Best Resources for SAT/PSAT English
5 min read•november 2, 2020
J
Jordyn Haynes
J
Jordyn Haynes
SAT 🎓
62 resourcesSee Units
All of these resources will help boost 🚀 you to your 800 on the SAT English Sections or a 720 on the PSAT English Sections!!
Struggling with the reading and/or grammar section of the SAT? Struggling to find good resources for your PSAT English Sections? 😫
We've compiled a list of the best resources to help boost your SAT/PSAT Reading and Writing score! Continue reading to find the best prep books, websites, videos, and other resources that will put you well on your way to a higher score!
Rating Scale:
🥇 Best value
🤓 Easiest to read
💸 Cheapest
🖊 Most thorough
Prep Books
1. Official SAT Study Guide - College Board
The Official SAT Study Guide is an excellent resource because it is the only SAT resource put out by the test makers themselves. The book offers a whopping ten practice tests along with explanations for every answer choice and strategy advice for each of the four sections. The practice tests in this book are updated in each yearly issue to align more closely with the content appearing on that year's SAT exams. However, this book is not all-new exams. The practice tests appear starting with number ten and working backward. Tests ten and nine are new for each edition while the remaining have been released on previous editions as well as online (these are available for free!).
In addition to releasing practice exams, the non-test section of this guide can be found on the College Board's website. Free PDF downloads are available for each chapter of the book. Using the College Board's free online downloads may be particularly helpful if you are in need of some last-minute preparation or would like to focus on a specific key component of a section such as a Synthesis or Rhetoric in the Reading section.
2. SAT Prep Black Book
- The SAT Prep Black Book offers walkthroughs and demonstrations for over 600 official SAT questions (4 practice tests released by the College Board).
- It is written in a conversational tone which makes it easy to read and comprehend, provides effective strategies, and stresses the importance of understanding the test.
- The book goes through common mistakes, how said mistakes prevent you from getting the question correct, and most importantly, how to correct yourself while taking the test!
- The author also explains how to know which parts of the test you should pay attention to and which parts you can afford to graze over.
- That section is super important for knowing how to pace yourself ⌛
In terms of the reading and grammar sections specifically, the SAT Prep Black Book dives into the intricacies of the passages, showing you what to look for in the questions to quickly find answers. It also goes over the specific grammar rules the College Board likes to test, which is crucial to score high on these sections 📈
This book is perfect for procrastinators (we feel you): even though it is 600 pages long! The information is clear and concise. And even doing even one or two of the walkthroughs and practice tests will equip you with a correct thought process that will lead to testing success! The Black Book is also ideal for the out of the box thinker because it provides multiple ways to reach the correct answer.
3. The Complete Guide to SAT Reading
The Complete Guide to SAT Reading certainly lives up to its title. It contains chapters for each SAT reading question type that break down several examples, effectively demonstrating how to answer each type of reading question. This book pairs well with the Official SAT Study Guide as it contains an index of questions from the official practice exams which is organized by both category and test. With its numerous strategies and example questions, this book is suitable for SAT beginners all the way through those in pursuit of a perfect score
Digital Resources
💸 The digital resources win the prize for the cheapest! All of these online options are available for free on the internet/on your preferred app store!
Websites
- Free study guides for SAT Reading, Grammar, Math, and Essay
- Community feature to collaborate with peers and ask questions
- Free and Paid Streams to refine your skills with experts on the test!
- Connect your College Board account to receive practice questions based on your weaknesses on the SAT/PSAT
- Includes links to full-length printable practice tests
- Mobile app is convenient for on-the-go practice
- Modules include video explanations, written guides, and practice questions
- Blog by Erica Meltzer, author of the Complete Guide to SAT Reading
- Blogs focus specifically on SAT reading, grammar, and writing
- Wide range of topics such as comma usage, vocabulary, and writing advice
Apps
Study Timer: Magoosh
- Test-prep timer
- Helps schedule time for test prep in a busy schedule
- Special "SAT Timer" allots 65 minutes of study time to reading, 35 minutes to writing & language, 25 or 55 minutes for math, and 50 minutes for the essay.
- Includes a standard 25-minute test prep timer for those who do not have the time for a full practice exam
Daily Practice for the New SAT: College Board
- Daily practice SAT questions
- Includes hints and explanations to facilitate your understanding
- "Scan and Score" feature allows you to score a College Board practice exam by scanning your test using your phone
- Easy to integrate into your daily routine with its various facets of test preparation (one question a day, practice questions, or full length tests)
SAT Prep: Ready4
- Includes practice questions, flashcards, lessons, and explanations
- Bookmark flashcards for a more personalized learning experience
- Allows you to compare your scores to typical SAT scores for more than 400 colleges and universities
- Match with colleges based on your scores, goals, and preferences
- Calculate your estimated score
SAT Flash: Palmsonntag Inc.
- 100s of practice questions with explanations
- Calculate your estimated score
- Challenge friends and compete with each other on an SAT practice leaderboard
- Progress tracking and personalized questions
Almost Fun
- Website and mobile app provides free study guides for SAT concepts such as grammar rules
- Practice questions based on current events and pop culture
- Cultural relevant and almost fun 😉 practice questions!
Overall
Review of the Resources!
| Award | Book/App Name! |
| 🥇 Best value | Official SAT Prep Guide |
| 🤓 Easiest to read | The Complete Guide to SAT Reading |
| 💸 Cheapest | Almost Fun + Fiveable (FREE-mium) |
| 🖊 Most thorough | The SAT Black Book |
That's a wrap! All of the resources in this comprehensive list will prove to be a major help in your preparation for the SAT and PSAT English Sections. With these resources, you will have all the tools you need to succeed in your test! Keep in mind, using just one resource will not give you all that you need to get the highest score possible. Expand your preparation techniques by incorporating multiple resources into your routine for the most comprehensive review! Good luck on your SATs and PSATs, you got this. 🙌🏿
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