Ok, let's make this clear about: BARRON's SAT Math Workbook...

Test Preparation
1

<p>I noticed that in the "BEST SAT Books" threads, that some individuals were knocking Barron's SAT Math workbook. How do you justify your comments? What didn't you like about it? Is there anything to not like (I know some people said there's extra information, but it's better to be overprepared anyways)?</p>

<p>I am currently using it, and the amount of information and types of problems covered is simply amazing! Every problem type is explained thoroughly, including those NASTY miscellaneous problem types that everyone hates - it even gives formulas for combinations and permutations, as well as HOW and WHEN to use them! </p>

<p>:D :D :D :D</p>

2

<p>I heard mixed reviews about it, but realized that I need more practice so I ordered it.</p>

3

<p>I'm hearing mixed reviews, too. I will buy it anyway because I need help!</p>

4

<p>I have a question. Do you think Barron's is good enough to help me with the hard problems? The ones that ETS/SAT people label 'hard'. Because out of the 3 or 4 hard ones in each section I ALWAYS miss two!</p>

5

<p>I definitely agree with Programmer1324. Currently, I'm working with my math tutor on the Barron's SAT Math prep. I find it very helpful because the types of math problems bounce all around. You name it, it has everything. I really enjoy it because it gives a thorough review at the beginning of each little section. I say: GET IT! Its worth it.</p>

6

<p>Yes</p>

<p>I like it. I'm using it right now. I find it better than the math section on McGraw Hill SAT</p>

7

<p>That book was the first SAT book I got and I love it. It's helped me ace my Algebra courses over the past years in middle school and 9th grade.</p>

8

<p>Regarding how much a book "overprepares" should be ENTIRELY irrelevant to your preparation and to your ultimate results? Why? Because you SHOULD NOT follow the order of a book and you should not use the tests -if any are included. </p>

<p>The way to use the prep books or guide books is to check the strategies, tips, exercises WHEN they a problem stumps during one your practices. This means that if a particular problem does NOT show up but it was in the book, you may never really see it ... and that is fine. Not spending time on material that had little relevance to the exact SAT is a GOOD thing. </p>

<p>For the nth time, please realize that you do NOT study haphazardly in anticipation to what MIGHT be on the test, you make sure you understand EVERY problem that has appeared in the past. The knowledge needed for the SAT is at MUCH lower level than most 11th or 12th graders are. Do not make it overly complicated. Check the problems that are very often posted on CC and are questions numbered 24 or 25. They are not as hard as they are novel. People struggle with them because the presentation is different from the typical HS math problem. Students KNOW the material to solve the problem, they just have to learn how to apply it correctly. </p>

<p>Barron's, Gruber's, et al, do produce GOOD books for the SAT, but NOT because the books go overboard with extra stuff. Inasmuch as I like Gruber's, 75 to 90% of the book is of no use ... but that is OK. It's the 25% that matters and if the information is available WHEN YOU LOOK for it, it's worth your money. </p>

<p>Finally, as far as Barron's ability to predict what WILL be on future tests, let me very clear about it: it is total horse manure. Barron's is known to have produced the absolute WORST predictive tests in math and in verbal for the old SAT. Do you believe they discovered a fountain of wisdom or clarity with the unveiling of the new SAT? </p>

<p>The book, as MOST of the others out there, will be helpful if it helps FIND answers you are SEEKING. Use the books as you would use a dictionary and not the latest Potter novel. When you look for the meaning of a specific word, you don't start at the letter A, don't you! </p>

<p>The SAT is still a very simple test that only needs a student to attune his mind to the test. There no magical shortcuts, no secrets, no Holy Grail. There is not a single calculator or fancy programs that will help you in general terms. For instance, relying on programs for your TI-89 might help you on 1 or 2 problems AT THE MOST, but it will cost you on others. When I started, I also looked for all kind of "gimmicks", only to realize that it was the wrong approach. </p>

<p>All you need is to develop your ability to reason and focus ... and a couple of sharp pencils.</p>

9

<p>I can highly recommend Barron's Math Workbook. Although the book does have a few flaws (it misses a couple of topics and the style of the questions may not be EXACTLY like that of real SAT questions), it does cover almost every conceivable topic quite thoroughly. If nothing else, it is a good vehicle for getting to at least a 670-720 on the math section (that is, if you make maximum use of the book). To get the last 80-130 points, you may have to turn to other resources, do more practice (from real SAT questions), and learn as much as you can from your past mistakes, as Xiggi suggested.</p>