Sparknotes Guide to the SAT & PSAT (Sparknotes Test Prep)

Out of the numerous SAT books I tried, this was the only book that truly made a difference. The strategies in this book are great. Their formula for the essay is simple and effective. The math is explained in detail that is very understandable, especially if you are not math smart. But their strategy for the Critical Reading was what really stood out to me. So simple and yet so very effective. I personally had a tremendous score increase in this section, simply by following this book's strategies and taking multiple practice exams. And perhaps the best thing about this book is that it doesn't take itself too seriously. It cracks a few jokes and pokes fun at the exam, a very important reminder that this test is only a test and does not determine the rest of your life. Its lighthearted approach will make it easier for the reader to relax and simply do the best that they can. The only issue is that this book comes with only three practice exams. I reccommend Barron's if you feel the need to practice more. Their exams are a bit harder than the real thing, which makes it easier when you take the actual exam. This was the book I used: How to Prepare for the SAT: 2007 (Barron's How to Prepare for the Sat I (Book Only))

Great Book! Did not take any classes and did great the first time i took the SATs. The book explains every excruciating detail, and doubles as a homework helper. Personally a math hater, this book explained every detail which made no sense whatsoever! If you dont want to take any classes, or are taking the test over again, this book is a MUST! Good Luck

The authors of this book have never written an SAT book before, and yet are able to make a book as wonderful as this one. What I like about this book is that they explain everything step-by-step. They also have specific strategies for beating every type of question on the SAT. What this book has that other SAT books don't is glossy, tabbed pages that mark the beginning on a section. The glossy, tabbed pages have everything taught in the section on it for quick reference- it's like Sparkcharts for the SAT Section. Additionally, the Authors always have a crack of humor here and there, and they genuinely sympathise with the student taking the SAT, and it looks like they sincereley want to help. Just because they don't have a yearly update to it doesn't mean its obsolete? Far from it! I think the yearly update thing that companies like the Princeton Review do are a marketing gimmick. Now you can buy this at a steal. I don't have any cons for this book. It's a well thoughtout, helpful book. ***************************************************************** Also buy... Cracking the New SAT 2006 Edition by the Princeton Review Sparkcharts The Official SAT Study Guide 11 Practice SAT Tests by the Princeton Review Kaplan Workbooks