McGraw-Hill's SAT, 2011 Edition Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Since this is my very first SAT test prep, I can't compare this book to other test preps in the market... My score used to be hovering around 1500, and after using this book for few months, my blue book test prep score soared to 2050. and I gave it 4 stars just for the fact that other books should do the similar job - since I studied hard. This book covers pretty much the entire materials that you need to know for the SAT 1, and rather just solving questions in the book, by understanding and learning specified strategies that fit to each question type, I was able to maximize my SAT score. If I had studied every single material in this book, I think I could've increased my SAT score up to 'stable' 2100. Overall, this book was really helpful to me.
Features that I liked:
1, Vocabulary lists. Building SAT vocabs is painstaking. Vocab list in this book categorized words with similar meanings and this helped me at least twice as much than that of other books plainly listing words A through Z.
2. Writing strategies. After I went over 15 strategies cover all grammar in SAT, and applied it to the actual questions, my writing score soared.
3. Overall, all strategies this book presented were good.
Features that I disliked:
1. Generally, except for the Math section, I think practice questions are not enough. and there are too many Math questions.(except for the practice exams, half of the book covers Math section.)

2. Reading practice questions and strategies are not enough.


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McGraw-Hill's SAT will help you prepare for the big exam with its valuable features and interactive test-taking practice online!

McGraw-Hill's SAT is now equipped with new additions to better meet your needs. The guide teaches critical thinking skills designed to help you solve any SAT problem. And it provides test-taking practice with questions just like those on the real SAT.
New! Two complete interactive practice tests online (in addition to the 4 tests in the book).
New: Eight-page Welcome section including "How to Use This Book," "SAT Study Plan," "Getting the Most from the Online Tests," and more.
4 full-length practice SATs with fully explained answers.
Detailed 10-week study plan.
Pull-out "Smart Cards" for easy subject review.

Table of ContentsChapter 1. Conquer the SAT; Chapter 2. Diagnostic SAT; Chapter 3. Building Vocabulary; Chapter 4. Critical Reading Skills; Chapter 5. Sentence Completion Skills; Chapter 6. What SAT Math Really Tests; Chapter 7. Essential Pre-Algebra Skills; Chapter 8. Essential Algebra I Skills; Chapter 9. Special Math Problems; Chapter 10. Essential Geometry Skills; Chapter 11. Essential Algebra II Skills; Chapter 12. Writing a Great Essay; Chapter 13. Essay Writing Practice; Chapter 14. SAT Writing Questions; Chapter 15. Essential Grammar Skills; Chapter 16. 4 Practice Tests; Online: 2 Practice Tests

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McGraw-Hill's SAT, 2008 Edition book only Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As an SAT teacher, I first took notice of the earlier-edition Amazon reviews that frankly identified the book as a tool capable of reaping major rewards, provided the student invests time and hard work. I reiterate those sentiments, and recommend the book to those willing to shore up their skills to tackle the SAT, and beyond it the lifetime of academic challenges.
A no-non-sense tone underlies the book. Because of the style, a reader might either take comfort from recognizing the traditional voice of school instructors, or shy away in search of quick fixes. In my case, I acknowledged indebtedness to my high school teachers for developing me with the conventional wisdom. The reader could seamlessly absorb this book into high school education.
Onto some specifics:
.The outstanding essay section fashions the student, step by step, into a logical thinker capable of wielding the power of language. Educators might find intellectual familiarity with Joseph Williams' college text, Style. The content, however, is accessible to a high school student willing to learn.
.As a labor of love, the compiled passages and questions show social conscience, scientific wonder at the world, and appreciation of beautiful language.
.The meticulous organization and sub-organization form branches of learning that could be selectively viewed. A reader could take a step back and glean the entire content, or zoom in locally on the areas of greatest need. Other books on the market do cover the question types, but not with this type of crystal-clear vision. A conscientious student could navigate to problem areas and relentlessly eliminate the shortcomings; this is a highly effective way to maximize one's score.
.Though serious, the book is not so ponderous as to ignore the need for a student to exercise a nimble mind at times rather than stay in an overly scholastic pose. The authors come right out and say that the SAT math is different from school math. They equip the student for the occasion.
.Unless I am mistaken, I believe this book was the first to market with those clever, word-root based vocabulary flashcards, which I see in many books now. I also believe in the effectiveness of math flashcards for burning the quantitative thought patterns into the brain. Sometimes, drilling is necessary; I tell my students to shuffle the deck and keep working until instant recall.
Overall, the book offers a highly effective program to build up a student from ground up.

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We Want to Help You Succeed on the SAT

We've put all of our proven expertise into McGraw-Hill's SAT to make sure you're ready for this difficult exam. With this book, you'll get essential skill-building techniques and strategies developed by a team of renowned test-prep tutors. Their innovative teaching methods and expert coaching will help you master every question type. You'll also get vital access to hundreds of practice problems, model SAT essays, 5 full-length practice tests, and all the facts about the current exam. With McGraw-Hill's SAT, we'll guide you step by step through your preparation program-and give you the tools you need to succeed.

Inside you'll find:

5 full-length practice SATs
20 model essays to show you exactly what the graders are looking for
Hundreds of sample questions with explanations
Strategies to help you answer every type of SAT question
Diagnostic techniques to help you create your most effective study plan
Online help including practice SATs, test-taking tips, and more

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