Preparing for the SSAT can be a daunting task, but with the right resources, students can feel confident and well-prepared. One of the most important resources for SSAT preparation is a prep book. A good SSAT prep book should provide comprehensive coverage of the material, practice questions, and test-taking strategies.
When selecting an SSAT prep book, it’s important to consider the level of the test (Elementary, Middle, or Upper), as well as the student’s individual needs and learning style. Some books may be more focused on content review, while others may offer more practice questions or test-taking strategies.
One critical factor to consider when choosing an SSAT prep book is the book’s alignment with the SSAT test format and content. The book should cover all of the topics and question types that students can expect to encounter on the SSAT.
We researched and tested several SSAT prep books to identify the best options for students. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best SSAT prep books, based on factors like content coverage, practice questions, and test-taking strategies.
Best SSAT Prep Books
We’ve researched and tested the top SSAT prep books on the market to bring you the best options for your child’s test preparation. These books cover all sections of the SSAT exam and provide comprehensive review material, practice questions, and test-taking strategies. Whether your child is taking the Elementary, Middle, or Upper Level SSAT, these prep books will help them achieve their best score.
Middle Level SSAT: 1000+ Practice Questions
We highly recommend purchasing Middle Level SSAT: 1000+ Practice Questions for anyone preparing for the SSAT.
Pros
- Provides a large number of practice questions for the SSAT.
- Includes both math and verbal problems.
- Answers and explanations are provided in the back of the book.
Cons
- Some of the analogy questions are difficult to understand.
- The book may be too easy for some students.
- The explanations for the answers could be more thorough.
This book is a great resource for anyone preparing for the SSAT. The large number of practice questions provided will help you become familiar with the types of questions you will encounter on the test. The book covers both math and verbal problems, making it a comprehensive resource for test-takers. Additionally, the answers and explanations are provided in the back of the book, allowing you to check your work and learn from your mistakes.
However, some of the analogy questions in the book may be difficult to understand. Additionally, some students may find the book too easy, leading to a false sense of confidence. Finally, while the answers and explanations are provided, they could be more thorough.
Overall, Middle Level SSAT: 1000+ Practice Questions is a great resource for anyone preparing for the SSAT. With its large number of practice questions and comprehensive coverage of both math and verbal problems, it is sure to help you succeed on the test.
Princeton Review SSAT & ISEE Prep, 2023: 6 Practice Tests + Review & Techniques + Drills (Private Test Preparation)
We highly recommend the Princeton Review SSAT & ISEE Prep, 2023 book for anyone looking to prepare for the SSAT exam. This book provides a comprehensive study guide and practice tests to help students achieve their best results on the SSAT.
Pros
- The book provides six full-length practice tests to help students gain familiarity with the exam format.
- The instructions, examples, and solutions are easy to understand, making it a great self-study resource.
- The book covers both the SSAT and ISEE exams, providing more value for the price.
Cons
- The book only includes one upper-level practice test and no answer explanations, which may not be enough for some students.
- Some of the practice questions are the same as in previous editions of the book, making it less useful for those who have already used it.
- Half of the book is not applicable for upper-level students, as it covers lower-level content.
Overall, the Princeton Review SSAT & ISEE Prep, 2023 book is an excellent resource for students preparing for the SSAT exam. Its comprehensive coverage, easy-to-understand instructions, and multiple practice tests make it a valuable tool for achieving success on the exam.
Princeton Review SSAT Prep: 3 Practice Tests + Review & Techniques + Drills (2024) (Private Test Preparation)
If you’re looking for an SSAT prep book with a good mix of practice tests, review, and drills, the Princeton Review SSAT Prep book may be worth considering.
Pros
- The book includes three full-length practice tests, which can be a valuable resource for getting a feel for the test format and identifying areas of weakness.
- The review and techniques sections provide a comprehensive overview of the test content, as well as strategies for approaching different types of questions.
- The drills offer targeted practice for specific skills and concepts, allowing you to focus on areas where you need the most improvement.
Cons
- Despite the title, the book only includes two practice tests in print, with the third test available online. This may be a disappointment to some users who were expecting three physical practice tests.
- The book is relatively new, having been published in 2023, so there may not be as many reviews or user experiences available compared to more established prep books.
- The book is published by Princeton Review, which may not be everyone’s preferred test prep provider.
Overall, the Princeton Review SSAT Prep book can be a useful resource for students preparing for the SSAT. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the book only includes two physical practice tests, despite the title indicating otherwise. If you’re looking for a prep book with more practice tests or from a different publisher, you may want to consider other options.
The Best Unofficial Practice Tests for the Upper Level SSAT
If you’re looking for the best SSAT prep books, you should definitely consider The Best Unofficial Practice Tests for the Upper Level SSAT.
Pros
- Comprehensive practice tests that simulate the real exam
- Detailed explanations of the answers to help you understand the concepts better
- Covers all the sections of the SSAT, including verbal, quantitative, reading, and essay writing
Cons
- Some of the questions may be too difficult for some students
- The book may be too short for some students who want more practice
- The explanations may not be detailed enough for some students who need more guidance
We found that the practice tests in this book were very similar to the actual SSAT, which is great for students who want to get a feel for the real exam. The detailed explanations of the answers helped us understand the concepts better and identify our weaknesses. We also liked that the book covers all the sections of the SSAT, including verbal, quantitative, reading, and essay writing.
However, we did find that some of the questions in the book were quite challenging, so it may not be suitable for all students. Additionally, the book is relatively short, so some students who want more practice may need to supplement it with other materials. Finally, the explanations may not be detailed enough for some students who need more guidance, so it may not be the best choice for those who struggle with certain concepts.
Overall, we would recommend The Best Unofficial Practice Tests for the Upper Level SSAT to students who are looking for a comprehensive and realistic SSAT prep book.
SSAT/ISEE: High School Entrance Examinations (Barron’s Test Prep)
If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to prepare for SSAT, then SSAT/ISEE: High School Entrance Examinations (Barron’s Test Prep) is a great option.
Pros
- The book provides a clear and concise explanation of all the sections of the SSAT exam.
- The book offers plenty of practice questions and four full-length practice tests, which help in getting familiarized with the exam format.
- The book has helpful tips and strategies to tackle the exam questions.
Cons
- The questions in the book are easier than the actual SSAT exam.
- The book is heavily focused on Math, and there are fewer practice questions for the verbal section.
- The book is a bit expensive compared to other SSAT prep books available in the market.
The SSAT/ISEE: High School Entrance Examinations (Barron’s Test Prep) is a great resource for anyone preparing for the SSAT exam. The book is well-organized and easy to follow, with clear explanations of all the sections of the exam. The practice questions and four full-length practice tests help in getting familiarized with the exam format, and the helpful tips and strategies provided in the book are useful in tackling the exam questions.
However, the questions in the book are easier than the actual SSAT exam, and there are fewer practice questions for the verbal section. Also, the book is a bit expensive compared to other SSAT prep books available in the market. Despite these drawbacks, the SSAT/ISEE: High School Entrance Examinations (Barron’s Test Prep) is still a great option for anyone looking to prepare for the SSAT exam.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best SSAT prep book, there are a few important features to consider. We recommend looking for the following:
Content Coverage
The best SSAT prep books should cover all of the content areas tested on the SSAT. This includes verbal, math, reading comprehension, and writing. Look for books that provide comprehensive coverage of each section, as well as practice questions and strategies for each area.
Practice Questions
Practice questions are a crucial part of SSAT preparation. Look for books that provide a large number of practice questions, as well as detailed explanations of the answers. The questions should be similar in difficulty and format to those on the actual SSAT.
Strategy and Tips
Effective test-taking strategies and tips can help students improve their scores. Look for books that provide strategies for each section of the SSAT, as well as general test-taking tips. These should include time management, guessing strategies, and methods for approaching different types of questions.
Format and Design
The format and design of the SSAT prep book can also impact its effectiveness. Look for books that are well-organized and easy to navigate, with clear headings and subheadings. The book should also be visually appealing, with clear diagrams and illustrations where appropriate.
By considering these features, you can choose the best SSAT prep book for your needs. Remember to take into account your individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as your learning style, when selecting a book. With the right preparation, you can improve your SSAT scores and increase your chances of admission to top schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated prep books for the Upper Level SSAT?
We recommend “The Official Guide to the Upper Level SSAT” by the Secondary School Admission Test Board and “SSAT & ISEE Prep 2024-2025” by Kaplan Test Prep. Both books provide comprehensive coverage of the Upper Level SSAT and contain practice questions and tests.
Which study guides are recommended for improving Middle Level SSAT scores?
We suggest “The Official Guide to the Middle Level SSAT” by the Secondary School Admission Test Board and “SSAT & ISEE Middle Level Prep 2024-2025” by Kaplan Test Prep. These books offer a detailed overview of the Middle Level SSAT and include practice questions and tests.
How can one access SSAT prep materials in PDF format?
Many SSAT prep books are available in PDF format and can be purchased and downloaded online. Additionally, the Secondary School Admission Test Board offers free online access to sample questions and practice tests in PDF format.
Are there any effective SSAT preparation courses available online?
Yes, there are several online SSAT preparation courses available. We recommend “PrepScholar SSAT Prep” and “Kaplan SSAT Prep Live Online”. Both courses offer live instruction and personalized study plans.
What strategies contribute to a significant increase in SSAT scores?
Effective SSAT preparation involves regular practice, a thorough understanding of test content and format, and the use of proven test-taking strategies. These strategies include time management, process of elimination, and educated guessing.
How early should a student begin their SSAT study regimen?
We recommend that students begin preparing for the SSAT at least 6 months before their test date. This allows for ample time to cover all test content, identify areas of weakness, and practice test-taking strategies.
View more reviews of children’s books here: Kid’s Books Reviews