Many students — and many parents — share the same first question about SAT Reading & Writing: Where do we start? R&W feels less straightforward than Math because it draws on long-developed language skills. But once you understand what the test is measuring and follow a clear plan, getting started becomes much easier.
Many students — and many parents — share the same first question about SAT Reading & Writing: Where do we start? R&W feels less straightforward than Math because it draws on long-developed language skills. But once you understand what the test is measuring and follow a clear plan, getting started becomes much easier.
1. Start with a Solid Overview
For students just beginning SAT prep, Khan Academy offers a straightforward introduction to the test structure and a limited set of practice questions. It’s not comprehensive, but it provides an accessible starting point.
- Khan Academy – SAT R&W: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat-reading-and-writing
2. Use Official College Board Materials (They’re Free!)
Afterward — or alternatively — students can add in official practice, as nothing prepares students better than the source itself. The College Board provides full-length tests and a searchable practice question bank, all at no cost, and these should form the backbone of any self-study plan.
Start by taking a full test, identify weak spots, use the question bank to drill those areas, and repeat. I tell parents this all the time: if your teen hasn’t exhausted these materials, don’t buy anything else yet. The accuracy and value here are unmatched.
- Full Tests (Bluebook app): https://bluebook.collegeboard.org/students
- Official Question Bank: https://satsuitequestionbank.collegeboard.org/
3. High-Quality Third-Party Books
There are hundreds of SAT books out there, but only a few have stood the test of time. Two of the strongest are by Erica Meltzer, widely respected for her clear explanations.
- The Critical Reader (Reading): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F251W1PB
- The Ultimate Guide to SAT Grammar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1733589597
These are especially helpful for students who need direct instruction in core R&W concepts.
As a general rule, I do no recommend big-box third-party books, which rely more on brand recognition than on the quality or accuracy of their curriculum.
4. Full Tests That Match the Real Thing (Try one free!)
Most practice tests online are noticeably easier than the actual SAT, which can create misleading score expectations. That’s one of the reasons I built PreppedSAT.com: I wanted my own students to have access to truly realistic, challenging practice.
Over the past three years, these extra-tough R&W tests have helped numerous students to top scores. I wrote every Reading and Writing question myself, based closely on patterns from official material.
- PreppedSAT.com’s 13 Extra-Tough Practice SATs: https://preppedsat.com/practicetests
5. Vocabulary: the Foundation That Supports Everything
A strong vocabulary underpins every part of SAT Reading & Writing. For many students — especially those who find the passages dense — targeted vocabulary study is what finally pushes their scores upward. This is because the SAT consistently tests a predictable set of Tier-2 academic words.
Most online lists, however, are unreliable or recycled from the old SAT. That’s why I created a thematically organized vocabulary book based on every real and official SAT exam, focusing only on the most tested words.
- Robert’s Extremely Nerdy Guide to Digital SAT Vocabulary: https://www.amazon.com/dp/8996955264
A companion flashcard/exercise app is coming soon. Parents often ask about digital practice, so if that’s something your teen prefers, check back in January 2026. I’ll be sharing access once it’s ready.
A final word
If you’re a parent supporting a motivated teen — or a student navigating your own prep — this list will give you a structured, reliable plan. And if you ever have questions about where to start or what to prioritize next, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to point families in the right direction.
