<p>I need to improve my reading and writing scores (low to high 500's), so I obviously have to buy books. Unfortunately, I have trouble choosing between a few study guides.</p>
<p>For the reading, I'm really stuck deciding between the Princeton Review Reading and Writing Workout for the SAT, Barron's SAT Reading, and Gruber's. I heard that Barron's is extremely difficult, which is good (makes the actual test seem easier), but it has poor tips and vague explanations. Others say Princeton Review is more realistic, but "easier". Gruber's is just "meh".</p>
<p>As for my writing, I'm stuck between Baron's grammar workbook for the sat act and more and Gruber's writing workbook. </p>
<p>Yes, I have the Blue book, but I don't really want to use it because it covers math, reading, and writing - I need a book that will cover each subject (reading and writing) in depth. Besides, it has answers scribbled all over it.</p>
<p>Of course, major improvements (150 pts are more) are always good, but I'm totally fine with a nice boost (60 to 80 points).</p>
<p>Any opinions/assistance will be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I need to improve my reading and writing scores (low to high 500’s), so I obviously have to buy books.</p>
<p>On what logical basis do you make the assumption that you “obviously have to buy [test prep] books”? If it’s “because everyone else does it,” then that’s a logical fallacy.</p>
<p>I’d suggest that there are more efficient, less painful ways to improve your ability to read critically and learn grammar (and they don’t have to cost either you or your parents much if anything).</p>
<p>Do some research on this before shelling out money.</p>
<p>For the purposes of reading, I will say this about test prep books: They contain reading passages. That counts for something, I guess.</p>
<p>Well I do know that it will take a long time for my CR score to increase because that type of skill takes time. So yes, I’m assuming that the “more efficient, less painful ways” you mention (reading newspapers and magazines) can help out in the long run along with the workbooks.</p>
<p>However, I need rapid score improvement. I feel that reading newspapers alone will not make my scores go up a lot in a few weeks… that’s when the workbooks come in.</p>
<p>Anyways, thanks for the advice.</p>