Studying for the SAT is like studying for anything else. We all have strengths that we can feel confident in, weaknesses that we need to work on, and strategies we like to use. Figuring out the best way to study and prepare for the SAT is important since so many other important decisions may rest on that score–admissions, scholarships, resumes, etc.
So the question is where does one start? Sometimes free online options can feel questionable, and in-person intensive prep courses can get expensive. Therefore, SAT prep books might be the perfect middle-of-the-road option to get your desired results.
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Studying Approach: Comprehensive vs. By Subject
You may choose to approach your studying in one of two ways. Some may choose to study a little bit of everything: to review material they already know and also learn new material. Others may choose to study only their areas of weakness.
Either approach is beneficial in its own way. Doing a more comprehensive study will allow you to simulate the actual test when taking practice tests. Studying only your weaker areas will allow you to devote more time to content that needs more work. Either approach may also have downfalls too.
An overall study may be too overwhelming or involve too much unnecessary review – especially if you are short on time to study. On the other hand, a more focused study requires that you actually know and understand your weaknesses, and many haven’t figured that out yet – especially if you are new to taking the SAT.
With all this in mind, we wanted to break down a few good test prep options for whichever approach you choose. Here are, in our opinion, some of the best SAT prep books for the test overall and for each section of the test.
5 Best Comprehensive SAT Prep Books
1. THE COLLEGE BOARD’S “OFFICIAL DIGITAL SAT STUDY GUIDE”
This book provides a good overview of the differences and challenges of the Digital SAT from the previous paper test. It is also a good place to start because it is published by the College Board–the official creators and administrators of the SAT. It’s a great idea to get your study material from the people who made the test themselves. It includes four practice tests as well as online access to the Bluebook test platform. Both the practice tests and the inside view of the test itself, through tips and strategies, make this a great choice.
2. THE PRINCETON REVIEW’S “SAT PREMIUM PREP, 2025”
The Princeton Review is an incredibly reputable test prep company, and this book offers all the information you need to know about the SAT. From tips on test-taking techniques to nine practice tests and exclusive online features, this book covers a variety of information. This book is a good option for someone who wants a well-rounded study. The 2025 version includes a rich set of online and digital offerings, including online tests, flashcards, and reviews.
3. THE PRINCETON REVIEW’S “10 PRACTICE TESTS FOR THE SAT, 2023”
Often, one of the best ways to study is simply by taking practice tests. This book is great for students who want to skip the drills and go straight to the game. By taking several practice tests, students can familiarize themselves with the types of questions and concepts that will be on the SAT. This book is good for someone ready to just practice. Practice. Practice.
4. “SAT PREP BLACK BOOK, 2ND EDITION”
An online bestseller, this book truly gets to the heart of the strategies and techniques needed to succeed on the SAT. While this book itself doesn’t include any practice tests, it does walk you through official SAT practice questions. Plus, it explains in detail how to approach the question and why each answer choice is correct or incorrect. This book is good for someone who might already have a good grasp on concepts and content but just needs a little extra work with strategies and techniques.
5. BARRON’S “SAT STUDY GUIDE PREMIUM, 2025”
This book is a tried-and-true option that offers a step-by-step approach to each section of the SAT. Each section repeats the necessary steps and strategies to be successful in each section, examining the questions from different angles. This book is good for someone who does well with some repetition as part of their review.
4 Test Preparation By Subject Books
1. “THE CRITICAL READER: THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO SAT READING, FIFTH EDITION”
One of the hardest parts of the reading section of standardized tests like this is the timing. Therefore, learning some strategies is extremely important to succeed in this test section. This book not only breaks down strategies for the reading section but also breaks down question types and answer choices so that you know exactly what to expect from every angle. This version also focuses on the digital version of the SAT to guide you through tips specific to online test taking.
2. “THE CRITICAL READER: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SAT GRAMMAR, SIXTH EDITION”
There are a lot of grammar rules to remember, and some of those pieces of punctuation are small and easy to forget. This book helps you review all the rules and then apply them to passages like you would see on the SAT.
3. DR. JANG’S SAT 800 MATH WORKBOOK FOR THE DIGITAL EXAM
There are many different types of math that you will see on the SAT, anything from algebra to advanced math to data analysis. If you know math is not your strong suit but aren’t exactly sure which type of math is your weak spot, then this book can help. Each test provided leads you to alternative follow-on tests which you can choose based on your score. This technique lets you figure out your mathematical strengths and weaknesses to help you prioritize which types of math questions you need to focus on for studying.
4. “PWN THE SAT: MATH GUIDE, 6TH EDITION”
Written by someone who made a perfect score on the SAT, this book brings you all the strategies and sample material needed to find success in the math section. Written in a witty style, students can enjoy studying for both the “calculator” and the “no calculator” sections of the test. Students will be given multiple ways to approach problems to find one that works best for them. This volume has been updated to assist with the math sections in the digital SAT.
Hopefully all your hard work will pay off when it comes to test day! Then, once you have your score in hand, College Raptor can help you see college matches based on your SAT score and more!
