Best SAT Prep Books – 8 Choices To Help You Ace Your Test

The SAT is a standardized test used for college admissions across the US. Since created by The College Board in 1926, its name and scoring have been adjusted multiple times. Yet, the knowledge and skills being tested have always been writing, reading, and mathematics. For anyone looking to move onto college after high school, this test is a great way to stay competitive in the large pool of applicants.

According to Chegg, you need approximately 40 hours to study for the SAT. Many experts recommend starting studying two months before test day. To start preparing, it’s essential to use the best SAT prep materials on the market. That’s where our guide to the best SAT prep books comes in.

Best SAT Prep Books

Below are the top 8 books to prepare for the SAT. By using these books to study for the test, you’ll be able to improve in your weak areas, get familiar with the test format, and feel more confident on test day. 

1.) Official SAT Study Guide 2020 Edition by The College Board

In this #1 best-selling SAT prep guide, you’ll find every type of question needed to study for SAT success. With eight total practice tests, this book covers all the material you need to prepare for the SAT. With updated guidance and practice problems that reflect recent SAT developments, this book is the most relevant guide you can find. 

Straight from the exam writers, this official study guide has detailed descriptions of each test section, targeted practice questions for each question type, and guidance on the new optional essay to ensure success in all areas. 

2.) SAT Prep Black Book by Mike Barrett

Author Mike Barrett claims that in his SAT prep book, you can find the most effective SAT strategies ever published. Perhaps this is why it became an instant best-seller, helping students all over the globe prepare for the exam. In this current, up-to-date prep book for 2020 and 2021, Mike Barrett provides unique and effective strategies for optimal test preparation. 

Whether you want to score a perfect 1600 or aim high for a potential scholarship, this book will help you improve your score. 

3.) Cracking the SAT by The Princeton Review

This premium edition SAT prep guide comes with eight practice tests updated to fit the most current version of the SAT. This has been referred to as the all-in-one solution for your highest possible score. Experts of college test prep, The Princeton Review promises to provide you with all you need to score higher on the SAT.

From comprehensive review of each section to premium online content, this book is the ultimate toolbox for SAT prep. 

4.) SAT Premium Prep by The Princeton Review

In this premium prep book by The Princeton Review, you’ll find eight full-length practice tests, review techniques, and online tools. With this, you can practice your way toward perfection by identifying your weak sections and improving your score along the way. This book includes drills for each section: reading, writing, language, and math. 

This book also includes writing exercises to help you prepare for the essay and in-depth score reports to help you track your progress online. With online videos to teach you test-taking strategies and hands-on experience with all types of questions, The Princeton Review’s SAT Premium Prep is all you’ll need to score high on the SAT.

5.) SAT Math Prep by Kaplan Test Prep

To master the extensive math problems on the SAT, Kaplan Test Prep has you covered. In their SAT math preparation book, you’ll find key concepts, expert advice, and realistic practice to get you ready for test day. With in-depth content coverage and score-raising strategies, you’ll face the SAT with utmost confidence.

In this, you’ll find 16 full-length practice tests, detailed explanations for each answer, over 250 practice questions, and strategies for taking the test faster with less stress. With 9 out of 10 Kaplan students getting into their top choice colleges, this expert guidance is guaranteed to help you score higher on SAT math and get into your dream school. 

6.) The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar by Erica L. Meltzer

This recent edition of the SAT grammar guide by Erica L. Meltzer provides comprehensive coverage of all grammar sections on the SAT. Although the SAT Writing and Language Test is constantly being redesigned, this guide has you covered with recent strategies to help you understand the SAT format today.

With dozens of exercises to help you prepare, you’ll be able to not only just study, but apply your new skills to each grammar section of the SAT, improving your score.

7.) SAT Prep 2020 & 2021 by Mometrix College Admissions Test Team

This SAT prep guide is a book created to help you study the math, reading, writing, and language sections of the test. Here, you’ll find SAT studying secrets, detailed answers, and step-by-step review to guide you through the most effective studying processes. This also includes an evidence-based reading test, video tutorials online, and a complete review of each section you’ll find on the SAT.

If you’re looking for all the critical information you’ll need to master the SAT, this book is for you. You’ll learn about the SAT’s reading passages, algebra questions, text complexity, and much more. 

8.) 10 Practice Tests for the SAT by The Princeton Review 

If you’re looking for extra preparation to achieve an excellent score on the SAT, this book of practice tests is the way to go. In this 2020/2021 version of The Princeton Review’s SAT prep, you’ll find 10 full-length practice tests for the SAT. You’ll also be able to improve your score each time you take a practice test with their detailed answer explanations.

To get insight on the format, scoring, and optional essay in the SAT, this is the perfect book for you to complete before taking the test.

Take An SAT Prep Course

In addition to SAT prep books, taking an SAT prep course to your study routine can help make sure that you cover all the knowledge you need. A full on course is far more comprehensive than a simple book or study guide. Don’t be intimidated! You can take these courses online at your own pace.

There are quite a few options for SAT prep courses out there, but our top pick has to be Magoosh SAT Prep.

Magoosh SAT Prep

Magoosh SAT Prep is an SAT prep course that aims to provide you with everything you need to be ready to ace your SAT. In this course you’ll receive access to content such as over 1,750 practice questions, more than 200 video lessons, practice tests, and video explanations to help you develop a better understanding of each question. Magoosh SAT Prep also offers score prediction as well as a guarantee that your score will improve by at least 100 points, or you can get your money back. If you’re looking to add an SAT prep course to your studying, Magoosh SAT Prep is worth the try.

Final Thoughts: Getting Prepared For Your SAT

By investing in preparation materials and expert advice for the SAT, you’ll be able to familiarize yourself with the test, gain confidence, and improve your score along the way. If you’re looking for more ways to feel ready to ace your test, you could also check out our guide to the best online SAT prep courses. Study and be ready, you’ve got this!