Anyone preparing for the digital SAT knows how overwhelming it can get. There are tons of books, blogs, tests, and resources, all of which promise to be the secret tool that can empower you to get the perfect score. But are they all equally helpful? Not at all.
It can be hard to decide which one is the best SAT study guide for you right now. So, let’s look at some of the new top SAT prep books. We will consider their main pros and cons and identify what you need to pay attention to before making a decision.
Why Use the SAT Study Guide?
Imagine traveling to a new country for the first time. Would you start a trip without at least checking your Google Maps to know what the place is like? Using an SAT study guide is a lot like having a guide map for navigating an unfamiliar territory. If you have ever used a math cheat sheet or any kind of reference guide to study for your test, then you are no stranger to this concept.
Seeing as many people struggle with the Math or Reading and Writing section, who wouldn’t like to have a resource that allows you to learn formulas, vocabulary, and grammar rules in a fun, memorable way? An SAT book usually comes with handy formulas, strategies, and tips that help you ace your test scores. But remember that books should be combined with consistent good study habits.
7 Best SAT Prep Books of 2024
All SAT books are not created equal. But you will still find them to be a very powerful addition to your test prep strategy. So, here are some of the best SAT prep books you should check out:
#1 The College Board’s Official Digital SAT Study Guide (2023 Edition)
Source: Amazon
Full disclaimer: The College Board already offers full-length practice tests and other helpful materials on their website, so you can probably find all the info online. We recommend that you download the Bluebook app and use it for practice, whether or not you choose to get this book. Still, if you prefer printed books over digital copies, go for it by all means. Let’s look at the book in detail.
Pros
- It is created by the official SAT test makers, so you know the information is credible, all 630 pages of it.
- It has four official sample tests that were created by the people who set the actual SAT, and they did it using the same approach.
- It offers a comprehensive analysis of the SAT Reading and Writing and Math sections of the digital test.
- It contains tons of test-taking strategies, recommendations, and practices for improving your test scores.
- It contains a deep analysis of wrong and correct answers.
- It is the best source of information for digital PSAT/NMSQT test preparation.
Cons
Source: Amazon
- The cost ($34) is a bit on the high side.
- It offers the information that is available on the official site and other online resources.
- There are many mixed reviews; some say the sample practice tests are actually worthless.
- There are tons of good tips, but you’ll notice there is no system for learning advanced topics.
- Ironically, you’ll also need to look for extra practice questions, preferably from a resource that provides feedback for improvement.
#2 The Princeton Review Digital SAT Premium Prep (2024 Edition)
Source: BarnesandNoble
The Princeton Review Digital SAT Premium Prep is another really good SAT prep book. Known for extensive resources and blog posts on SAT-related questions, the book contains practical hints, real SAT practice tests, and tips to improve your problem-solving skills.
Pros
- It is way cheaper compared to the official SAT guidebook.
- It has four full-length practice tests that give you the experience of the real SAT.
- It contains tips on the use of the SAT inbuilt graphing calculator.
- It offers tons of helpful strategies and a comprehensive review of answers.
- It extensively covers all sections and is a comprehensive guide that will help you achieve a high score.
Cons
Source: Reddit
- Only one of the practice tests can be found in the book, which means you still need to visit their site for the remaining three. This fact sort of defeats the purpose of getting an SAT book.
- The mixed book reviews show that while most students found it helpful, some did find it somewhat lacking.
- According to a review on Amazon by a teacher, the book is not suitable for educators who wish to use practice tests as teaching materials since there’s only one test available in the book.
- Another user describes trying to get the three online practice tests from the site as a process “full of pitfalls, glitches, and sales pitches,” so be prepared for difficulties in finding the rest of the tests.
#3 The SAT Prep Black Book (Second Edition)
Source: Amazon
Like all the other SAT books mentioned on this list, you can find it available in all major online bookstores at just under $30. The description claims it can help you get a perfect score of 1600, which is the maximum SAT score possible. Also, this SAT book has many positive reviews, which is always a good sign.
Pros
- You get over 600 walkthroughs for the actual SAT practice tests.
- There are tons of effective test-taking strategies and tips that teach you to study beyond the diagnostic tests.
- It contains thorough answer explanations, cool tips for answering questions, and hints on solving questions that have tricky wording.
- You can deep dive into advanced math and SAT grammar, the areas most students grapple with.
- Time management hacks will help you breeze through the actual exam, and suggestions for boosting confidence will build up your SAT skills.
Cons
Source: Reddit
- You will need your own copies of the SAT practice tests.
- Some students complain that the book can feel overwhelming since it’s over 600 pages and has small prints.
- Even though it’s considered one of the best SAT prep books, some students struggling with SAT math may find it difficult to follow the answer explanations.
- There is not a single sample of the practice exam in the book.
#4 Kaplan Digital SAT Prep Plus 2024
Source: Amazon
Kaplan’s SAT prep book has been a hit for years, and now it’s no different. If you need a roadmap to improve your chances of getting the target SAT score, consider this book.
Pros
- It contains more than 700 practice questions and a full-length practice test with an adaptive difficulty level, just like the digital SAT.
- It has a comprehensive overview of the digital SAT that lets you know what to expect on the test day.
- It contains detailed explanations of the SAT score system so you can decide early on what your score goals are and understand what it takes to get there.
- It offers a breakdown of the SAT sections and tons of pre-quizzes to help you identify your strong and weak areas.
- Practice exams after every lesson to help you gauge and improve your comprehension skills.
- You’ll get helpful strategies and guidance from experienced SAT experts.
Cons
Source: Amazon
- This may not be the best SAT prep book for those who prefer a simple, topic-focused approach to their SAT preparation.
- A reviewer noted that the verbal sections are not very accurate, and another user pointed out that it focuses more on the SAT Math section and gives less attention to the other sections.
#5 Dr. Jang’s SAT 800 Math Workbook for the Digital Exam 2024
Source: Amazon
This is one of the most popular SAT math prep books. This edition offers a progressive difficulty-level approach to your test prep and equips you with the digital SAT adaptive testing style.
Pros
- It has over 1500 SAT math practice questions and 10 mock tests.
- It’s a great resource for those who are familiar with advanced math and just need more practice.
Cons
Source: Reddit
- It’s not a suitable resource if you are struggling with pre-calculus or just weak in general when it comes to maths.
#6 1600.io SAT Math (Volumes I & II)
Source: Amazon
It’s one the best books for ramping up your scores on the SAT Math section and is a favorite year after year. Remember that despite the major changes to the digital SAT Math section (fewer questions, less time, etc.), this is still one of the best SAT prep options for students who need extra help in maths and for whom self study might not be the best approach.
Pros
- It contains detailed explanations of every topic covered in the SAT Math section and over 900 practice questions.
- It breaks down complex math concepts in an easy-to-understand way.
- It’s a great material for self-study as it contains tons of problems from released tests.
Cons
Source: Amazon
- Some students may feel that the book has a dense format due to the many topics covered in great detail.
- It’s a bit impractical in its view of the use of calculators, mental maths, etc.
- An Amazon reviewer notes that it is a great book but finds the strategy and advice suspicious.
#7 Erica L Meltzer’s The Complete Guide to SAT Reading
Source: Amazon
Some people are great at math but lack the specific skills needed to answer test questions from the Reading section. If this is about you, consider using the updated version of this loved SAT prep book as a part of your study routine. This new edition has been updated for the digital SAT. Alternatively, you could go for the complete guide to SAT grammar by the same author.
Pros
- It is a great SAT prep book for beginners.
- It contains step-by-step instructions and guides for answering questions, helpful shortcuts, and tips for solving confusing or tricky tasks.
- It has plenty of practice questions and a content review guide.
- You can hone your comprehension skills, especially if you are a junior student looking to build up your SAT skills in advance.
Source: Reddit
Cons
- Even though it offers practice tasks for beginners, it may not be so helpful for people who have less time to prepare for the SAT test and need a quick solution.
Effective Tips and Tricks for SAT Prep
The SAT test can be a time of great excitement or anxiety, depending on how well you prepare. So, here are some tips to help you face the test day with confidence:
1. Choose Your SAT Prep Book Carefully
What may be the best SAT prep book for your friend may actually not be suitable for you. So, carefully consider different options, like the books listed above, and settle on one that:
- Aligns with the digital SAT test format.
- Is affordable.
- Covers all the areas you need (keep your weaknesses in mind when checking the topics covered).
- Has practice tests and explanations that make sense to you.
2. Practice More
You should never rely solely on sample questions in books. Take advantage of the official practice tests from the College Board website and other reputable online resources like Khan Academy or AceIt. Thus, you’ll know the structure of the test and will be able to answer questions accurately within the allotted time.
3. Be Consistent With Your Study Routine
Sometimes, students feel it makes sense to study for long hours. But instead of a three-hour study marathon once in a blue moon, a 30-minute or slightly longer study session every day may be just what you need. Find the time that works best for you, an area free from distractions, and stick to the schedule.
4. Get a Mentor or a Tutor
It can be hard to stick to a study routine, so getting a mentor or a tutor can be a great idea. You get an accountable partner who can give you the personalized attention you need to succeed. And, even when you’re already confident about your knowledge of most topics, there’s no such thing as being too prepared. A tutor can help you understand even more advanced topics, like how to tackle complex numbers, so you can get that perfect score on your SAT.
Conclusion
Looking for the best SAT prep book, everyone will find something. You should always choose the book that uses a style you like, explains complex things in a way that makes sense to you, tests you on topics covered, and offers helpful advice for the real SAT test.
