Product Description

We want to give you the practice you need on the SAT*

McGraw-Hill's 12 SAT Practice Tests with PSAT provides the intensive test-taking practice that can help you sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and reduce your stress. Take these practice tests--created by two of America's most experienced and respected test-prep coaches--and you'll learn what kinds of questions are on the SAT, how the test is structured, and how to budget your time in each test section. Watch your scores improve from one practice test to the next--and get ready to do your very best on the real exam.

Inside you'll find:

• 12 complete sample SAT exams with full explanations for every answer, plus a complete sample PSAT exam
• Through coverage of the best strategies for the SAT essay
• Scoring worksheets to help you calculate your total score for every test
• Expert guidance in prepping students for the SAT
• More practice and extra help online

* SAT and PSAT are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board, which was not involved in the production of, and does not endorse, this product.

Customer Reviews (4)

Too many typos!
The tests are good, but the answer key section is chock full of mislabeled section numbers. Makes it an interesting challenge in grading the tests.

For me, it was better than Barrons & Princeton Review...
The reading in McGraw Hill's 12 SAT Practice Tests was really helpful since the answers give not only the reason why one was wrong, but also, the meanings of the vocabulary words in short concise synonyms for easy memorization. Ever wondered, what does that word mean in a reading question? McGraw Hill's 12 Sat Practice Tests explains it clearly! --something that other books don't offer.

I think this is a great book, in which a potential SAT student can reap great rewards! Good luck on the SAT's guys~

Practice Heaven
McGraw Hill is great for critical reading and writing.I did not notice any typos, and the 12 practice tests are enough for any ambitious teenager (I only completed 4).The font is different from the actual SAT, and that always bothered me.

However, I always thought the math was too easy or worded strangely.I preferred either Princeton Review or Barron's Math workbook to prepare for the math portion.

I believe that SAT preparation requires a cocktail of different prep books, so one can do sections according to current skill level.

A Great Way to Prepare for the Ordeal that is the SAT
This is a great book with very few if any typos. For anyone that is looking for practice before taking the actual test, this is the book to get. The answers are well designed, the explanations are clear, and its an economical buy. My only criticism is that the sat converter that comes with the book is too lenient. I'm relatively certain that one cannot get a perfect score on the writing section with more than 3 questions wrong. ... Read more

Product Description
The best way to prepare for standardized tests is to practice, and this resource offers you 11 prime opportunities to do just that! 11 Practice Tests for the SAT and PSAT includes

·10 practice SATs and 1 practice PSAT
·Detailed answer explanations for every question
·Online score reports that allow you to discover your strengths and weaknesses on each test
·An insider’s guide to what ETS says is on the test and what they really mean
·Access to optional online essay grading
... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

A necessary resource to improve SAT score
I used this book along with myriad other SAT books, including; Barrons SAT prep, Barron's SAT 2400, The Sparknotes Guide the Real SAT.I found that this book was one of the more helpful ones.I was skeptical at first to buy this book, as the SAT content can get distorted when it isn't written by the actual SAT writers.I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the practice tests in the book greatly resemble the real SAT tests.The answer explanations were very terse, sometimes you wouldn't be able to understand why you got the wrong answer.But that is not the case with all the answer explanations.In order to significantly improve your score, taking practice SAT tests greatly helps.Therefore, this is one of the best resources to use to improve your SAT score.

Excellent Study Guide
I took the SAT back in fall and came back with the egregious score of 1800, so I began studying. I weighed my options and picked this book. The reasons were: the explanations after every section more than suffice to understand why I missed the question; the math section is very comparable to the actual exam, using the same tricky wording and problems; also the reading selections I found quite interesting and also pretty challenging. Well in all, I came out with a 2250 on the May examination. Keep in mind, it really is just practice, I really enjoyed this book, but almost any book out there can produce the same result.

Princeton Review=Not realistic
I took the SAT in October and decided to take it again in May.

The first time I took the test I used the College Board's "Official SAT Book." I found it to be very realistic and even more difficult than the real test - which I think is a good thing. The downside to the book was that when I ran into a problem I didn't know - I had to ask someone for help - because I was stuck on my own. As inconvenient as that was - I must say I was pleased when it came to test day.

When I decided to take the test in May (and needed some refreshing) I decided to get the Princeton Review book that time - because of the explanation section it had in the back. I thought this would really alleviate the hassle and annoyance of being stuck on a problem with nothing to do to help me. Unfortunately, when it came test day I felt very astounded. I felt the questions on the REAL TEST were not nearly the same as the one's from the Princeton Review. They were much harder and even unaddressed in the book. I was pretty upset about the results.

My recommendation: Go with the College Board book - it really is from the Test Makers - it really makes a difference.

Lots of practice leads to substantial score improvements
The best way for students to really learn effective test taking techniques and strategies is to do lots of practice. That's just what this book offers. With 10 complete SAT tests (the eleventh is a PSAT test), it contains more than enough practice test material for even the most dedicated student. Princeton Review has done a commendable job creating practice tests that closely mimic the actual SAT. Another useful feature is an explanation for every test question of why the correct answer is the best choice and what is wrong with the other choices.

If you only want to buy one SAT book, this isn't it - so no 5 star rating. As a supplemental workbook for a class or a book on test strategies and techniques, it is ideal. (Note: I sometimes teach and tutor for Princeton Review.)

FAKE QUESTIONS
The practice tests in this book are NOT REAL. They are simulated. So who cares? Because the official SAT questions are DIFFERENT. This is like practicing mountain biking when you are going to go road biking.

Buy the Official SAT Study Guide, then go buy the Official SAT Study Guide Solutions Manual.

... Read more

Product Description
This set of vocabulary-building flash cards present cartoon illustrations showing visual puns with sample sentences and verbal mnemonics with definitions given on the reverse side of each card. Words and definitions are those that have appeared most frequently on recent SAT college entrance exams. The cartoons and vocabulary have been adapted from Philip and Susan Geer's book Picture These SAT Words!, which is also available from Barron's. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (12)

Say what you will, but it's effective
I'm amazed by how my students are responding. I teach high school SAT Prep. I'm actually using them in class today after first trying them out yesterday. I divided the students into teams and gave each kid 5 cards and 5 minutes. I then collected the cards and held a contest between the teams. So far, out of 7 sections, almost all accurately learned 5 words in 5 minutes. When asked, they recited the exact definition from the card and described the cartoon. In the rare instance when a student stumbled on a word, I remindeded him of the cartoon and he invariably remembered instantly.The contests took about 35 minutes, so by the end, they had sat long enough to drop the words from their rote memories. Out of approx. 70 words per class, I saw 1 or 2 missed per section. I couldn't believe it. And I can assure you, these kids were only half trying.

Buy this set and other books like it.

Excellent learning tool
I find these cards to be entertaining as they inspire a greater vocabulary.I use them in our multiage classroom for game playing and group activity.The kids love the games and they are remembering the words since it engages multiple aspects of learning... in small bites.Good stuff.

Get serious!
I would recommend this to children in elementary school. Pictorial definitions are fine for this age, however older students should have surpassed the dumbed down comic book approach.The pictorial representations fail to take into account the shades of meanings of words.The definitions offered will not stand up in most situations because of this narrow view of a word definition. This is where the product fails to deliver. Again, if you want to enhance your vocabulary, use a text based definition that takes into account the nuances of word meanings otherwise you are simply taking your chances with a quick cram job that is too surfacy.You will fail miserably when given a word on a standarized test in a context driven situation due to the narrowly focused definitions.

Disagree with approach
I disagree with this approach to learning vocabulary.The pictures have absolutely nothing to do with the language roots of each word.Yes, they serve as clever mnemonic crutches, but the end result is that the mind will forever carry around superfluous and inaccurate associations.I mean, really, asking you to think of someone "prodding a gull" to learn the meaning of "prodigal"?

I guess people are more interested in their SAT score than in learning for the long run.For short term gain, if skills with English mean nothing to you for the remainder of your life, these cards are novel.

great tool for SAT vocab prep
I use these with my high school AVID students to help them learn vocabulary for the SAT test.The pictures and examples really help them learn the words. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (54)

worth the money
this book contains 3 new tests. 7 tests are test 2-8 from the 1st edition. Allin all its worth all the money.You can't beat the real tests from the collegeboard when preparing for the SAT.Actually this book is cheaper and better than other practice tests books. must read for all sat students.

Sat college board study guide
The book is new and cheap. It didn't take long for it to get delivered to my house.
I really like that is took me step by step on what to expect. Also there were 10 practice test,each of those practice test did help me improve.

WARNING!SAME AS 1ST EDITION!!!
WARNING: THIS IS ALMOST THE SAME AS THE 1ST EDITION!!!!
LET' NOT GET FOOLED BY YTHE COVER..
there are only 3 new tests..
the best way is to buy the much cheaper 1st edition
and access the 2nd edition online answer explanation online(the explanation is easier to access)
I forgot what it ask about the code.
But feel free to ask me because I have a 2nd edition right now!!

Excellent
This is an excellent review book!!!! I got 780 in the math section because of this book.

Shipping/condition
Just wanted to say thank you for getting the book here so quick. My daughter really needed it to study with. he condition was excellent. Keep up the good work!!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Each October, more than 1 million high school sophomores and juniors take the PSAT/NMSQT exam. The scores from this test are used to determine eligibility for National Merit Scholarships and as an early indicator of SAT proficiency. As college admissions become more competitive, a high score on the PSAT can set the tone for the entire college application process. With proper preparation, students can score higher on this test and know what to expect on the SAT. Kaplan PSAT/NMSQT 2011 Premier features all the test preparation, tips, and strategies that make Kaplan’s courses so effective. This guide is geared toward younger and firsttime standardized test takers; it can help get them ready, and give them a positive testing experience that will provide the edge they’ll need for the future.

Kaplan PSAT/NMSQT 2011 Premier also includes:

• Two full-length practice tests with detailed explanations for each answer 
• Writing skills review, 100 top math concepts, and more than 1,000 vocabulary words
• Exclusive free access to Kaplan’s Live Online events, interactive state-of-the-art online events in real time, complete with audio, video, instant chat, whiteboards, and screen sharing
• A handy parents’ guide explaining how they can help their students use the book and prepare for the exam
• PSAT Study Group Guide
• Fresh content review and Kaplan PSAT Expert tips and strategies
• Fast Fact Videos with Kaplan’s best tutors to review the most important concepts, strategy, and content from each chapter

Customer Reviews (3)

Every last bit of coaching helps.It possible that even the brightest students can improve their lot with this workbook.
This is a 480-page book from an established company, Kaplan.The format is large: 8.5 inches by 11 inches.While the cover is glossy, all of the pages inside are printed on inexpensive off-white paper. The book comes with a PASSWORD, for use in accessing an on-line course.

This is a workbook.The purpose is to provide practice exams and self-imposed drills to students.The pages are for writing on, and for taking notes.Once the student has taken the PSAT test, or the SAT test, the workbook can be discarded, or handed down to a younger student.

The book has these parts: (1) PSAT basics; (2) Diagnostic test; (3) PSAT strategies; (4) Mathematics; (5) Writing test; (6) How to prepare for the test day; (7) Practice test 1; (8) Practice test 2; (9) Practice test 3; (10) Compute your score; and (11) PSAT resources.

The book is, in part, a teacher.For example, page 169-173show various kinds of verb tense errors, an error called "collective nouns," the trap of "intervening phrases," pronoun erros," and something called "ambiguous reference."Page 183 is devoted to an error in English called, "Bad parallelism."

Practice Test Two (pages 261-313), for example, contains dozens of different READING COMPREHENSION questions, for example, questions where there is a 1-page narrative, followed by 14 questions.For example, page 266 contains a narrative on innate language.One of the questions is, "The author mentions computers in the second paragraph primarily to illustrate the (A) way humans learn language through experience, (B) importance of computer use to a child's language acquisition, (C) progress in understanding language made using computer models, (D) inability of computers to use language creatively, and (E) possibility that humans are born knowing how to use language.

Pages 425 to 466 contains a long list of "hard words," useful for students with an urge to perform better.Word lists such as this, are also studied by premedical students, eager to do well on their MCAT exams.This particular word list include, "solicitous," "spartan," squalid," "strident," and "stringent." To tell you the truth, I am not sure what is the meaning of "stringent."Let's see, the Kaplan book says, "imposing severe, rigorous standards."Hmm, I thought that "stringent" meant caustic, or having a flavor that makes you contract your mouth.Hmm, a look into a dictionary tells me that what I was thinking of was, "astringent."Now let's see, does the Kaplan book have the word, "astringent"?YES, IT DOES.Well, I am impressed!

Kaplan was founded in 1938 by Stanley Kaplan, who started the business by tutoring students for the New York State Regents Exam in the basement of his parents' Brooklyn home.Later, he opened locations around the country. In 1984, Kaplan sold the company to The Washington Post Company.

Errors in math section disappointing
My son and I looked through six PSAT prep books and he chose this Kaplan guide based on price, reputation and access to an online component.He had recently done a practice test and we wanted to brush up on a few areas before the big test in a week.Yesterday we spent an hour in the reading & vocabulary section.Today we moved to math and found 3 errors, one in an example and two in the ten problems we worked in the end of chapter exercises.By reading the solutions carefully, it is evident that the problems contained typos, an "=" sign in place of a "-" sign and a parallel line symbol swapped for a perpendicular symbol.Now neither of us trust the book.We will probably continue to use the book but will probably not chose Kaplan guides in the future.

Review for Kaplan PSAT Book 2011
Hey everyone,

So i ordered the book and it came pretty much on time in about 2-3 days. The book is very informative but the answer key does not help you really understand how to do the problem. Like for beginner's who have no clue they don't give a good explanation of why the answer is what it is. I am not sure if the Princeton Book is better but I heard that it was. The format is pretty good on the Kaplan, it explains good on how to fill the answer in. I did find an error once in the book , lol. Most of the problems are very difficult but that it correct because thats how the material is on the real PSAT's. I just really wish the explanations were a lot better. And they broke down the steps more.

Hope this review helped you. For more info. just email me at [...]

:] ... Read more

Product Description

What the Media is saying :

"Gary Gruber is the most prominent guru of SAT preparation."-Chicago Tribune
"His methods make the questions seem amazingly simple to solve."-Library Journal
"Dr. Gruber knows the ins and outs of the SAT."-Los Angeles Times

Product Description
Kaplan SAT 2011: Strategies, Practice, and Review gives students the expert advice, practical hands-on tips, and test practice that have made Kaplan the smart, proven choice for SAT test preparation. This comprehensive guide offers everything a student needs to succeed in achieving a high SAT score: strategies, practice tests, and content review of all aspects of the SAT exam.

Kaplan SAT: Strategies, Practice, and Review also features:

• Tips from Kaplan’s SAT expert instructors and tutors 
• Advice and strategy callouts from Kaplan’s SAT perfectscorer 
• Helpful parents’ guide explaining how they can help their children use the book and prepare for the exam 
• Student study group guide 
• Four full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations
• Additional full-length practice test online

Customer Reviews (2)

Better than the Official SAT Guide
Firstly, I am a college student, who has (clearly) already taken the SAT. However, I ordered this preparation book as part of the Amazon.com Vine Program. As an aspiring English teacher, I found the Kaplan SAT Strategies, Practice, and Review to be far more helpful than the Official SAT study guide, particularly because this 2011 edition of Kaplan's SAT Strategies, Practice, and Review presents many of the little tricks I learned on my own to score 800 on the writing section of the SAT.

Writing Section:

Kaplan 2011 presents a large number of sample essays. Kaplan really focuses upon the 4 P strategy of "Prompt (read and understand it), Plan (collect and organize your ideas and examples), Produce (write your essay), Proofread (check for consistency and errors)." Kaplan 2010 also demonstrates/explores certain characteristics of what makes an excellent 6 essay, including underscoring that essays of 300 to 400 words that are written legible, with often a few corrected mistakes, during a proofread, are far more likely than essays that are less than 300 words, appear hurriedly written, and contain to corrected mistakes. The College Board's Official SAT study, at least the edition I own, does not explore these issues.

As for the multiple choice questions (ex: improving sentence questions), Kaplan 2011 is slightly less thorough than I would have ideally liked. Also, I feel that occasionally some of the sentences contained more than one error, which would not have occurred if one had purchased the Official SAT preparation guide. However, I think that two errors in a Kaplan sentence makes one think even harder about what constitutes a grammatically-correct sentence.

Critical Reading Section:

I felt this section was average and not very different from the Official SAT Study Guide. Of courses, strategies were presented for how to take notes while critically reading a passage, but I did not find the strategies to be particularly helpful considering the time limitations.

However, after the 4 practices, at the end of the book, is a Root Word List and a Vocabulary Word List that defines vocabulary words that may appear on the Critical Reading section of the test. This may assist one in improving one's performance on the vocabulary portion of the Critical Reading section.

Math Section:

Kaplan spends a lot of time focusing on math, (i.e. from p. 178 to 287). The math chapters are entitled, "SAT Math Basics and Strategies," "Basic Math Concepts," "Advanced Math Concepts," and "SAT Math Traps." Overall, the math sections appeared quite helpful, since I must admit that math was never my favorite subject in high school.


Finally:

To each of the 4 complete practice tests, Kaplan provides clear explanations for each problem. While this has become the norm for test preparation guides, I think it is helpful to know that Kaplan's explanations to problems were frequently helpful.


OVERALL ASSESSMENT:

I would recommend this test preparation book in place of the Official SAT Study Guide.

Kaplan SAT 2011 Sra=rategies, Practicd, and Revoew
The book was divided up nicely amoung test, a good self assessment with timed sections and 5 actuat tests at the back of the book.The answers sheet gave full explanations whay the correct answers were chosen.My son preferred Kaplan over Barrons.He said Batton's works book had antiquaited paragraphs and vocabulary.Kaplan gave lots of test tips and SAT test traps, 'what to look out for' clues.He is very happy with this book and also ordered the Educational Testins Service their own SAT 10 test booklet. ... Read more

Product Description
Manage your time and ace the mathematics section of the SAT

Scoring well on the mathematics section of the SAT exam isn't guaranteed by getting good grades in Algebra and Geometry. Turn to SAT Math For Dummies for expert advice on translating your classroom success into top scores. Loaded with test-taking strategies, two practice tests, and hundreds of problems with detailed solutions and explanations, SAT Math For Dummies helps you maximize your scores in no time.

• Review key math concepts and then step through example and sample problems and solutions presented in the same multiple choice and grid-in formats you'll experience on the SAT
• Offers an expert review of core mathematic concepts as well as ample opportunity for practice
• Improve important skills such as estimation and number sense

SAT Math For Dummies gives you expert tips on how to make the best use of the limited time allowed and get your best possible score! ... Read more

Product Description
Practice and review questions for all sections of the SAT college entrance test are presented on 500 flash cards. Students will find 200 math cards, 200 grammar cards, and 100 vocabulary cards. The math cards include 75 important math facts that students need to know as strategies for answering math questions, as well as 100 sample SAT problems in both multiple-choice and grid-in formats.The vocabulary cards have two words per card with definitions on the reverse sideÂ--a total of 200 new words for test takers to learn. This boxed set of4 1/2" x 2 3/4"flash cards is designed with a punch hole in one corner of each card. The hole will accommodate a metal key-ring-style card holder enclosed with the cards. Using the holder, students can arrange the flash cards for their Q and A sessions in any sequence that suits their needsÂ--perhaps by general topic, or alternately by leaving out cards with questions and answers that test takers already know well. ... Read more

Product Description
The real Preliminary SAT (PSAT) / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT)test booklet for Saturday, October 21, 2006. Questions cover sentences, readings, passage comparisons, math, and writing/grammar. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

The SAT book that makes you smile
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))

AMAZING!
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

A Helpful book
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 ... Read more

Product Description
Vocabulary practice is critical for success on the SAT, and these vocabulary flashcards provide you with an easy, efficient and portable way to prepare for the verbal section of the exam. This box of SAT flashcards includes 500 vocabulary words, with definitions and examples of each word used in context. It also includes 50 bonus customizable flashcards, so you can enter in words that you personally need to practice the most, as well as a unique divider that helps you keep track of your progress as you learn and perfect new SAT words

Essential SAT Vocabulary includes words from the Princeton Review’s famous “Hit Parade” of vocabulary most likely to appear on the SAT. Start your practice today with key words from the test prep experts and raise your SAT score! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excellent Service!
I received excellent service for a top-quality product at a low price.It arrived speedily and was in excellent condition.

Great study tool!
The design of these cards is very attractive and I love how there are dividers included.
There's nothing better than some old fashioned flash cards to help you learn new words.
:) I'm very satisfied.

It's really good
These cards really does help improve your scores for the SAT. It gives very simple definitions and a few synonyms. Also it comes with a nice box XD.

Excellent Study Source
I bought the Essential SAT Vocabulary Cards for my son and am pleased to say that he is very confident about taking the SAT.He has added some very valuable words to his vocabulary.

Excellent!

Just a bunch of words and definitions printed on cards
You could easily just go on google and search "SAT vocab"and find some flashcards you could print out ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (27)

Wonderful Book!!! DEFINITELY A MUST-HAVE FOR STRUGGLING SAT TEST TAKERS!!!
I can't express how much I love this book and emphasize its importance for success on SAT critical reading. Contrary to advices that teacher may offer, memorizing SAT vocabulary is a must for all those who have a relatively weak vocab. The first step in answering the question involves understanding what it is asking. How could you attack a problem if you don't know what it's asking in the first place? This is why I highly recommend this text; it provides the most efficient (and fun!) way to study. DH is a compilation of past SAT words that have appeared on previous SAT tests. It's indispensable to know these vocabulary simply because collegeboard often recycles the words for use in future tests. Personally, this book (in addition, to Core Vocab in Volume One) raised my SAT CR score from a slumping 550 to the 700s.

Great book, great results!
This easy to manage list of vocabulary words is presented in such a user-friendly manner that your student won'tmind studying vocab.The reduced size of the list covers more words that appear on the SAT than the dictionary sized lists in other books, and the references to pop culture make the definitions "stick".Simply the best vocab prep avaliable.My student actually enjoyed studying with this book!

Thank you, Direct Hits!

Finally, a book my middle school son enjoyed reading. I just wish I found about it a month or two sooner. The use of celebrities, superheroes and historic figures to drill these commonly tested SAT words into your long term memory is "masterful".

My 14 year old son who has a strong vocabulary foundation missed (2) of the sentence completions on the June 2010 SAT. Unfortunately, we did not discover Direct Hits before he sat for the exam. Early on, I ran across exhaustive vocabulary lists from 250-4000 words and I knew very well my son would not put down his X-Box controller long enough to study them, let alone peruse these lists of randomly chosen words.

After my son received his official SAT score I handed him copies of the 2010 version and to my delight he studied them from cover to cover in a matter of days. I was amazed, and I questioned him about the books, he stated, "Dad these books make learning vocabulary fun". That was music to my ears and I obtained the 2011 versions as soon as they became available. To my delight, he devoured the 2011 editions with the same vigor.

For my purposes, I feel Direct Hits is a blessing and a curse at the same time. On one hand he has learned the most frequently used words on the SAT effortlessly and painlessly, but on the other hand, how can this be matched for the remaining SAT subject areas? I have spent countless hours trying to find other SAT preparation books that have that "special" something to keep my son engaged and away from Halo, Madden 2011 and the like. To no avail.

What I like the most about the 2011 Core and Toughest Vocabulary books is that I feel that all stones have been turned over in learning SAT vocabulary. I am confident that when he takes the SAT when it counts as a Sophomore or Junior his middle school CR reading score of 680 will have a much greater chance of the elusive 800 with Direct Hits by his side. Keep up the great work as I look forward to purchasing the 2012 editions and beyond.

Awesome!
These books are fun to read, plus with only around 400 words (with both volumes) its far easier to manage memorizing them than the 5000+ word list of others.Furthermore, despite its brevity Direct Hits typically contains more words that appear on the actual SAT, than even the 25,000+ word mini-dictionaries.So if you're trying to improve on your SAT vocabulary there simply is nothing better!

The BEST SAT PREP BOOKS!!!
The Core Vocabulary was the perfect review for the SAT. I had a short time to prepare so I read through the Core Vocabulary Book and the Fast Review section as a reviewing aid. I felt that I was thoroughly prepared for the SAT and actually had a lot of fun reading the books. The word definitions had really interesting/funny examples, which made the books seem like a fun novel! I never felt like I was actually studying for the SAT, but still reaped the benefits of the books! The Tips for a Direct Hit help put the words into context and were actually fun facts to learn while I was studying. This is a MUST HAVE for anyone taking the SAT! I've tried countless other resources and word lists, but almost all of the words on the SAT were covered in this book. I could not recommend it any more! ... Read more

Product Description
This new edition prepares students to succeed when they take the SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M (Ecology and Molecular). The manual presents a short diagnostic test and twofull-length Biology E/M practice tests with all questions answered and explained. It also includes a test overview and an extensive subject review that covers all test topics. Enclosed with the book is a CD-ROM thatpresents two additional full-length practice tests with all questions answered and explained plus automatic scoring. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

satisfied
It was very good condition and brand new. I have received it earlier than expected. ... Read more

Product Description
Created by a Harvard-educated instructor and the staff of testprofessors.com, this book of ten full- length practice tests includes everything you need to succeed on the Vocabulary portion of the SAT with:

•Tests that use the most frequently-appearing words on the SAT

•Ability to identify strengths and weaknesses in vocabulary areas from test to test, which ensures continued improvement

•Easy-to-Remember definitions to speed up learning

•No wasted time; Get to what you need immediately and use EVERY page of this book

•A companion guide for even more thorough study: "Essential SAT Vocabulary for Reading Passages & Questions V. 1"

Product Description
There is nothing like practice to help one build the necessary competitive edge. To that end, Kaplan 12 Practice Tests for the SAT provides more practice exams than any other guide on the market. The guide is designed to help students increase their speed and accuracy with all of the different question types. The detailed answer explanations help students diagnose their strengths and weaknesses and focus their study efforts for maximum results. For the student who is serious about improving SAT fluency through consistent practice, this guide will help to give the confidence and skills needed to conquer this important exam.

Kaplan 12 Practice Tests for the SAT includes:

• 12 full-length practice exams
• More than 600 math grid-ins and multiple-choice questions
• More than 800 sentence completion and reading comprehension questions
• More than 500 multiple-choice writing questions
• 12 essay prompts, complete with model essays and a selfgrading guide

The more students practice, the more comfortable they will feel when it’s time to take the real test. With this amount of material and preparation for the SAT exam, Kaplan 12 Practice Tests for the SAT is the perfect guide for students who are serious about maximizing their scores and believe that practice makes perfect! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Practice for every type of question on the SAT includes detailed answers and a breakdown of the tests
12 PRACTICE TESTS FOR THE SAT appears in its sixth updated edition to pack over 1,000 pages with clear test-taking guidelines. Practice for every type of question on the SAT includes detailed answers and a breakdown of the tests, going far beyond rote memorization! A highly recommended pick for any student taking the advanced placement exams.

DOn't Buy this!
This book is extremely inaccurate, especially on math and critical reading section. Both are more difficult than the sections from collegeboard blue book, but if you want more challenge your welcome to buy this.
I get 3 questions wrong on CR on blue book, but on this book I get 8 question wrong.

Practice Test Three, Section 3 (Math Section), Question 19
Someone said there is an error on Practice Test Three, Section 3 (Math Section), Question 19. I think it depends on how you interpret the question.

If a game with team 1 and 2 is not same as a game with team 2 and 1, then the answer is right on the book. The answer is 32+32+32+32=32x4=128

But if the game with team 1 and 2 are considered as same game as team 2 and 1, then the answer on the book is wrong. And the answer is 28+24+20+16+12+8+4=112.

By my understanding of the question, it said "each team play 4 games with each other team". So it seems that a game with team 1 and 2 is NOT same as a game with team 2 and 1. Thus, I think the book is right :-)

Could someone post the errata web site ? I can't find it.

Thanks

It's a good book
Comprehensive and substantial questions for SAT takers!. This bool also provides a detailed explanation for each question, therefore more suitable for students who speak English as a second language.

Brute Force Has Its Virtues
For those wishing to take the SAT, the KAPLAN 12 PRACTICE TESTS FOR THE SAT is a reasonably good choice as a first step in preparation. However, having said that, I must add that any study guide must be seen as one step on a continuum of approaches.Ideally, the hopeful test taker is already having the right frame of mind: high grades in school, reads lots of books on his/her own, and has been prepping since freshman year.The Kaplan text is a fine example of the "brute force" approach. It provides a dozen tests approximating the difficulty level of the real thing. This is both good and bad news.It is good in that one can learn techniques on a subliminal level, namely one "picks up" pointers as one goes along. It is bad in that the authors proceed in a vacuum.There is very little in the text which provides a clear and coherent context for learning.Not everyone has the time, talent, or inclination to absorb by osmosis the subtle skills needed to score high.Further, for a text that is supposed to prepare the user to distinguish error from non-error, the authors make an unacceptably large number of factual errors, nearly all of which could have been avoided through a careful editing. In the world of test taking enhancement, for the kid who is simply "average" (whatever that means), such a one will find that the hardest part in which to improve is essay writing.The skimpy section on how to create the high level essay will work but only if the user is prepared to spend many months enhancing a wide range of skills that texts like this one can only point such a user in the right direction.Anyone can learn to be a better writer, but to master the plethora of skills needed to churn out a competent and coherent essay in the time allowed is far more complicated than the Kaplan authors imply.So what can you do to get a high score?
ONE: Read and master a stand alone text like this one. Be prepared for a study time line of a minimum of six months, 2-3 hours/day.
TWO: Read plenty on your own, and as you do look at the prose style, the content, and the vocabulary of what you read.
THREE: Pay serious attention to your teachers.
FOUR: Repeat steps one - three as needed. ... Read more

Product Description

• New! "Smart Break" activities, designed for students to take a fun break from studying while keeping their math, reading, and writing skills sharp for the exam
• 4 full-length practice tests with detailed answer explanations
• Diagnostic test with targeted feedback

Customer Reviews (7)

"Like New" ... except no CD-ROM
I bought from an Amazon.com associate vendor (goodwillbooks), and went with "Used--Like New".However, the CD-ROM was missing.This made whole purchase go from a "bargain" to a "rip-off".Caveat Emptor

Slow shipping, item as described though.
Item was sent from the UK which is a little unusual for an item used only in the US.Took nearly 2 weeks to get to Colorado.Item was exactly as described, 4 stars due to the shipping issue not the item.

Kaplan SAT 2009 Premier Program
My wife and I have been using the Kaplan SAT Premier Program in order to teach high school students at summer SAT preparation mini-camps. We have looked at other books, but we believe that the Kaplan program is the best.

Kaplan SAT 2009
It is what it is...effectiveness is hard to evaluate, each student is different. Quality product as described.

SAT Premier Program 2009 Edition
I recomend this book to everyone who wants to get a higher score on their SAT test =] ... Read more

Product Description
The best way to prepare for standardized tests is to practice, and this resource offers you 11 prime opportunities to do just that! 11 Practice Tests for the SAT and PSAT, 2009 Edition includes

·10 practice SATs and 1 practice PSAT
·Detailed answer explanations for every question
·Online score reports that allow you to discover your strengths and weaknesses on each test
·An insider’s guide to what ETS says is on the test and what they really mean
·Access to optional online essay grading ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

great practice
this book may have some typos which were definitely annoying but still extremely usefull - to respond to some of the more negative reviews here I would say that yes, these are not REAL SAT questions.So what?ETS only releases real questions years later in most cases.Why would I want outdated questions on an exam that is always changing???I would much rather practice on simulated questions that represent what I will ACTUALLY be tested on!
If you are a tutor buying this book, complaining about the questions not all being new seems odd - if you are a tutor - create your own!The normal buyer has not worked the tests in the editions from previous years.You buy it when you need to take the SAT and then trash it when you reach the score that gets you into college.Who cares if 3 years ago your older brother worked some of the same problems.My understanding of the test is that it changes all the time but slowly and progressively, so wouldn't it make sense that PR's materials would do the same thing?

I will say this though - don't buy the 2009, buy the most current year available.

SAT review book
The SAT practice test book is exactly as described and what I needed.It shipped faster than expected.

Complete Disaster
This book is a complete disaster. I have completed the first practice test thus far and found gross errors in both math and critical reading section. For instance, on one of the CR questions, the quide would explain why the answer D is correct and then provide letter A as the right answer. Buy this book only if you desperately need some practice material and for no other reason !!! And if you do buy it, you should be pretty good at SAT already to find mistakes like these.

except for a few errors here and there, it was perfect
I never used any of the previous editions, so I don't know if the questions repeat from prior years. However, as a junior, I got a 1930 (550 CR, 740 M, 640 W) on the PSAT. After taking 8 of the practice tests timed, I got a 2160 on the actual SAT (680 CR, 800 M, 680 W). The reading sections of this book are especially difficult (a little more difficult than College Board's), but they prepared me so well. The math section is only more difficult than College Board's for the last couple of problems (for me that was all I needed). The writing section was about the same difficulty. Anyway, this book hasn't received rave reviews from most people, and if you use it casually it probably won't do you much good. However, if you sit yourself down, time it, and review all your wrong answers afterwards, it can do you a lot of good. And don't quit. On the first test I got a 470 in CR and by the end I was getting 640s(ish), so don't quit if you flunk the first couple.

Not Actual SATS
If you are trying to decide between this Princeton Review book and Princeton Review's Cracking the SAT, which is very similar, my advice is to go with Cracking the SAT even though this is also a good book. I totally agree with Princeton Review's blurb that nothing prepares you better for the real SAT than taking lots of practice exams. The problem is that, with a few exceptions, these are NOT "real" SAT questions, but are instead Princeton Review questions that are similar to those on the real SAT, but not as well-written (nor as hard) as those on the actual SAT. If you want to prepare for the SAT by studying actual SAT questions, the only book that has them is the "Official SAT Study Guide," which is put out by the test's maker, the College Board. The Official SAT Study Guide features 8 complete examinations from previously administered SATs that are essentially identical to the test you will be taking.

If that were the only difference, buying the Official SAT Study Guide over the Princeton Review book would be a no-brainer. But it's not that simple. Unlike the Princeton Review, the Official SAT Study Guide does not provide explanations, but merely an answer key, which could leave you scratching your head about why the answer you picked was wrong, or how you were supposed to figure out the correct answer in the first place. You can get the College Board's "official" explanations for "free," but you have go to its website, type in a code key from inside the book, enter your answers in various and sundry boxes on the website, at which point you will finally be allowed to view the official explanations. By contrast, the Princeton Review provides explanations for all the questions right after each test, which means you don't have to go to hunting for them afterwards. Such convenience makes it much more likely that you will read the explanations, which is a very good thing.

Unfortunately, the Princeton Review answers, like the Princeton Review questions, are rarely as edifying or as helpful as those from the College Board -- -- in fact, some of them are downright confusing. So it's a trade-off. If you think you will take the trouble to go to the College Board website to get the answers, use the Official SAT Study Guide; if you have your doubts, go with Princeton Review and use their questions and answers, keeping in mind that they are occasionally murky, confusing, or even incorrect.

Personally, I feel that Princeton's own Cracking the SATs is a better book than this one because its practice drills and tips are brilliant (Joe Blog, etc), and still includes three full practice exams, even though its tests have the same problem as those in this book. (Note, however, Princeton Review's exams are superior to those of Kaplan and Barrons, which isn't saying much.) Overall, my recommendation is to buy Princeton Review's Cracking the New SAT 2008 to get the benefit of its excellent coaching advice, and then get a free copy of a genuine SAT when you register for the SAT. (Complete explanations for the practice test are also available on the college board website.) If you think you need more practice, consider buying the Official SAT Study Guide and use it with the materials provided on the College Board website. That should maximize your chances for doing the best you possibly can. A new edition of the Official SAT Study Guide is scheduled to be released in July 2009. It will include several new, actually administered SAT exams. ... Read more

Product Description
Get the book that gives  you plenty of practice and much, much, more! 11 Practice Tests for the SAT and PSAT, 2011 Edition, includes :

• 11 Total Practice Tests—10 for the SAT and 1 for the PSAT
• Detailed answers & explanations for every question
• Overview of SAT basics and content
• Key information about SAT scoring and SAT myths
• Online score reports show your strengths and weaknesses
• Helpful information about paying for college and college admissions
• Access to online essay grading by a Princeton Review teacher ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A very helpful book
Just seriously do lots of excise in this book whenever you want. Do not need to pay tons of money to go to C2 or Kaplan.

not the best out there
Pros: lots of practice tests, answer keys and explanations clear and concise

Cons: there are MISTAKES in some of the answer keys. also apparently the problems don't resemble those from the real SAT very well. ... Read more

Product Description
Includes everything students need to conquer the Writing section of the SAT exam with:

• In-depth coverage and targeted practice for the SAT Writing section
• 3 realistic writing tests with detailed answer explanations covering all parts of the SAT writing section
• Effective score-raising tips and strategies for building speed and accuracy
• Tactics for writing a great essay
• Proven techniques for tackling all writing question types

Customer Reviews (3)

Study
This is a motivator in writing essays for the Sat.Very self help oriented and great for class preparation of Sat Writing.

I got an 800
When I first took the SAT, I got a 650 on the writing section (yuck!). However, when I bought this book and diligently went through each problem set and studied all of the material in it, I got an 800 when I retook. So, I'll spare you the long winded details -- this book produces results. Buy it!

Ok!
I own this book. It is ok. practice material is not that abundant. I have gotten a 730 on the writing, and went through this book and then got a 720. ... Read more