Test Prep Materials

Some useful resources to supplement our work.

The Official Guides

Whether you’re taking the SAT, ACT, or Subject Tests, using the official guides (i.e., either the College Board or ACT org. materials) is essential because they provide the most realistic practice tests. Luckily, most of the tests available in the books are also available for free as PDFs online. I’ve provided the links to both the books and the tests below.

Best Math Resources

While the math sections differ between the SAT and ACT, the content covered on both tests is relatively similar. I think PWN and the College Panda both do a great job with clear explanations. These can all be helpful in terms of having the opportunity to practice more difficult questions.

Best Reading and Grammar Resources

Reading and grammar are tested on both the SAT and ACT, although in slightly different ways. On the ACT, you’ll have a shorter amount of time per reading passage, but the questions and answers will be more straightforward. On the SAT, you’ll have more time, but you’ll need to answer more interpretive questions and frequently support your answers with specific evidence from the text. Definitely make sure to get your reading and grammar resources tailored to the particular test you’re focusing on. I find Erica Meltzer’s books the most comprehensive regarding both reading and grammar.

Additional SAT Practice Tests

While the College Board has the most realistic tests you’ll find, there simply aren’t that many of them out there. If you’re taking a long-term approach to prep, you’ll likely want to supplement those with practice tests from other companies. All the big ones have fairly good materials. Barron’s tends to have the hardest tests of the bunch.

Additional ACT Practice Tests

The ACT has more official practice tests available since they haven’t had a major revamp of their test in the last few years. In fact, any official tests in the last decade and a half are relatively good to use. You can find more than the 10 listed above on various internet sites. Like with the SAT, Barron’s tends to have the hardest practice tests.