Customer Reviews

Cracking the SAT Math 1 & 2 Subject Tests, 2009-2010 Edition (College Test Preparation)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I'd like to talk about only math level 1 section of this book,which I used. As most other math level 1 prep books this book also doesn't reflect real exam. Its practice is very very very easy compared to real examination. Also, many parts that are labeled as "Math level 2 only" are tested in Math level 1 as well. So don't use this as your guide during prep. Just take a look at drills and go through chapters.

Princeton Review gives a great layout of the information covered on the SAT math subject tests. Rating it 1 star because it's the same content as before is foolish... The test didn't change sine 200-2009. If one were to pick on Princeton Review they should point out that they only have two of each of the tests.

I am an Associate Professor of Mathematics, SAT Math tutor, and author of the book "The 32 Most Effective SAT Math Strategies."

I use this book in addition to the Official Study Guide by the College Board. It's not ideal, but in my opinion The Princeton Review gets closer to College Board questions than other test prep companies. Eventually I plan to write my own strategy book for the SAT Math Subject Tests, but for now I am able to get students into the high 700's to 800 using these 2 sets of materials. Here are a few tips for those of you taking one of the SAT Math Subject Tests:

(1) Make sure you take an actual Level 1 and Level 2 test under timed conditions before deciding which one to take. Even though you may feel like you're doing awful on the Level 2 test, your scaled score may come out much higher than you think. The curve is MUCH more generous on the Level 2 test than it is on the Level 1 test.

(2) If you are preparing for the SAT, then I recommend taking the Math Subject test the month after you take the SAT. There is some overlap between the Math sections of the regular SAT and the Subject tests. So don't give yourself time to forget all the strategies you've been practicing for the regular SAT. Spend that extra month practicing SAT Subject Test problems, memorizing the extra formulas you need, and learning a few more strategies specific to the Subject Tests.

(3) All of the strategies that you learned for the SAT will be useful for the Subject Test. So make sure to implement these strategies as you practice Subject Test problems. I do plan to eventually write a strategy book for the subject tests in the future, but unfortunately that may not be for a while. In the meantime, I plan to put up an advanced SAT problem with worked solution once a week at my website (free).

(4) If you are taking the Level 2 Test, do all the problems from the Level 1 tests for extra practice. You are responsible for knowing all this material anyway.

Best of luck to those of you taking one of the SAT Math Subject Tests.

I originally bought the College Board books for my boys along with the Chemistry book by Princeton Review in a first purchase. They could not stand the College Board version of this book and asked if I could please get the Princeton Review version. They really enjoy the approach Princeton Review takes, realistic and explanatory, as opposed to the College Board's method of simply showing the answer and not how it was arrived at. Hope this review helps you!

The book was great for review, and covered all the required materials that came on the exam. It made things simple and straightforward-which is good. The practice exams in the back are great predictors for your actual score. I got the same score on the actual exam as the practice one. All in all, a good review book.

I worked through all the math level 1 sections of this book but it had virtually no effect on my score. I took a practice test before this and I got a 690. After completing this book I got a 700. Maybe it's just me but this book had no benefit.

Ideally this book should help me with the Math Subject Test Level 1 right?

Well it did...sort of.

But it helped me more with practicing my math skills, memorizing formulas and reviewing all my math knowledge.

This book helped me for the SAT and ACT as well. And it helped me with the subject test as well :)

If you want to practice your math skills, THEN BUY THIS BOOK.

Why the one star less?

Some explanations are very assuming like..."Oh it's 5 because OBVIOUSLY it's not 4!"
You're left scratching your head. Eventually, I figured 99% of these out but still, explaining the answer is the book's responsibility...not mine.

I don't know why Priceton Review publish this as 2009-2010, when its contents and sample tests are identical to the 2008 version published by them.

I was fool enough to purchase this for the kids, only found out by kids this is identical to the older one we already brought.

Don't waste your money and time with Priceton Review books, till they correct their greedy acts!

I bought this version thinking it is updated. After receiving it, I found that it is exactly the same as 2008-2009 version.