Which should I buy to prepare for the SAT test?

Question

Barron's Sat I How to Prepare for the Sat I (Barron's How to Prepare for the Sat I (Book Only))

OR

Kaplan SAT/PSAT Gold (PC & Mac)

Answer 1

You could do either and I'm sure you will be fine, but why not try a hybrid approach - do both!  You can use the book as a paper and pencil based practice for the SAT and you can use the computer-based stuff for the guided lessons and strategy.

If money's a consideration, I would probably skip both of the titles that you listed and instead purchase the CollegeBoard's Official SAT Study Guide - they have questions from the actual test writers so it's the best paper and pencil test practice you can get.

You can further help/improve your prep by taking advantage of the free website offered by Peterson's at www.MyStudentEdge.com.  You'll need an access code to get in, so just use: XULGFRAD

It's the only website I know of that has totally free preparation that has full courses for every test (SAT, ACT, and PSAT) and some AP practice tests for later.  You can even research colleges.

With any option you choose, it's going to be self-motivated, so make sure that fits your learning style.  Finding success with any of these tools is going really rely on your level of discipline.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Princeton Review's "Cracking the SAT" is great

Answer 3

The Barrons book for the SAT is a little bit difficult for new starters for the SAT. The Kaplan version is not bad it has many practice tests and tips and tricks. I personally like the Collegeboard version (Because it is made by the SAT testmakers)

But here is what I suggest:

There are alot of SAT Prep books out there for example the College board SAT Prep book (the best one in my opinion), and the Kaplan one is a close 2nd. The Collegeboard SAT Prep book is excellent because it gives you alot of tips and tricks on how to crack the SAT and it ahs alot of practice questions and actual previous SAT tests from the test makers. Also once you finish the practice test you can go online and put in your answers and see your actual score. Which helps alot! Trust me.

Your second option is to take a SAT prep course in your area. (That is if you cant study from a book). The SAT prep courses that I recommend (which are common everywere in the US) is the Kaplan course, and the TestMasters course.

They are a bit expensive but will give you the information you need to succeed on the SAT.

And the last and final option (if the book does not work and if you cannot take the course) there is a online website (which is totally free) called www.studybeans.com

It helps you with practice problems, vocab words, and almost everything on the SAT.

Good Luck on your next SAT! and hope this helped! =]

Answer 4

I never choose Barron's (I think it's way harder than the actual test and just stresses you out for no reason). kaplan's my first choice but I've never gotten the Gold book. I always think why study for a test on the computer if it's actually on paper. I used the comprehensive book and the 12 practice tests book. But if you're more inclined to computers than go for it.

good luck.

Answer 5

I used two books:

1.Barron's

2.The Official SAT guide.

Why I recommend them:

1.The Official book gives you real practise,just like it's on the real SAT.

2.The Barron's book is tough and prepares you really well for the test by covering a lot of topics.