<p>How hard/easy are the McGraw-Hill's 12 Practice SAT Test compared to the Blue Book? I got it new and cheap from a friend, and was considering using them if they're a bit harder than the normal blue book. I'm hoping not as hard as like Barron's or something. </p>
<p>Particularly, I need help in Math and Writing, if that helps.</p>
<p>Blue Book tests are real and McGraw Hill tests are not real. I suggest that you order PSATs from the College Board’s online store. They are just $3.00 each. Best of all they are real.</p>
<p>Old PSATs? I think I’d prefer the bigger, whole SAT from the BB instead.</p>
<p>Bump. Anyone else with other opinions or experience?</p>
<p>If i were you, i would take dark knight’s advice and buy old PSATs. And as for the McGraw hill tests, i’ve done them, and to be honest, they aren’t the most accurate. Although i can definitely say that they’ve somewhat prepared me for the writing and math sections. (i never did the CR sections)</p>
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<p>Yeah, this is what I really only need it. I’m guessing they’re harder then the real thing then? I noticed the answer key comes with explanations, which is always good. Especially for math, where the same types of problems are repeated often.</p>
<p>I don’t think I need PSATs yet, at the moment, I just need actual practice to get me into the SAT ‘jist’ of things. Later on when I need to rap things up when I take the SAT itself (around next year), then I’ll go ahead buy those.</p>
<p>McGraw is easier than the real thing
But their reading passages themselves are somewhat difficult to read which may help with practice but the questions that go with the passages are still too easy.</p>
<p>McGraw Hill is a bad book if you’re trying to get a good score estimate. It’s writing scale is waaay too lenient (47+10essay gets you an 800, when in reality it’s like 770-780) and its passages are almost twice as long as those on real tests. It’s good for practicing your speed, but don’t rely on it too much. Its essay prompts are too different from actual CB prompts and its math questions have lots of mistakes… After doing each of those 12 tests, my overall impression was: Math EASY; Writing EASY; CR Medium-Hard; quality POOR. Just buy past PSAT’s for $3 each… despite its not being the actual SAT, it’s actually a very good predictor of your actual performance.</p>
<p>I used McGraw Hill.
Use it, it will get you more prep, but do not rely on it.
I definitely suggest you use them, but before SAT use the Blue Book for final recap.</p>
<p>Good Luck</p>