The Critical Reader Books to Prepare for the SAT by Erica L. Meltzer

 I was so excited to learn about Erica L. Meltzer’s The Critical Reader books for SAT preparation. I was able to review The Complete Guide to SAT Reading,  by Erica Lynn Meltzer;    The Ultimate Guide to SAT® Grammar, Sixth Edition by Erica L. Meltzer; and Reading & Writing Test Book: Digital SAT by Erica L. Meltzer. These are fantastic books to help you in preparation for the SAT. 

Overall, the format of the books is what makes them amazing in my opinion. They do an excellent job in their explanation of the subject matter, test question examples, and explain the rationale behind the correct answer. These books include the information you need and there is no extra fluff that takes time away from studying for the test. If you are taking the SAT, these books are great resources as a set and standalone!   

The Complete Guide to SAT Reading, Fifth Edition gives you an overview of the test, how to use vocabulary in context, understand pronouns in passages, helps you understand what reading skills you need to be successful on the SAT, helpful charts, example questions, and explanations of why an answer is correct.  I found the book easy to understand and appreciated the many tips on how to approach a question. I highly recommend!

The Ultimate Guide to SAT® Grammar, Sixth Edition shares how to use the book, a valuable Cheat Sheet that reviews grammar, explanation of punctuation and grammar concepts, test questions, and explanations for why it is the correct answer.  I believe the easy-to-read format and clear explanations make it a wonderful review of grammar rules and how to use punctuation.  Students will walk away with a good foundation of grammar and punctuation and be prepared to take the SAT.  You could honestly use this as a grammar review in a home education English class.  I highly recommend. 

Reading & Writing Test Book: Digital SAT has three full length timed tests included in the book.  The questions are randomized similar to the digital version of the SAT.  The book also includes the answers with detailed explanations.  Being able to take practice tests is key to doing well on the SAT, and this book provides that for students.

Another Opinion:  My son who attended MIT was very impressed with The Critical Reader test preparation books and how they are laid out.  He told me he felt they allow students to prepare before the SAT with questions that are similar to the ones on the test.  The explanations help you to complete your learning of the type of questions on the SAT ahead of time so you can excel on the SAT.  I believe The Critical Reader books will help you to be well prepared for test day.   

I highly recommend The Ultimate Guide to SAT® Grammar, Sixth Edition by Erica L. Meltzer; The CompleteGuide to SAT Reading, Fifth Edition by Erica Lynn Meltzer; and Reading & Writing Test Book: Digital SAT by Erica L. Meltzer.  The books will help you prepare for the SAT in a thoughtful and systematic way. They are a good investment in your student’s future.

I was given complimentary copies and not required to write a positive review. 

Erica has a question of the day on her blog to help you with the SAT.  

A native of Brookline, Massachusetts, Erica Meltzer graduated from Brookline High School and earned her B.A., magna cum laude, from Wellesley College.

Before becoming involved in test prep, she worked in the Department of History of Art and Architecture at Harvard University and in the Department of Philosophy at Columbia University, where she helped coordinate graduate admissions. From 2006 until 2015, she tutored privately in Manhattan as well as online, helping students around the world achieve their SAT/ACT goals and gain admission to a number of top colleges, including Harvard, Princeton, Yale, MIT, Caltech, Stanford, and Duke.

With around a quarter of a million copies sold, her SAT and ACT Reading and Writing guides consistently rank at the top of their respective categories on Amazon, outperforming comparable guides produced by Kaplan, Princeton Review, and Barron’s. She has been featured in Teen Vogue, The College Solution, and CBS Moneywatch, and her books are currently used by students and tutors worldwide.