<p>Hey, I go to a British school and am applying to the USA. For that reason, I've been busy with British exams and have left the SATs to my senior year. I'm taking them in October and have just over 3 months to prepare.</p>
<p>I've researched prep-guides and have narrowed it down to:</p>
<p>McGraw Hill's SAT 2011 Edition
Gruber's Complete SAT Guide 2010</p>
<p>I am also buying the official Collegeboard SAT Study Guide so I will have enough practice tests - I just want to focus on theory, strategy and speed.</p>
<p>My math is generally weak but my critical reading/writing is strong. Not familiar with the essay writing technique needed either.</p>
<p>So taking all of this into account - what would all of you recommend? McGraw Hill or Gruber's? Something completely different?</p>
<p>I know I have the potential to score high, I just need the content to help me get there!
Any help would be appreciated, I'm desperate! Thank you!</p>
<p>^^Gruber’s is actually very good for math.
If you are already good at Critical Reading and Writing, then you should use one of the free practice tests distributed by the College Board, which is actually a previously administered SAT, to gauge your competence. If you think you need a thorough review on English sections, peruse Rocket Review Revolution by Adam Robinson, which is hard to obtain but pays off with a comprehensive coverage and proven methods to tackle the SAT. (at least it is approved widely among CC users)</p>
<p>Use Grammatix’s SAT Strategy Guide if you think you already have the background but lack a systematic schedule on attacking the SAT. There are specific patterns seen in the questions, and noticing these could help you score higher.</p>
<p>I responded to this in the official SAT guide books thread. I’ll also add that Barron’s 2400 is great for the Writing, and I don’t really advocate any preparation for the CR other than the BB because the CR is not as coachable as other sections (except vocab, which Barron’s 2400 has and Direct Hits).</p>
<p>^it’s not like you are determined to ace the CR of the SAT. However, you should have read extensively for years (and I hope you did, OP) and that’s all it takes for high scores in CR, i believe. Use grammatix to get acquainted with the structure and the format of the questions though.</p>
<p>I’ve been using the McGraw Hill book. Took the test my sophomore year got a 1940. Just took the test June 5th after skimming the McGraw Hill book and taking two or three practice tests, i felt confident about the test. Hoping 2100+. Going through the book i thought it was easier than what i remembered, however I’ve heard people say it was harder than actual test.</p>