<p>This is kinda embarrassing but I can't really afford SAT prep books right now, so I bought some half-price for Spanish, Lit, and Math IC & IIc. None of them are current though--I think they're all around 2003-2004. Is that OK? Does it make a difference? I know the SAT i changed around 2005 but did the subject tests also?</p>
<p>I don't see how it's embarrassing that you can't afford prep books, I mean some people are born wealthy and others aren't, it's unfortunate that life has to be like this [not promoting communism ;)] but it surely isn't embarrassing. As to your question, unless the format has changed which for the most part I really can't think of any of the subject tests that have changed format in recent memory, then I would think it would be more than fair to say that an older edition would be just as helpful as a newer one. Because, I know, at least with AP test prep books, that for chem my friend had used her brother's and I used my newer one and though they were a few years apart in age the information was pretty much identical page for page. So I think it should be fine.</p>
<p>year doesn't matter.</p>
<p>Unless there's some major change in the test, the books usually stay the same. </p>
<p>Also...have you tried going to a bookstore and just doing the books there? You can look at the latest editions and take some tests.</p>
<p>Our library has the prep books. Or ask your guidance counselor if he can think of any grads who would like to pay it forward to a rising senior. This could be a good service project--------have a used SAT prep book drive and then oversee distributing them to those who can't afford them.</p>
<p>Well, yeah I always buy/borrow used so they're probably a year or two older than the newest versions. It doesn't really matter how old they are as long as the test hasn't changed, although anything older than 2000 is questionable. There usually aren't any "major" changes between consecutive years. I've noticed that the longer the book has been published repeatedly, inside the editions are exactly the same except it has the latest year printed on its cover.</p>
<p>I think that's why PR and Kaplans come up with new editions and covers every year. It's all the same inside, but they print new ones so people buy the newest versions instead of getting last year's so the company can profit.</p>