How to Use the Barron’s SAT Book to Study

If you are gearing up to take the SAT Reasoning Test, you are likely nervous. After all, colleges and universities will look at your test scores. They may be used to determine your enrollment eligibility. You want to do well. For that reason, you may turn to printed study guides, like the Barron’s SAT book. This book is just one of the many that comes highlight rated and recommended.

The first step in using this great research tool is to buy the book. The Barron’s SAT book is available for sale in many local retail stores and online. When buying, purchase the latest copy. The book is available for sale in book only format or with an accompanying CD-ROM. On average, you can pay between $10 and $20 for the study guide, depending on where you shop.

As with most printed SAT study guides, you will find a wide range of information in this resource guide. For starters, read all tips and the detailed explanation of the SAT exam. You will see what each component of the test involves and so forth. Familiarizing yourself with the layout and instructions for each section saves you time on the day of the test.

The Barron’s SAT book gives a detailed review of each test section. Take notes. Topics that are covered in each section, such as improving sentences or paragraphs, are outlined in detail. This not only allows you to know what to expect on the test, but it gives you an idea of what to prepare for. You know that sentence structure is covered on the multiple choice questions. If you have problems with common use, word choices, or run-on sentences, give these particular areas extra attention. Use the Barron’s review of the SAT test to determine your weak spots.

After reading all preparation advice and detailed information on the SAT components, you will find a wide range of study guides in the Barron’s SAT book. There are a few practice questions scattered throughout the book. The greatest benefit of this study guide is the five full-length practice tests. The layout of each test is arranged in order similar to the real test. Once again, you get benefits by familiarizing yourself with the test layout.

One of the differences between the Barron’s SAT book and others on the market is that you aren’t just given the answers. This book provides detailed solutions, especially for the mathematics section. If you get a wrong answer, you aren’t left wondering what you did wrong or left wondering how to get the right answer. Detailed information is provided. That is why this is more than just an SAT book, but a comprehensive study guide.

Another unique feature of the Barron’s SAT book is the vocabulary list. The latest 2008 edition had a 3,500 word vocabulary list. Vocabulary is one area that many students struggle with. If you do, you can review this vocabulary list. It will help in many of the writing sections, especially the written essay and the critical reading portion of the test. In addition to reviewing the list, consider making your own flashcards to practice more and quiz yourself on the go.

For most students, reading the Barron’s SAT book and taking the practice tests is enough preparation. If you are one of the students who feels like information goes in one ear and out the other, take notes. As previously stated, you are given detailed reasoning for most questions. This is a lesson in itself. Take notes on the information you learned. Review your notes before heading to the exam. You improve your memorization by writing instead of reading and these shorted notes are easier to review the day before or the day of the test. At the very least, take a yellow highlighter and highlight portions of the book you want to continue reviewing.

As you can see, there are many ways that the Barron’s SAT book can help you prepare for the big day. If you don’t already have a copy, buy one. You can check with your local library, but the ability to write in your book, take notes, and highlight material can give you an advantage.