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When families reach out asking how to support SAT Reading & Writing prep at home, I always give the same advice: start with strong fundamentals, use official materials, and choose resources that are accurate, well-structured, and actually teach. Below is the list I share with parents and students who want a reliable path for self-study—no fluff, no gimmicks, just what works.
1. Start with a Solid Overview
If your teen is 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 gives students a clean starting point.
- Khan Academy – SAT Reading & Writing
https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat-reading-and-writing
2. Use Official College Board Materials (They’re Free!)
Nothing prepares students better than the source itself. The College Board offers both full-length tests and a searchable practice question bank—all at no cost. These should be the backbone of any self-study plan.
- Full Tests (Bluebook app):
https://bluebook.collegeboard.org/students - Official Question Bank:
https://satsuitequestionbank.collegeboard.org/
What I tell parents all the time: If your teen hasn’t already exhausted these materials, don’t purchase anything else yet. The accuracy and value here are unbeatable.
3. High-Quality Books That Actually Teach
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 and thorough skill breakdowns.
- 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.
4. Vocabulary: Build the Foundation That Supports Everything
For many students—especially those who find SAT reading dense or unfamiliar—vocabulary is the missing link. I created a thematically organized vocabulary book that tracks usage across every real and official SAT exam and highlights the most tested Tier-2 academic 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 about a month—I’ll be sharing access once it’s ready.
5. When You Need Full Tests That Match the Real Thing
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—and self-studying students everywhere—to have access to truly realistic, challenging practice.
Over the past three years, these extra-tough R&W tests (13 full exams) have helped many independent learners reach 1550+ scores. I wrote every Reading and Writing question myself, based closely on patterns from official material. If you’d like your teen to train with tests that reflect real difficulty, I can offer a discounted rate for the full set.
- Prepped Extra-Tough SAT Test Platform (13 Tests): https://preppedsat.com/practicetests
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 your teen should start or what to prioritize next, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to point families in the right direction.