The Best Books for SAT Preparation

Most colleges and universities in the United States require students to take the SAT for admissions applications, and the top-tier institutions usually require two SAT subject tests as well.

For some students, the idea of taking the SAT is daunting, but this overwhelming feeling is not mandatory. In fact, students should breathe easier knowing resources are available to them that can help with SAT prep—including practice tests, tips and tricks, and strategies for success. You can find good SAT preparation books from many college textbook websites online.

Below is a list of the best books for SAT preparation in 2019–2020, so students preparing to take the SAT will have the opportunity to fully ready themselves for the test and earn the best possible score to wow admissions officers and, of course, to impress themselves with their knowledge!

Why SAT Prep Books Are Important

SAT prep books offer more than just sample questions—they give students structure, strategy, and confidence. With so many topics covered on the test, prep books can help break down each section into digestible parts and provide a study path that aligns with your schedule. Whether you’re aiming to boost a specific score or just get familiar with the test format, a solid prep book is one of the most effective tools available.

How to Choose the Best SAT Prep Book

Not every SAT prep book is created equal. Some focus heavily on practice questions, while others emphasize strategy and test-taking techniques. When choosing the right book, think about your personal study habits, your strengths and weaknesses, and how much time you have before the test. Books that include practice tests and answer explanations are ideal for tracking progress and reviewing mistakes.

Best SAT Prep Books for Beginners

If you're just starting out with SAT prep, look for books that offer foundational instruction across all test sections. These books tend to move at a slower pace and explain the "why" behind the correct answers. They are great for building confidence and understanding the test’s structure before diving into more advanced material.

Best SAT Prep Books for High Scorers / Advanced Students

Students aiming for top scores (1400 and above) will benefit from prep books that focus on higher-difficulty questions and advanced strategies. These books often assume you already know the basics and help you fine-tune your test-taking approach, focus on timing, and master the toughest question types found on the SAT.

Best SAT Books with Practice Tests

Practice makes perfect—and when it comes to the SAT, that’s especially true. Books that offer multiple full-length practice exams give students the chance to simulate test day and get used to pacing. They also provide insight into your progress and help identify areas for further study.

Best SAT Books for Self-Study

Not everyone has time to attend SAT prep classes or hire a tutor. Fortunately, there are books designed specifically for self-guided learners. These books tend to be comprehensive, walking students through content reviews, practice drills, and test strategies in a way that makes sense even without additional instruction.

Best SAT Books for 2020 and Beyond

Even though this list highlights books for the 2019–2020 school year, many of these resources are timeless. The SAT doesn’t change drastically from year to year, so books from recent editions often still provide tremendous value. Just be sure to check that the version you're using reflects the current SAT format.

Where to Buy SAT Prep Books

Most of the books on this list are available on popular online retailers such as Amazon, as well as from college bookstores and educational publishers. Be sure to check for the latest editions and consider used versions if you're looking to save a bit on costs.

Overall SAT Prep Books

The College Board's Official SAT Study Guide, 2018 Edition

With the name “Official” in the title of this SAT study guide, the College Board has marketed this book as potentially the best overall SAT prep book on the market. However, students can also access the material from this particular study guide online.

Students who prefer having a printed book from which to study should still consider purchasing this study guide, which will certainly offer a comprehensive view of what to expect on the SAT, strategies to use during the test, and printed practice tests.

Best for: All levels (especially beginners looking for a trusted, official resource)
Available on Amazon

Kallis' SAT Pattern Strategy

This SAT prep book offers discussion of 101 topics found on the SAT, presents fundamental grammar, literature, and math concepts, and provides realistic SAT questions and step-by-step explanations.

Students will also gain an understanding of SAT logistics so they’re ready to handle all the steps you’ll need to take on test day.

Best for: Intermediate to advanced students who want an all-in-one prep solution
Available on Amazon

Barron's SAT, 29th Edition

This SAT prep book works for practicing students, offering four full-length practice tests and access to two full-length online practice tests. Students can also take a diagnostic test, which will get them familiar with the format of the SAT and allow them to recognize any testing weaknesses to work on as they study.

However, this book is quite dense, so students who choose to purchase it should focus on breaking up the material into manageable goals throughout a longer study period before taking the SAT.

Best for: Advanced students who want depth and volume
Available on Amazon

SAT Prep Black Book, 2nd Edition

This particular prep book works well as a guide for tips and tricks for the SAT. The book’s contents teach students to understand the format of the test, possible distractions during the test, and strategies to save time and answer questions more effectively on test day.

Best for: Intermediate and advanced students who want to master test strategy
Available on Amazon

McGraw-Hill Education SAT 2019

As an effective overview of the SAT’s structure and content, this prep book offers five full-length practice tests, one diagnostic test, and over 750 words of content for students who want to know exactly what to expect when taking the SAT.

Best for: Intermediate students looking for variety in practice questions
Available on Amazon

The Princeton Review's Cracking the SAT, 2019 Edition

This prep book also offers a comprehensive overview of what to expect on test day and also provides four full-length practice tests and access to one online practice test. Students can also choose to get the premium version for three more online practice tests.

Students will also find thorough explanations for answers to the practice questions, which will help students learn to approach similar questions on test day.

Best for: Beginners and intermediate students who want structured support
Available on Amazon

SAT Math Prep

Dr. Steve Warner's 500 New SAT Math Problems

This book prepares students by organizing problems by difficulty level, allowing students to focus based on skill.

Best for: Intermediate and advanced students seeking targeted math practice
Available on Amazon

Additional recommendations by level:

• Beginner: Kaplan’s SAT Math Prep – Simple, easy-to-follow lessons

• Advanced: PWN the SAT Math Guide – Highly detailed strategies and challenge questions

SAT Reading and Writing Prep

The Critical Reader: The Complete Guide to SAT Reading, 3rd Edition

This prep book outlines specific skills students will need to master the reading section of the SAT by teaching students reading comprehension and how to identify important information within passages quickly and easily.

Best for: All levels, especially intermediate students
Available on Amazon

The Critical Reader: The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar, 4th Edition

This prep book for the writing section of the SAT helps students understand the grammar rules they will need to know for the test and the types of questions students can expect on test day.

Best for: All levels – thorough yet approachable
Available on Amazon

Additional book recommendations by level:

• Beginner: Kaplan’s Evidence-Based Reading, Writing and Essay Workbook

• Advanced: Erica Meltzer’s Advanced Guide to SAT Reading (latest edition)

There’s no one-size-fits-all SAT prep book. The best strategy is to choose the book that fits your current skill level and learning style. Whether you're a beginner looking for clear guidance or an advanced student aiming for a perfect score, there’s a book on this list that can help you succeed.