Cracking the PSAT/NMSQT, 2003 Edition (College Test Prep) [Paperback]

Princeton Review (Author)

Book Description

Series: College Test Prep | Publication Date: June 25, 2002

The Princeton Review realizes that acing the PSAT/NMSQT is very different from getting straight As in school. We don't try to teach you everything there is to know about Math and English - only the techniques you'll need to score higher on the exam. There's a big difference. In Cracking the PSAT/NMSQT, we'll teach you how to think like the test writers and

- Eliminate answer choices that look right but are planted to fool you
- Master the most important PSAT/NMSQT vocabulary words
- Nail even the toughest subjects: Analogies, Geometry, Vocabulary, Algebra, Grammar and more

This book includes 2 full-length practice PSAT/NMSQT exams. All of our practice test questions are just like the ones you'll see on the actual PSAT/NMSQT, and we fully explain every solution.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

The Princeton Review is the fastest growing test-preparation company in the country, with over 60 franchise offices in the nation. Each year, we help more than 2 million students prepare for college, grad school, professional licensing exams, and successful careers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Princeton Review (June 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 037576254X
• ISBN-13: 978-0375762543
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,764,656 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Super preparation for anyone, including high scorers, August 22, 2002

By 

Gregory J. (Glen Burnie, MD) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cracking the PSAT/NMSQT, 2003 Edition (College Test Prep) (Paperback)

I've not read this year's edition, but I'm familiar with the editions of previous years. Without a doubt, this is the best test preparation book I have ever read, and I have read no small number of them. As others have pointed out, some of the strategies the authors describe border on the obvious, but these are sufficiently important, few, and entertainingly presented that this small lapse is quite acceptable. The book's practice tests are refreshingly indistinguishable from real SATs; they are certainly the best available, though those in Kaplan's SAT book are quite good as well.

Many reviewers have declared this book to be insufficient for those who seek high scores. I disagree strongly. Good advice is good advice, even if presented in a manner less than ceremonial. Pedantic word lists assembled without attention given to what words will likely appear on the SAT, though impressive and temptingly concrete, are not the best use of any preparer's time. Of greater importance than a presentation of all the math and English needed for the SAT is a thorough, insightful walking through of SAT questions, and that's where this book shines.

This book, the College Board's book of ten real SATs, and a functioning noggin are all anyone needs to succeed on the SAT. But if you've got money to spare, you might try the Kaplan book, too -- another look at strategy and a few more realistic practice tests can only help.

I have not yet taken the SAT. On practice tests, my scores started as low as 1440 but have since climbed well into the 1500's -- even to the point of a 1590 most recently. More than to any strategy, I attribute the improvement to increased familiarity with the test, and I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the contribution this book has made.