McGraw-Hill's SAT, 2008 Edition book only [Paperback]

Christopher Black (Author), Mark Anestis (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0071493395 | ISBN-13: 978-0071493390 | Publication Date: June 19, 2007 | Edition: 3

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

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Christopher Black, M.A., Ed., is the founder and director of College Hill Coaching, a leading provider of individual tutoring services for the SAT and other major exams. Mark Anestis is a tutor and the former co-director of College Hill Coaching.

Product Details

• Paperback: 878 pages
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 3 edition (June 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0071493395
• ISBN-13: 978-0071493390
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #446,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Incisive and thorough academic preparation, December 11, 2007

By 

HonAca (Deerfield, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: McGraw-Hill's SAT, 2008 Edition book only (Paperback)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars McGraw-Hill's SAT 2008, December 7, 2007

By 

J. Rudolph (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: McGraw-Hill's SAT, 2008 Edition book only (Paperback)

This book gives terrific practice tests and sound advice to students preparing for the SAT. Students improve their scores through a sensible approach of practicing by taking mock exams, and there is plenty for them to learn at the same time. All sections give succinct test taking advice as well as comprehensive conceptual and practical information. My child benefited greatly from using this book - and I learned a few things too!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent SAT prep and more, April 18, 2008

By 

BB - See all my reviews

This review is from: McGraw-Hill's SAT, 2008 Edition book only (Paperback)

I've been teaching for over twenty years and done a bit of SAT tutoring, and I found this book terrific. The range and clarity of the practice questions and explanations are great preparation for the test, and the study tips are of use for and well beyond the SAT. That's double value--immediately practical, and naturally encouraging of general good habits for life long learning.
Unlike some SAT prep programs, this one is not cynical or smarmy. It doesn't propose a besting of the test or a quick fix but gives solid, comprehensive preparation, with common sense and savvy, in a tone that's both wise and with it.