5 Best SAT Prep Books for 2024
Feeling overwhelmed by the SAT? Before you drown in study guides and practice tests, here’s the good news: there’s a wealth of SAT prep books out there; they’ll arm you with the skills, tricks, and test-taking strategies you need to ace the Reading, Writing and Math sections, boosting your score and expanding your college options.
We’ve scoured the market and compiled a curated list of the top 5 SAT study books available today. No one book is a magic potion, but these gems will guide you, help you map out an effective study plan, and familiarize yourself with the real-world exam.
The Best Books for the SAT Prep
Explore our curated list of the best books for SAT prep to enhance your study plan and boost your test performance.
The College Board’s Official SAT Study Guide
Packed with the College Board’s unparalleled expertise, the 2018 edition of The Official SAT Study Guide delivers the ultimate preparation package. Doubling the previous offerings, it boasts eight official SAT practice tests, crafted by the exam’s creators themselves. These tests, also accessible online, are accompanied by over 250 pages of insightful guidance, strategies, and test information, meticulously updated to reflect the latest developments.
With targeted practice questions, detailed section breakdowns, and even guidance on the optional essay, this comprehensive resource empowers students to take the SAT with confidence. Additionally, seamlessly integrated with Khan Academy’s practice platform, it ensures a well-rounded and effective study experience.
Buy it on Amazon: The Official SAT Study Guide
Kaplan’s Digital SAT Prep Plus 2024
Ace the digital SAT with Kaplan’s fully redesigned Digital SAT Prep Plus 2024! Expert strategies, clear explanations, and 700+ realistic practice questions (including online quizzes) prepare you for success. This comprehensive resource features a layout based on student feedback, a personalized study plan generator, and an adaptive full-length practice test mimicking the real exam.
Pre-quizzes, topic-focused practice, and mixed-topic test-like questions ensure you master every section. Gain a deep understanding of the Digital SAT with detailed scoring explanations and expert insights. Kaplan’s SAT veterans, backed by 80 years of experience, bring you the most effective methods and strategies, ensuring you score higher on test day.
Buy it on Amazon: Digital SAT Prep Plus 2024
The Princeton Review Digital SAT Premium Prep, 2024
Princeton Review’s bestseller, Digital SAT Premium Prep, gives you everything you need to ace the 2024 SAT exam. Featuring subject reviews, digital-specific test-taking strategies, and 4 full-length practice tests (1 in the book, 3 online), this comprehensive guide ensures you’re not just prepared but confident.
Master the new question types, passages, and math content with updated tactics, then hone your skills with realistic on-screen practice that mirrors the look, feel, and function of the real exam. Detailed answer explanations, score reports, bonus flashcards, and video lessons covering critical topics prepare you to avoid traps, beat the test, and achieve SAT excellence.
Buy it on Amazon: Digital SAT Premium Prep 2024
| Tight on a budget? Don’t despair! Many schools and libraries offer SAT prep resources. Check yours out before you commit to buying. |
Barron’s Digital SAT Study Guide Premium
Expert SAT author Brian W. Stewart delivers in-depth subject reviews covering revised Reading, Writing, and Math sections, along with 1,800+ high-quality practice questions—the most anywhere! Get test-wise with 4 full-length practice tests, including a diagnostic and a print adaptive test, and master all the new question types with targeted drills on Words-in-Context, Text Structure, Algebra, Advanced Math, and more.
Expert strategies, detailed answer explanations, and a robust guide to the College Board’s adaptive format ensure you’re confident and prepared for exam day. Bonus online resources like 300 practice drills, scoring tools, and digital calendars help you track your progress and maximize your score. With Barron’s Digital SAT Premium Study Guide, you’ll have everything you need to ace the SAT exam!
Buy it on Amazon: Digital SAT Premium Study Guide, 2024
SAT Prep Black Book, Second Edition
Hailed as the number 1 bestseller on Amazon with over 5,000 glowing reviews, the SAT Prep Black Book, Second Edition is a powerhouse that delivers unique, expert-crafted SAT strategies from Mike Barrett, a globally renowned tutor. With this book, you’ll forget rote memorization, and you’ll get into real SAT math questions and exploit the test’s own design flaws to your advantage.
This comprehensive guide offers in-depth, step-by-step walkthroughs for over 600 questions from the first 4 official College Board practice tests. Learn to think like the College Board itself, understand why every question has only one true answer, and master powerful time-saving techniques.
Buy it on Amazon: SAT Prep Black Book, Second Edition
From the Desk of Yocket
SAT prep books can be a valuable tool in your test prep. They offer a wealth of resources, from practice questions and content reviews to test-taking strategies and explanations of complex concepts. However, their effectiveness depends heavily on how you use them and what you expect from them.
SAT prep books provide structure and guidance. They can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus your studying on areas that need the most attention. They offer a controlled environment for practicing under timed conditions, simulating the actual test experience, and building your stamina. Additionally, many books discuss the nuances of the SAT’s scoring system and question types, equipping you with the knowledge to approach each section strategically.
However, relying solely on one book might limit your exposure to different perspectives and question types. Consider using multiple resources, including online practice tests, official College Board materials, and even tutoring if needed, to broaden your understanding and ensure you’re well-prepared for any surprises on test day. Yocket will figure out what works best for you, whether it’s intense practice sessions with prep books, interactive online platforms, or a combination of both.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do SAT prep books cost?
SAT prep books typically cost between $20 and $50. However, the price can vary depending on the brand, edition, and number of practice tests included.
Where can I buy SAT prep books?
SAT prep books can be purchased online from retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or at bookstores and libraries.
When should I start using SAT prep books?
Most students start using SAT prep books in the summer before their junior year of high school. If you are taking the SAT in the spring of your senior year, you should start studying at least 3 months in advance.
How much time should I spend studying for the SAT?
The amount of time you need to spend studying for the SAT will vary depending on your starting score and your target score. However, most experts recommend that you spend at least 20–30 hours studying for each point you want to increase your score.