SAT (short for Scholastic Aptitude Test) is an important part of the entire process of preparing a US study abroad application because it tests students’ ability to participate in the environment study entirely in English. SAT consists of 2 main sections: Math and English (including Reading Comprehension and Writing & Language). The article will summarize the full SAT preparation materials and each skill to help you best prepare to conquer the SAT exam.
See also: What international certificates are needed when studying abroad?
1. SAT preparation materials by section
1.1. SAT Math materials
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- Barron’s Math Workbook for the NEW SAT, 6th Edition (Barron’s)
- Math Workout for the SAT (Princeton Review)
- PWN the SAT: Math Guide (Mike McClenathan)
The above books focus on examining candidates’ ability to analyze and solve mathematical problems. However, the biggest difference in the above books lies in the approach to knowledge as well as the types of exercises and solutions for each Math topic.
More specifically, Barron’s is highly appreciated in the US and Asia, because the explanations or types of exercises are very close to the teaching style of the teachers. The Princeton Review book will help students deepen their understanding through specific examples and detailed explanations.
1.2. SAT English materials
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- Reading and Writing Workout for the NEW SAT 3rd Edition
- The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar (Erica Meltzer)
- Webster’s New World Essential Vocabulary for SAT and GRE
- Reading Workbook for the NEW SAT (Barron’s)
With a heavy academic nature, this test requires candidates to have relatively extensive vocabulary and sentence structure in many different fields. However, it is possible to get 700 – 800 points if candidates spend enough time to review and have the right materials.
Similar to Math, Barron’s preparation materials are always among the top choices of candidates who want to improve their SAT scores. Besides, Erica Meltzer’s grammar practice book is also highly appreciated for its practicality, easy-to-understand expressions and ability to apply to the test. Finally, any candidate when reviewing vocabulary should not ignore Webster’s New World Essential Vocabulary for SAT and GRE.
See also: Should you take SAT or ACT when studying in the US?
2. Full SAT practice books
2.1. PDF SAT preparation materials (books with PDF versions)
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- Cracking the SAT Premium Edition with 8 Practice Tests, 2020 edition (The Princeton Review)
- SAT Premium Prep 2021: 8 Practice Tests + Review & Techniques + Online Tools (College Test Preparation)
- SAT Prep Plus 2021: 5 Practice Tests + Strategies + Online (Kaplan Test Prep)
- SAT Study Guide with 5 Practice Tests
- Barron’s SAT Premium Study Guide
These SAT books and prep programs are the amalgamation and integration of generations of teachers and students, as well as SAT planners and education professionals with years of experience in testing and practicing for students.
In addition to the books to specifically review each section and practice test strategies mentioned above, SAT textbooks from major publishers such as The Princeton Review, Kaplan, College Board, Barron’s… are all regarded for their comprehensiveness and quality of contents, moreover, the SAT preparation questions in these books closely follow the actual test.
You should not ignore The Official SAT Study Guide with versions that are continuously updated each year because this is the official document from the organization that administers the SAT exam. This is considered a common book for beginners because it guides you on how to study and prepare for the SAT in the most effective way to achieve the score you expect.
2.2. Paper SAT preparation materials (hard copies only)
Currently in the era of strong digitization, almost all book titles are put online in PDF format for easier access to users. However, publishers still circulate the paper version alongside the online version, and even the SAT preparation materials introduced above are also published in both paper and PDF format. If you are more interested in reading pages than looking at the screen, hard copy is the best choice.
See also: SSAT certificate
3. Online SAT materials
3.1. SAT preparation sites by section
3.2. Free online SAT mock test sites
3.3. SAT preparation software
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- Daily Practice for the New SAT from the College Board
- Khan Academy
- Varsity SAT mobile app
- SAT Vocab Genius
- SAT Flashcards
- SAT Pocket Prep
- SAT Test Prep by Magoosh
- SAT Prep: Practice Tests, Flashcards, Quizzes
Today, not only the US, SAT certificate with high scores also helps to increase the competitive advantage when studying in countries such as Canada, Australia, UK, Singapore and European countries. Therefore, preparing to study for the SAT right now is the key to win a place at the top universities that you have always dreamed of.
Intertu Education is currently enrolling students for SSAT exam preparation, SAT exam preparation, ACT exam preparation, GMAT exam preparation, GRE exam preparation, GED exam preparation. If you have any questions about SAT exam preparation, please contact us directly, via email or hotline for a free consultation.