Does it matter which version of the Blue Book I get?

Test Preparation
1

<p>I'm assuming it would be most beneficial to buy the more recent one, but a used older one is selling for $0.14 on Amazon, so I'm kind of tempted to buy that one. The used newer ones are $5 and up. I know that doesn't seem like a lot, but it is to me, because I'm buying it myself, and I do not want to spend $5 on something that I can get for $0.14 (plus shipping) without much of a difference.</p>

<p>Would there be much of a difference between the 2004 one and the 2009 one?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>IMO, there had to be something fishy about the one for 14 cents, like it may be overused or something, or almost all the practice tests are done, which is what the BB is known for. if u saw one for 5, i am so jealous, i bought mine on amazon for $22, but it was brand new. dont fret the cost, just make sure u can make good use of whichever u u want to get.</p>

3

<p>I have to fret the cost. I’m dirt poor!</p>

<p>I’m finding them used. That’s why they’re so cheap. It’s on Amazon. </p>

<p>I just want to know how much better the new version is, and if it’s worth the $5 over the $0.14 old version.</p>

<p>Can anyone answer that?</p>

4

<p>The 2004[8 tests] would do the job, although I would recommend you to buy the 2009[10 tests] or the 2012[11 tests] release with the DVD because there are more tests, but I understand money is an issue. There is quite a bit of overlap between the 2004 and 2009 edition. There are 8 tests in 2004 edition and 10 in 2009 edition. 7 of the tests in 2004 edition are repeated in 2009, 1 test from 2004 was dropped and replaced with 3 new tests. </p>

<p>My only concern with the really cheap used books is that the answers may have been marked by previous users, and that might confuse or bias you as you are taking the practice tests. It does throw me off irrespective of whether the answer marked is correct or not. </p>

<p>Another option to get the book is to check the local library, often they have a copy, if not they can borrow it from another library. </p>

<p>I would say go ahead and buy the 2004 edition, this would give you 8 tests. Then take the tests listed in the post below that are also official sat tests and are free:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1277787-links-additional-official-sat-practice-tests-collegeboard.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/sat-preparation/1277787-links-additional-official-sat-practice-tests-collegeboard.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>This gives you 4 more tests in the new SAT format. Also, look to see if the Official SAT Online course is offered for free in your state, or your school has access to the site for free. </p>

<p>That should be a good start to your bootstrapped SAT study plan. And if none of this works, then I would be happy to send you my copy of the official guide.</p>

5

<p>Thank you so much! I’ll go through your list and see what I can do.</p>

<p>This was really helpful!</p>

6

<p>Without even the slightest doubt get the most recent. Anything else is an unwise compromise.</p>

7

<p>

Yeah, I figured that much out by myself…</p>

<p>I’m looking for someone to tell me WHY it would be an “unwise bargain”. What benefits would I get from spending my nonexistent money on the recent one?</p>

8

<p>bumpity bump bump</p>

9

<p>bump again… HELP!</p>

10

<p>Get the $5 one. The others are probably right, the answers are probably all filled out and you will not be able to really use it to study.</p>

11

<p>get the new one</p>

12

<p>

Both the $5 one and the $0.14 one are used. I cannot afford a brand new book. Even if I get a used copy of the newer version, there could be some writing in it.</p>