7 Prep School Prep Books That Elevate Exam Success

These carefully selected Prep School Prep books, authored by leading experts like Wendy Hanks, APEX Test Prep, and Kaplan, offer proven strategies and thorough practice for high school entrance exams.

Updated on June 26, 2025
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What if you could approach prep school entrance exams with a clear, confident strategy instead of guesswork and stress? Prep school entrance tests like the HSPT and ISEE often determine your academic path, yet many students struggle to find reliable, focused resources tailored to these challenges.

The books curated here are authored by trusted figures in test preparation—Wendy Hanks, APEX Test Prep, Kaplan, and others—who bring years of experience crafting study guides that demystify complex exam content. These guides combine detailed subject reviews, realistic practice tests, and strategies honed through educational expertise.

While these expert-curated books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific learning levels, exam focus, and time constraints might consider creating a personalized Prep School Prep book that builds on these insights, offering a study plan designed just for you.

Wendy Hanks has written and contributed to numerous books on test preparation, leveraging her extensive experience in the field to help students succeed in their academic pursuits. Her expertise shapes this guide, which is packed with targeted practice tests and skill-building exercises designed specifically for Catholic high school entrance exams. This book serves as a reliable companion for anyone navigating the complexities of the HSPT or TACHS, providing clarity and focused preparation.
2022·448 pages·Prep School Prep, High School Entrance Prep, Test Preparation, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary Building

Wendy Hanks brings years of experience in test preparation to this focused guide for the High School Placement Test (HSPT) and Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools (TACHS). You’ll find six full-length practice exams and detailed explanations that sharpen your skills in reading comprehension, vocabulary, math, and verbal logic. The book walks you through each topic with clear examples, including analogies and writing mechanics, helping you understand how to approach challenging questions. If you’re aiming for Catholic high school admission, this book equips you with the exact strategies and practice tests to build confidence and improve your score.

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Wendy Hanks has written and contributed to numerous books on test preparation, providing valuable insights and strategies for students. Her expertise in educational resources has helped countless learners achieve their academic goals, making this guide a well-informed companion for anyone preparing for Catholic high school entrance exams.
McGraw-Hill Education Catholic High School Entrance Exams, Fourth Edition book cover

by Wendy Hanks, Mark Alan Stewart, Judy Unrein··You?

2017·608 pages·Prep School Prep, High School Entrance Prep, Test Preparation, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics

Wendy Hanks, along with Mark Alan Stewart and Judy Unrein, bring extensive test-prep experience to this guide tailored for Catholic high school entrance exams. You’ll find thorough reviews of reading comprehension, vocabulary, math, and verbal logic, with chapters dedicated to tackling analogies and writing mechanics specifically. The inclusion of six full-length practice tests helps you familiarize yourself with the COOP, HSPT, and TACHS formats, building confidence through exposure and detailed answer explanations. If you’re aiming to improve your exam technique and understand the nuances of these specific tests, this book guides you steadily through what can otherwise feel like a maze of content.

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Best for custom study plans
This AI-created book on prep school entrance exams is crafted based on your background, skill level, and the specific exam areas you want to focus on. You share your current knowledge and goals, and the book is written to match exactly what you need to learn and practice. Personalizing the content helps you target your unique challenges and strengths, making your exam preparation more effective and engaging. Instead of wading through generic guides, you get a focused, tailored resource designed just for you.
2025·50-300 pages·Prep School Prep, Exam Preparation, Test Formats, Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Skills

This tailored book explores comprehensive strategies for excelling in prep school entrance exams, focusing on your unique background, interests, and goals. It covers critical subjects including verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, reading comprehension, and essay writing, offering a tailored pathway that aligns with your current knowledge and desired outcomes. By synthesizing expert knowledge with your specific needs, the book reveals focused techniques and practice approaches designed to enhance your understanding and confidence. This personalized guide transforms the exam preparation journey into an efficient learning experience that addresses your strengths and challenges, making complex content accessible and relevant to you.

Tailored Content
Exam Mastery Techniques
3,000+ Books Created
Best for multimedia-enhanced HSPT prep
Matthew Bowling brings deep expertise as Executive Managing Director at Mometrix Test Preparation, backed by years of experience crafting study materials for standardized exams worldwide. He draws on personal academic achievements and a rigorous research process to deliver a guide that targets the exact skills and knowledge areas essential for success on the High School Placement Test. His work ensures you encounter the most relevant practice questions and receive clear explanations, helping you prepare efficiently and effectively.
2024·300 pages·Prep School Prep, High School Entrance Prep, Test Preperation, Test Preparation, Reading Comprehension

Matthew Bowling leverages his extensive background as Executive Managing Director at Mometrix Test Preparation to offer a focused guide for mastering the High School Placement Test. This book drills into critical concepts across reading, language, verbal skills, quantitative reasoning, and math, supported by two full-length practice exams and over 200 online video tutorials. You will find detailed explanations for complex topics like algebra, geometry, and literary techniques, alongside practical strategies for test day performance. If you're aiming to excel on the Catholic High School Placement Test, this guide equips you with the precise content and practice needed to build confidence and sharpen your skills.

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Best for focused HSPT practice and explanations
APEX Test Prep believes that preparing for your exam shouldn't be harder than the test itself. They provide comprehensive material, practice questions, and detailed answer explanations to ensure success. Their team compiles all necessary information to prepare students for any question they may encounter on the exam.
2020·273 pages·Prep School Prep, High School Entrance Prep, High School Entrance, Test Preparation, Practice Questions

APEX Test Prep approaches the challenges of the High School Placement Test with a clear goal: make preparation straightforward and effective. This book walks you through the exam with detailed instruction, realistic practice questions, and thorough answer explanations that clarify common pitfalls. You’ll gain insight into test-taking strategies tailored to this specific exam and a solid grasp of the material covered, including time management and question types. If you’re aiming to improve your HSPT score with focused, no-frills guidance, this book offers a structured path without unnecessary complexity.

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Best for broad Catholic exam practice
Kaplan Test Prep has helped more than 3 million students achieve their educational goals through extensive test preparation services. Their expertise in admissions consulting and licensing preparation informs this guide, which combines comprehensive practice exams with strategic advice to prepare students for Catholic high school entrance tests. This background makes the book a solid choice for those aiming to approach these exams with clarity and confidence.
2010·600 pages·High School Entrance Prep, Prep School Prep, Test Preparation, Exam Strategy, High School Entrance

Kaplan Test Prep, with its extensive experience reaching over 3 million students, designed this guide specifically for eighth graders facing Catholic high school entrance exams for the first time. You’ll find six full-length practice tests covering COOP, HSPT, and TACHS, along with diagnostic quizzes that offer targeted feedback to pinpoint where you need improvement. The book balances rigorous test preparation with advice for parents to help maintain realistic expectations, making it a practical resource for families navigating these exams. If you’re aiming to boost your test-taking confidence and understand key concepts likely to appear, this book offers structured practice and clear guidance.

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Best for rapid exam readiness
This AI-created book on prep school exam preparation is tailored to your skill level and goals. It focuses on creating a daily practice routine that fits your background and areas of interest, helping you improve steadily over 30 days. By customizing your study path, the book ensures you work on the skills you need most to succeed. This focused, personalized approach makes complex exam content more accessible and aligns with your unique learning pace and objectives.
2025·50-300 pages·Prep School Prep, Exam Preparation, Daily Practice, Verbal Reasoning, Math Skills

This tailored book explores a dynamic, focused pathway to fast-track your prep school exam readiness. It covers targeted exercises crafted to match your background and specific exam goals, emphasizing daily practice that builds confidence and sharpens skills over 30 days. By tailoring the content to your interests and strengths, it reveals a clear progression through complex subjects like verbal reasoning, math problem-solving, and reading comprehension. You'll find a learning experience designed to engage you deeply, offering personalized support that makes challenging exam material approachable and manageable. This personalized approach bridges expert knowledge with your unique preparation needs, enabling effective and rapid improvement.

Tailored Guide
Exam Skill Booster
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for anxiety and time management
Alexandra Sterling is a dedicated educational author with deep expertise in curriculum development and years of teaching experience. Her commitment to making test preparation clear and empowering shines through in this guide, which combines thorough content review with motivational support. She crafted this book to help students not just pass, but excel confidently in high-stakes exams like the HSPT, making it a trusted companion for those aiming to enter Catholic high schools.
2024·291 pages·Prep School Prep, High School Entrance Prep, Test Taking, Time Management, Anxiety Management

Alexandra Sterling leverages her extensive background in curriculum development and classroom teaching to deliver a focused guide that prepares students for the challenging HSPT exam. You’ll find detailed content reviews across core subjects like math, reading, and science, alongside full-length practice tests that mirror the exam’s structure. The book also addresses test-day anxiety and time management, providing strategies to help you maintain focus and confidence. If you’re aiming for admission to a Catholic high school or seeking a structured study plan that builds competence and calms nerves, this guide offers clear, accessible support without unnecessary complexity.

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Best for ISEE Middle Level focused prep
ISEE Exam Secrets Test Prep Team specializes in creating comprehensive study materials for standardized tests, ensuring students are well-prepared for their exams. Their expertise is reflected in this guide designed specifically for the ISEE Middle Level exam. The team's focus on detailed content coverage and accessible explanations offers a practical resource for anyone preparing for this challenging test, making the complex material approachable and manageable.
2013·144 pages·Prep School Prep, High School Entrance Prep, Essay Writing, Mathematics Achievement, Quantitative Reasoning

What happens when expert test prep authors focus on the ISEE Middle Level exam? The ISEE Exam Secrets Test Prep Team delivers a thorough breakdown of every section you need to master, such as essay writing, math achievement, quantitative reasoning, and reading comprehension. You’ll find detailed explanations of concepts like rational numbers, paragraph structure, and cause-and-effect in texts, paired with numerous practice questions and clear answer rationales. This guide suits students aiming to build solid foundational skills and confidence for the exam, offering a logical flow that helps you connect each topic naturally without getting bogged down in jargon.

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Conclusion

This collection reveals clear themes: focused practice, strategic test-taking skills, and comprehensive content review. Each book addresses these in ways that suit different exam formats and student needs—from anxiety management to multimedia learning support.

If you're navigating the HSPT or Catholic high school entrance exams, starting with Wendy Hanks’s guides and the HSPT Prep Book 2024-2025 offers a blend of depth and up-to-date content. For those targeting the ISEE, the ISEE Middle Level Secrets Study Guide sharpens core skills. Combine resources that suit your exam type and learning style to build mastery.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Prep School Prep book to bridge the gap between general principles and your specific situation. These books can help you accelerate your learning journey and approach your prep school exams with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?

Start with a book focused on your specific exam: for HSPT, try "The HSPT Tutor" or "HSPT Prep Book 2024-2025"; for Catholic entrance exams, Wendy Hanks's guides are excellent. Choose one that matches your test type to build a solid foundation.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Prep School Prep?

Not at all. These books offer clear explanations and practice suitable for beginners and more experienced students. For example, "HSPT PREP BOOK" also addresses test anxiety and time management, which benefits newcomers.

What's the best order to read these books?

Focus on one exam guide that matches your test first to master the format and content. Supplement with others for additional practice or skill-building, like test-taking strategies or anxiety management, as you progress.

Do I really need to read all of these, or can I just pick one?

You can start with one that fits your exam and learning needs. Each book covers core areas, but combining resources can strengthen your skills and confidence, especially if you want varied practice and strategic insights.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Books like "The HSPT Tutor" and Wendy Hanks's editions blend theory with extensive practice tests and explanations. "Kaplan Catholic High School Entrance Exams" offers diagnostic quizzes for practical feedback, balancing both approaches.

Can I get a study plan tailored to my specific needs instead of general advice?

Yes! While these expert books provide valuable frameworks, creating a personalized Prep School Prep book lets you focus on your strengths, weaknesses, and goals, making your study time more efficient and targeted. Try creating your custom book today.

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