This book is absolutely amazing. It'll give you a sense of what you can expect from the real SAT. Also, the book provides little hints and thorough explanations that will most definitely improve your SAT score. Highly recommended!

This is the only book that has real SAT questions from the test makers. If you are motivated enough to do all the practice tests, you will do very well. The practice tests in the other books will not help you as much. The book has no explanations, but they are available from other sources.


Because of the overlap in skills between the ACT and SAT, you may want to try the ACT also, since colleges accept either test. For the ACT these two books are the most useful:
The Real ACT Prep Guide: The Only Official Prep Guide From The Makers Of The ACT
DISSECTING THE ACT 2.0: ACT TEST PREPARATION ADVICE OF A PERFECT SCORER or ACT TEST PREP WITH REAL ACT QUESTIONS

This edition has been preempted by the newer 2nd Edition, which contains three actual SATs. This book is composed of eight "practice tests," and it's apparent that some of the material used here wasn't fit for prime time.

As we all know, The College Board is evil. However, we still need to give them our money and take the SAT if we want to go to a good school. So, to get a good score, you need to get this book. As it says on the cover, these are real questions by the people who actually write the test. Once you do a bunch of these, it becomes very predictable. It would be nice if they could give accurate scores at the end of the tests, instead of those ridiculous ranges, but whatever. Also, watch out for a bunch of "careless" mistakes throughout the book. Do you think the College Board takes off a quarter point from itself for each of its errors? My tutor, David Storper, helped me interpret the results, and explain the questions I couldn't get. If you live in the DC, Bethesda area, you should work with him. He's really cool and knows what he's talking about.

I was very disappointed with this book, but I guess beggars can't be choosers. I needed more real, released exams for my students, and the official SAT Guide made sure to provide it. However, neither my students nor I were prepared for just how many errors exist throughout this edition. I truly feel that the College Board rushed to release its 10 Official Exams. I can't tell you how many errors I found in the math, reading, and writing sections. Some blogs even speculate that the `typos' may exist on purpose so that College Board can maintain its high levels of confusion with the SAT. (One math problem had 3 typos!) As I learned in Law School, "Caveat Emptor!" or "Buyer Beware."

Another aggravating aspect of this book is that the new edition has 7/10 exams that can be found directly from the old edition, except the new edition costs several dollars more. I found this particularly unfair to students who strive to study from the most updated material, when in reality, it's not so updated. This year, many students had to pay almost $25 for a book containing only 3 new tests, when they thought the College Board was selling 10. The only major difference is that now, tests 3-10 have lots and lots of typos. I can't help but wonder why the almighty College Board couldn't hire someone to proofread the book properly before it went to print.... unless the errors may in fact not be so 'unintentional.'

In conclusion, The Official SAT Guide is only good if you go through the questions with a highly knowledgeable friend or a reliable tutor. (May I suggest Kweller Prep for those living in the tri-state area?) Aside from the yellow errata sheet (that only some books provide), I found dozens of mistakes, which was quite aggravating as a tutor. I can only imagine how confusing it must be for students. I do, however encourage this purchase; there are 10 official exams, and you can at least benefit from that.

A book review by Frances Kweller, founder of Kweller Prep SAT: Intense Prep for Intense Kids!

A must have book!!

This is from the people who make the real test and it has real tests. Practice with these tests, and you will do well. Practice with the tests from the other books and you will waste time. The only grip that I have is that you have to pay to get explanations to the tests.

A very important book if one wants to get a high score on the SAT!

Under the title "2nd edition" and "10 tests" I was expecting the College Board to offer us 10 new tests, after all these years that the 1st edition kept coming up. Unfortunately, the title was misleading, since only 3 new tests were added, the remaining 7 being reprints of the 7 (out of 8) tests in the 1st edition. It is really a shame.

I've bought them to my children and they are very happy and satisfied with this book, which they are using to prepare themselves for the SAT.

I've been using the 1st edition since it came out when the test changed in 2005. My students have consistently reported that the questions on the real test are just like the ones in the book.

Several hundred pages of review materials complement the full-length practice tests. Examples and explanations of the various types of questions on the test are particularly helpful.

The new 2nd edition has a few new sections but otherwise is the same as the first and I expect my students will find it just as useful.

We ordered the older version SAT book on a rush because the class our daughter was in wasn't updated to the new text. We paid extra $$ for shipping but the book was delayed in the mail and took almost 2 weeks to arrive. The vendor we used was apologetic and though realizing they couldn't control the speed of the US Mail they refunded our shipping on the book to compensate for the time it took. Classy move. We appreciated their customer service. The book was flawless by the way.

Purchased the book used for my daughter. It was in excellent condition. I ordered on Monday & received it on Friday. Pleasure doing business!!

I needed to contact the seller to ensure that I was receiving the correct edition. The seller responded promptly, to ensure that it was the correct edition. Most importantly, the price charged was significantly cheaper than other sources. I believe I paid under $10.00, and it was posted in the $90.00 range from other sources! That is what prompted me to ensure that it was the same book with such a price swing! The book arrived promptly, and was it great condition (like new) just as described!

I purchased this for my son who is a HS sophomore, although I have used it more than he has.

It is very well organized and offers a lot of useful tips on the various types of questions. It explains why one answer is better than perhaps a similar one, which I found very helpful. There are a lot of practice questions and full-length practice tests as well. The book is broken up nicely into sections. In addition to the practice questions, it also provides useful test-taking tips.

It also provided guidance for the newest section on writing and good examples of the types of topics that will likely be provided. It gave good examples of a good essay, an okay essay and a poor essay, and provided specific pointers as to why one would be graded higher than another. I found this very valuable, since I thought some of the "okay" ones were pretty good - but it pointed out what was lacking.

I think that if I can get him to actually go through the book, it will be very helpful in preparing for the standardized exams in his future. I think the purchase price is very reasonable for what you get in this book, and it is an excellent value. I highly recommend it if you will be taking the SAT.

I never received my purchase. I've exhausted all avenues of refund without so much as ever even getting a response. I'm sure the actual producst is very helpful, it just remains to be seen due to the fact I have not received it.

I purchased this book to help with math scores. I have taken the SAT before and was happy with my scores. Between this and The ACT prep guide. This one has much better information in math.

This is a very good book for practice SATs. They give you 10 practice tests and your score range. Tip: find the median score of your score range and that's your real score, it works. Loses 1 star b/c they don't explain answers, but a ton of practice questions. I took all the tests and questions in the sections without any other practice and raised my score from a 510 math 610 reading on the PSAT to a 600 Math 660 Reading on the actual SAT so it works!

Although the book has a good number of sample tests, it gives only answers to the items and no explanation of how that answer was derived. It is a good follow-up after the Princeton Review for the SAT where the correct answers on 3 practice exams are explained fully.

Dr. Greer
Academics Upward Tutoring
[...]
864-542-7622

This guide was very helpful and easy to follow. Get it early, though. Buy it a good 3-6 months before the test so your student can take full advantage of it.

Purchased for my son. He is using this item and is very satisfied with the book.

This is the most trusted brand for college preparation. Collegeboard has never failed serving millions of high school students with the materials they need. Although it is not fun to do the book it will be worth while. I know it will later on help to accomplish what I want to be when I am older. This product will help with anyone preparing for the SAT.

I purchased a number of other books to prepare for the test, but ultimately found them all pretty worthless. What you need to do is get this book and take the practice tests; in fact, that's all you need to do. The SAT is not about being smart or skilled in the content. The test is simple once you understand it. Doing well is knowing the test, understanding how to manage your time, recognizing your errors, and gaining a general intuition in terms of the ways the test will attempt to trick you or lead you away from the correct answer. There is no better way to learn these things than practicing with questions written by the people who make the real test! By the time you're done, correct answers will leap out at you, and you'll be extremely comfortable on the big day, knowing exactly what to expect. I only took 4 of the practice tests and ended up with an 800 on the Critical Reading, 740 on the Math, and 730 in Writing (that only amounted to 5 questions wrong total out of 170, no questions skipped). No classes, hardly any other practice, just a couple of Sundays set aside.

This is the best book to use in preparation for the SAT. I own an SAT tutoring company and I only use this book. I skip the tips and go right to all the practice tests. They are very realistic; not too hard and not too easy.

I am an SAT Tutor and have routinely seen students of mine improve their SAT scores between 250 and 300 points and beyond. The only book I use is this one because it's the only book on the market that has questions made by the test maker. This not only insures that students know and improve in content skill but, just as important, they become very aware of patterns. In other words, by reviewing hundreds of questions, students naturally become familiar with the common traps, errors and nuances of the test. This builds confidence. Further proof? The Amazon ranking of this book is routinely in the top 100 while it's closest competitors are in the thousands or tens of thousands!Rock the Test: The Newest SAT Solutions Manual to the College Board's Official SAT Study Guide

This is not a rating - never received product because it was never really available. Vendor contacted me right away concerning the discrepancy.

Study Guide is great and less expensive than through the College Board website.

Very unhappy with Amazon shipping - the "free" shipping took over 2 weeks.

This was a great guide to prepare me for what to expect on the test.

The only thing that study guides like these lack is the testing monitor who can be a little overwhelming at times.

It's hard to knock an item that is relatively low in cost yet has the potential to reap great dividends. My daughter has buried herself in the book and we invested the additional $50 (cost after discount with purchase of book) so she could use the online component. A must-have for any self-motivated student.

Caveat: I suspect that (like any form of study), it is difficult to forcefully apply the contents to unwilling parties!! :D

Bought this for grandson, a senior in High School, starting to prepare for his SAT test. Arrived in a timely manner in New condition. Sorry for late submission of feedback.

College Board's Official SAT Study Guide is the only book with real SAT questions, but it lacks solutions to those questions. You need to get this book too:

Official SAT Study Guide Solutions Manual: 2007-2008 Edition

It is so worth what I paid, and then some. It explains in great detail and the wording is easy to understand. I just wish the book would focus more on problem areas and not just the whole SAT test. I still think the book will help me tremendously on the exam.

Before I decide to purshase this product I knew what was about it. The book is not for me. But I know it is very helpfull for my son. When we were searching it was a very nice experience 'cause we saw many amazing products we wanted to get. Even do was my first time buying on line I am so satisfied with Amazon. As third parties as well. I come here often since then. Thanks Amazon.

I bought this book for my kid because it was recommended on mysterytutor.com, and I have to say I'm glad I did. The questions are different from what he was working on before, which was one of the Barron's books, just like the guy on the mystery tutor site said they would be. It just makes sense to use real questions to get ready for the test, especially when it's an important one.

Some other reviewers have written about how the book doesn't provide solutions, and I agree that that's a problem, but if you go to the mystery tutor's forums you can get all of those solutions for free, so that way you can still use this book of real questions and not have to go with some other company's fake questions, but still have explanations.

The book is full of real practice questions just like it says it is, and it's the only book of practice questions you should be using! Get it and don't think twice.

I bought this book for my kid because it was recommended on mysterytutor.com, and I have to say I'm glad I did. The questions are different from what he was working on before, which was one of the Barron's books, just like the guy on the mystery tutor site said they would be. It just makes sense to use real questions to get ready for the test, especially when it's an important one.

Some other reviewers have written about how the book doesn't provide solutions, and I agree that that's a problem, but if you go to the mystery tutor's forums you can get all of those solutions for free, so that way you can still use this book of real questions and not have to go with some other company's fake questions, but still have explanations.

The book is full of real practice questions just like it says it is, and it's the only book of practice questions you should be using! Get it and don't think twice.

This book NEVER arrived. It was cancelled the same day, reorder from another vendor and also cancelled. Finally, my daughter's boyfriend found her one, almost too late and they studied together. The Guide was helpful but would have been better if delivered and on time.

This book comes in handy because it has great tips and sources coming right from the creator of the SAT's and also tells you what to expect on test day. The only problem is that it gives no explanations for the answers.There are explanations on the sample questions only, but there are none on the practice tests(there are eight practice tests). It is so frustrating, especially in the math section, don't just tell me the answer is "B", explain to me WHY it is "B" and HOW to solve the problem. If you want an effective and easy to understand study guide, I recommend "11 Practice tests for the SAT's and PSAT's" by the princeton review. That one actually explains the answers for every single question(both math and English) in the book. You can buy the college board's if you want great tips but don't rely on it for your practice tests because its not going to help.

well..
Firstly,it is a great book with useful deals for different part of SAT. I think this book is like Baron's "How to prepare for SAT",but it has more details and is from the test maker.
Secondly,as a official guide to SAT for people all around the world,it introduce SAT in a very detailed way,including some test skill.(though..just few..)
As a official guide,it can just present some common skills and reference. It cannot be a top reference book but a necessary book for SAT.
Thanks collegeboard for presenting such a great book for us.

I bought this book for my daughter. It is easy to navigate, well laid-out, and fairly clear and precise in its presentation.

This is an excellent guide for the SAT!
The content is thorough and very helpful.

I thought this is a straight forward book. It provides lots of examples but it is hard to sometimes learn from each questions (students I find keep making the same mistakes over and over).

Also, from the test maker I would like to see some more free material since they are making lots of money off of each student that takes the exam. If you are going to pay for a book, check out rocket revolution or Gruber's book for great material.

I thought this is a straight forward book. It provides lots of examples but it is hard to sometimes learn from each questions (students I find keep making the same mistakes over and over).

Also, from the test maker I would like to see some more free material since they are making lots of money off of each student that takes the exam. If you are going to pay for a book, check out rocket revolution or Gruber's book for great material.

This book, obviously, is massive. I personally did not find almost anything in the whole of the book, very helpful. It is so wordy and vague at parts that it is very easy to lose interest. I highly suggest one of the test prep companies SAT books. I have ones from Kaplan and Barron's and they are much, much more helpful, and are more to the point.

At first I honestly didn't want this book AT ALL! but my parents thought that I should use it to get me prepared for the SATs. I went through it and it really helped, it told me what the questions would be like and what to expect. It was pretty useful to me but what works for me doesn't neccessarily work for everyone else.

Like all things associated with the collegeboard these days, their "Official" SAT Study Guide leaves much to be desired in a test prep book, yet because it is the only book with real SAT tests, it's really the only one I would recommend for students to use.

I've been teaching SAT prep for 20 years, and the subtle differences between the real test questions and those made up in publishers' cubicles do translate into better prep for students. The SAT is hard enough without having to suffer the fact that the practice questions you may be working on are not exactly what you will see on the real test. The research and development that the SAT does on test questions provides consistency that other publishers just can't match.

With 8 complete tests included, the Official SAT Guide provides more than enough material for aspiring students, and the tutorials in the front of the book are good enough to help most motivated kids. The weakness of the book is the lack of explanations to go with the answers. One can buy the "SAT Solutions Manual for over $20, but that really is irresponsible on the part of the publishers, or a boondoggle that isn't fair to the consumers. For heaven's sake, include the explanations... isn't hundreds of millions a year enough profit?

But that's the CollegeBoard!

Robert Sposato
Eugene, Oregon

The Official SAT Study Guide i took that SAT this march, and got a 1560. which I'm sorry but if you bought a review book you'd expect a little better of a score than that. this book is boring and not helpful. the most helpful thing was my friend who took that SAT's last year tutoring me.

I really appreciate the fact that the shipment was done expeditiously and it was as expected.Thanks.

the book is perfect as it sets up students for the SAT since the same people that do the test wrote the book. There must be excellent instructors to explain the answers as there are no explanations.

This is the best practice book for the SAT. It is by CollegeBoard who makes the SAT. These are actual SAT practice tests that are no longer used on the exam.

I've looked over this book in detail and it is great. The best part is the practice tests.

The only problem I have with it isn't the book itself - it's the teen who I bought the book for 6 months ago & is taking the SATs in 2 months. He hasn't even cracked it. I think if there was an online Official SAT study guide - or one made for the xBox - I'd have better luck getting him to look at it. He is overwhelmed by this enormous book.

This is a great price for this book which all the juniors taking the SAT are encouraged to buy. Our local stores charge one and a half times as much. Online shopping is the way to go! We ordered it at 5:30pm and it still arrived the next day!