It shouldn't take a pile of books and software for students to prepare for the SAT. There are great, comprehensive books on the market that can give you everything you need for under $20 - you really only need one SAT prep book! Go for quality, and you'll save money that you could use for college. Plus, you'll save time by using a book that is efficient in raising your scores.
Here are my favorite SAT books for different types of students. Pick the one that best suits your needs and abilities. I recommend that you flip through them to see if the tone and style of the book appeals to you - so you'll want to study.
Gruber's
Complete Preparation for the New SAT is a complete guide to succeeding on the SAT. If you need an SAT prep book that will take you from 0 to 2400, this is the book for you. It has well-explained, comprehensive lessons on every topic that is covered on the SAT, plenty of sample SAT practice problems throughout, and 5 authentic full-length SAT practice tests - all with detailed solutions.
The College Board's
Official SAT Study Guide for the New SAT is great for students who are basically comfortable with the material covered on the SAT but need practice in the art of test-taking. That's because it includes 8 full-length SAT practice tests, straight from the people who actually make the SAT. If you don't need detailed lessons, but you do want to take plenty of practice SAT tests to get comfortable with the SAT format and timed testing conditions, this SAT prep book will suit you perfectly.
The Princeton Review's
Cracking the New SAT is perfect for students who find it hard to motivate themselves to study for the SAT. It's written in a light and sometimes funny style, and it breaks apart the SAT to eliminate the intimidation factor. If you need a book that keeps your attention and is easy to read while providing the necessary lessons, strategies, and practice tests, go for
Cracking the New SAT. But if you want a book that's more serious and down to business, you'll prefer the first two books.
