The Best Books for SAT Preparation in 2019-2020
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. In fact, 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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Available on Amazon
SAT Math Prep
Dr. Steve Warner's 500 New SAT Math Problems
This book helps students prepare for the SAT Math questions by arranging the concepts by difficulty, allowing students to focus on chapters based on their skill level.
Available on Amazon
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.
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.
Available on Amazon