that will appear on the actual test, which allows students to get a sense of what to expect and to improve their test-taking skills.
Detailed answer explanations:
Prep books also provide detailed answer explanations for the practice questions, which help students understand the reasoning behind the correct answers. This can be especially helpful for those who struggle with certain types of questions or concepts.
Customizable study plans:
Prep books often include customizable study plans that are designed to help students focus their studying on the areas where they need the most improvement. This can make the studying process more efficient and effective.
Cost-effective:
Prep books are often a more cost-effective option than taking a prep class or hiring a private tutor. They provide students with a wealth of study materials and practice questions without the added expense.
Convenient:
Prep books can be used anywhere and at any time, which makes it easy for students to fit studying into their busy schedules. They can also be purchased online or from bookstores.
By using a prep book, students can study effectively and in an efficient manner. Prep books can help students understand the format of the test and what types of questions to expect, improve test-taking skills, and identify and work on areas that need improvement.
Top picks for best SAT prep books
When it comes to choosing the best SAT prep book, there are many options available. However, some books are considered to be particularly effective at helping students prepare for the test. Here are a few top picks for the best SAT prep books:
1- The Official SAT Study Guide:
This book is published by the College Board, which creates and administers the SAT. It is considered to be the most comprehensive and accurate source of information about the test. The book includes official SAT practice tests, detailed explanations for all of the answers, and information about the test format and scoring.
2- Kaplan SAT Prep Plus:
This book offers a comprehensive review of all the material covered on the test, as well as detailed strategies and targeted practice. The book includes online practice tests and quizzes, and a personalized study plan based on the student’s performance on practice quizzes and tests.
3- The Princeton Review’s Cracking the SAT:
This book provides a detailed overview of the test format and the types of questions that will be asked, as well as targeted practice and strategies for tackling each type of question. The book also includes access to online resources, such as additional practice tests and interactive tutorials.
4- Barron’s SAT:
This book provides a thorough review of all the material covered on the test, as well as test-taking strategies and practice questions with detailed answer explanations. The book also includes a diagnostic test to help students identify areas where they need the most improvement.
5- College Panda’s SAT Writing:
This book is focused on the Writing section of the SAT, which often remains a challenging part for students. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the Writing section, along with practice questions and detailed answer explanations.
It’s important to keep in mind that while these books are highly recommended and have been successful for many students, the best SAT prep book for you will depend on your own learning style and needs. Make sure to evaluate each book based on the criteria that are important to you, such as content accuracy, organization, and helpfulness of practice questions, and choose the one that best fits your needs.
Final recommendations for the best SAT prep books
The best SAT prep book is widely considered to be “The Official SAT Study Guide” published by the College Board, the organization that administers the SAT. This book is considered to be the most comprehensive and accurate source of information about the test, as it is written by the same team of experts who design the actual SAT.
The book includes:
- eight official SAT practice tests,
- hundreds of practice questions with answer explanations,
- test-taking strategies,
- and detailed descriptions of the math and evidence-based reading and writing sections of the test.
The book is an ideal resource for students preparing for the SAT as it provides an authentic test-taking experience and allows students to familiarize themselves with the test format, content and question types. Additionally, the answer explanations help students understand how to approach the questions and how to identify their mistakes. It is also available both on physical format as well as electronic format.
In summary, The Official SAT Study Guide is considered by experts to be the best SAT prep book due to its comprehensive and accurate content, official practice tests, and detailed answer explanations.
If you’re in search of a quality SAT practice test book, take a look at our list of the top options available.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the SAT is an important standardized test for college admissions in the United States. Using a prep book is an effective way to study for the test. The books that we have recommended in this article have been shown to be highly effective for many students.
By following our criteria and recommendations, students can choose the best SAT prep book for their needs. We hope that this article has provided you with the information and resources you need to feel confident and prepared for the test. Remember, with the right preparation, attitude, and focus, you will be able to do well on the SAT and achieve your college aspirations.