8 Best-Selling High School Entrance Prep Books Millions Love

Discover top High School Entrance Prep Books written by authorities, including Anita Price Davis Ed.D. and Brian Walsh M.A., widely recognized for their expert insights and best-selling status.

Updated on June 26, 2025
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There's something special about books that both experts and millions of readers trust when preparing for high school entrance exams. With so many testing formats and school requirements, targeted prep books have become invaluable tools for students aiming to gain admission to competitive Catholic and private high schools. These books distill years of exam analysis into clear strategies and practice to help sharpen skills where it counts.

The authors behind these best-selling prep books bring decades of experience in educational testing and development. For example, Anita Price Davis Ed.D. and Brian Walsh M.A. have collaborated on guides that specifically address Catholic high school exams like COOP and HSPT. Similarly, established publishers like Kaplan and Peterson’s leverage their long histories in test prep to deliver reliable, up-to-date content that students and families trust.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks and practice materials, readers seeking content tailored to their unique High School Entrance Prep needs might consider creating a personalized High School Entrance Prep book that combines these validated approaches with individualized focus areas for maximum impact.

This study guide offers a detailed, subject-specific approach to preparing for Catholic high school entrance exams like COOP and HSPT. Its structured content refreshes key areas including verbal, quantitative, and reading skills, complemented by tutorials and drills that build exam readiness. The inclusion of multiple full-length practice tests helps you familiarize yourself with actual test conditions and track your progress with thorough answer explanations. Designed for classroom use, family study, or solo preparation, this book addresses the specific demands of these private school exams, making it a valuable asset for students aiming to excel in this competitive admissions process.
2001·752 pages·High School Entrance Prep, Prep School Prep, Test Preperation, Test Preparation, Verbal Reasoning

After analyzing extensive exam formats and student feedback, Anita Price Davis Ed.D. and Brian Walsh M.A. crafted this guide to specifically address the challenges of Catholic high school entrance exams like COOP and HSPT. The book thoroughly covers each subject area tested, from verbal reasoning and reading comprehension to math concepts and language skills, reinforced with clear tutorials and targeted drills. You gain not only knowledge refreshers but also strategies to organize your study and simulate real test conditions with multiple full-length practice exams. This resource suits students aiming for private or Catholic high schools, offering a focused pathway to understand and master the exam content rather than generic test prep.

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This guide stands out in the realm of high school entrance prep by offering targeted instruction for the COOP, HSPT, and TACHS exams, central to many Catholic and private school admissions. Its detailed content reviews and six practice exams, paired with diagnostic software, provide a clear path to skill improvement and test readiness. Tailored for students and families navigating private school admissions, the book addresses the multifaceted nature of these tests and the anxiety that often accompanies them, making it a practical tool for focused preparation and confidence building.
Catholic High School Entrance Exams w/CD-ROM 2nd Ed. (Catholic High School Entrance Test Prep) book cover

by Shannon Grey EdD, Brian Walsh M.A., Dr. Anita Price Davis Ed.D.·You?

2010·656 pages·High School Entrance Prep, Prep School Prep, College Entrance Prep, Test Preparation, Exam Strategies

Drawing from extensive expertise in educational testing, Shannon Grey EdD, Brian Walsh M.A., and Dr. Anita Price Davis Ed.D. crafted this guide to navigate the complexities of Catholic and private high school entrance exams. You will find detailed subject reviews tailored to the COOP, HSPT, and TACHS exams, covering verbal reasoning, math computation, reading, and optional science and religion sections. The inclusion of six full practice tests alongside diagnostic software helps you identify strengths and weaknesses precisely. This book suits students aiming for private high schools who want a structured, exam-specific preparation to boost confidence and improve test-day performance.

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Best for personalized exam plans
This AI-created book on high school entrance exams is crafted based on your background, skill level, and the specific areas you want to focus on. You share your goals and interests, and the book is created to cover exactly what you need for exam success. Personalization matters here because entrance exams vary widely, and focusing on your unique needs saves time and effort. This custom book helps you concentrate on the topics and skills most relevant to your journey.
2025·50-300 pages·High School Entrance Prep, Exam Preparation, Entrance Exams, Verbal Reasoning, Mathematics

This tailored book explores step-by-step methods to excel in high school entrance exams, focusing on your unique background and goals. It combines well-established insights valued by millions with your personal interests to create a focused learning experience. By examining core exam subjects such as verbal reasoning, math, and reading comprehension, it offers a clear path to mastering each area. The book presents tailored content that matches your skill level and desired subtopics, allowing you to concentrate on what matters most to your preparation. Engaging and precise, this personalized guide addresses your specific challenges and builds confidence for exam day.

Tailored Content
Exam Mastery Techniques
3,000+ Books Created
Peterson's has earned trust as an educational publisher for more than 50 years, consistently providing accurate and dependable content tailored to student success. This workbook reflects their commitment, offering carefully designed practice questions and tools specifically for TACHS and HSPT exams. Their longstanding expertise ensures you have reliable resources to prepare effectively for the challenges of Catholic high school entrance testing.
2019·450 pages·High School Entrance Prep, Exam Preparation, Test Practice, Diagnostic Testing, Language Arts

Peterson's, with over five decades of educational publishing experience, crafted this workbook specifically for eighth graders aiming to excel in the TACHS and HSPT exams. You’ll find over 1,000 practice questions mirroring the latest exam formats, alongside diagnostic tests that pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses to guide focused study. The inclusion of a glossary and synonym/antonym lists sharpens your language arts skills, which are critical for these entrance exams. Whether you use it standalone or paired with other Peterson’s prep materials, this workbook equips you with targeted practice to navigate the high-stakes Catholic high school admissions process effectively.

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Best for comprehensive Catholic prep
Kaplan Test Prep has helped over 3 million students reach their educational goals through a vast network of centers and classrooms worldwide. Their deep expertise in test preparation underpins this guide, designed specifically for Catholic high school entrance exams such as the COOP, HSPT, and TACHS. This book reflects Kaplan’s commitment to providing up-to-date test information, ample practice materials, and practical advice that helps students and parents approach test day with confidence.
2010·600 pages·High School Entrance Prep, Prep School Prep, Test Preparation, Exam Practice, Standardized Testing

Kaplan Test Prep's extensive experience in educational testing shines through in this guide tailored for Catholic high school entrance exams. The book offers thorough preparation for the COOP, HSPT, and TACHS exams with six full-length practice tests, diagnostic quizzes, and detailed reviews of key concepts, making it a solid tool for mastering these specific assessments. Parents also get guidance on supporting their children’s study efforts and managing expectations, which adds a practical dimension beyond test content alone. If you’re preparing for these distinct exams, this resource provides structured practice and valuable insights, though it’s best suited for those focused specifically on Catholic high school admissions.

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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. This experience underpins the detailed guidance found in this edition, designed to prepare you thoroughly for the COOP, HSPT, and TACHS exams. With a clear focus on skill-building and exam familiarity, this book offers a structured path for Catholic high school applicants aiming to improve their chances of admission.
McGraw-Hill Education Catholic High School Entrance Exams, Fourth Edition book cover

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

2017·608 pages·High School Entrance Prep, Prep School Prep, Test Preparation, Catholic School Exams, Practice Tests

Wendy Hanks, along with Mark Alan Stewart and Judy Unrein, brings together decades of test preparation expertise to craft a resource tailored for students tackling Catholic high school entrance exams. This book guides you through the nuances of the COOP, HSPT, and TACHS tests, breaking down each section from reading comprehension to quantitative reasoning with clear explanations and targeted strategies. You'll work through six full-length practice exams that mirror the actual test experience, complete with detailed answer rationales to sharpen your understanding. It's a solid choice if you're aiming to boost your test-taking confidence and hone specific skills crucial to Catholic school admissions, though those seeking broader high school prep might want supplementary materials.

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Best for rapid skill building
This AI-created book on math mastery is tailored to your skill level and exam goals, offering drills and practice exercises focused on what you need most. By incorporating your background and interests, the book targets the math challenges unique to high school entrance exams. Rather than generic practice, it delivers content designed just for you, making your study time more effective and focused. Whether you're strengthening weak areas or polishing strengths, this personalized approach helps bring clarity and confidence to your math preparation.
2025·50-300 pages·High School Entrance Prep, Math Fundamentals, Arithmetic Practice, Algebra Concepts, Geometry Skills

This tailored book dives into focused drills and practice techniques designed to elevate your math skills specifically for high school entrance exams. It explores essential topics ranging from arithmetic to algebra and geometry, presenting exercises that align with your current knowledge and goals. The personalized content matches your background, emphasizing areas that need attention while reinforcing foundational concepts. By concentrating on your unique interests and objectives, this book reveals effective ways to build confidence and speed in solving exam problems, fostering a deeper understanding of mathematical principles essential for success. It combines proven strategies with tailored exploration to boost your exam readiness efficiently.

Personalized Content
Exam Drill Focus
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for focused math practice
Allen Koh’s Math Workbook for ISEE, SSAT, & HSPT Prep stands out in high school entrance exam preparation by concentrating on rigorous math practice tailored to the unique challenges of these tests. The second edition has been thoroughly updated to mirror current exam standards, offering a structured approach with progressively harder problem sets and practical tools like a formula sheet and assignment planner. This workbook is ideal for students who want to build solid mathematical skills and speed, addressing the tricky question types that often catch test-takers off guard. It serves as a foundational resource to help reduce anxiety and build the confidence needed for success in private school admissions exams.
2012·538 pages·High School Entrance Prep, Math Practice, Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic

Unlike most exam prep books that mix strategy with practice, Allen Koh's Math Workbook for ISEE, SSAT, & HSPT Prep focuses purely on building strong computational skills through rigorous drills. The book’s updated second edition reflects the latest exam formats and includes over 60 new problem sets covering everything from basic arithmetic to advanced geometry, arranged in a logical progression to steadily increase your mastery. You’ll find tools like an assignment planner and formula sheet designed to help you track progress and retain critical math rules. This workbook suits motivated students aiming to sharpen math fundamentals and build speed essential for these tricky entrance tests, especially when used alongside guided instruction.

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Best for middle-level ISEE prep
The 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 evident in this study guide designed specifically for the ISEE Middle Level Exam, offering students clear, organized content and practice tools tailored to this challenging test.
2013·144 pages·Prep School Prep, High School Entrance Prep, Test Preparation, Exam Strategy, Reading Comprehension

Drawing from extensive experience in standardized test preparation, the ISEE Exam Secrets Test Prep Team crafted this guide to meet the demanding expectations of the ISEE Middle Level Exam. You’ll find targeted reviews in key areas like essay writing, math achievement, quantitative reasoning, and reading comprehension, each broken down with clear explanations and practice questions that mirror the actual test format. The book’s detailed approach to topics such as real and rational numbers, cause and effect in texts, and paragraph construction equips you with the skills to confidently tackle the exam sections. If you’re preparing for this specific exam, this guide offers focused content that helps you understand not just what to study, but why those concepts matter.

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Best for upper-level ISEE prep
ISEE Exam Secrets Test Prep Team specializes in creating comprehensive study materials for standardized tests, ensuring students achieve their academic goals. Their experience in test prep shines through in this guide, which offers a methodical approach to the ISEE Upper Level exam. The team's expertise helps break down complex topics like quantitative reasoning and essay writing into manageable sections, making this an accessible resource for students aiming to improve their performance.
2013·180 pages·High School Entrance Prep, Test Preparation, Essay Writing, Mathematics Achievement, Quantitative Reasoning

ISEE Exam Secrets Test Prep Team specializes in crafting detailed materials aimed at students preparing for standardized tests like the ISEE Upper Level. This guide walks you through a thorough review of critical areas including essay writing, mathematics achievement, quantitative reasoning, and reading comprehension, with clear explanations that avoid academic jargon. Specific chapters, such as the one on essay writing, break down sentence variety and conventions, while math sections cover everything from polygons to quadratic equations. If you’re gearing up for the ISEE Upper Level test, this book offers structured content and practice questions that sharpen your understanding of key concepts and boost your confidence for test day.

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Proven Prep, Personalized for You

Get tailored High School Entrance Prep methods that fit your goals and strengths.

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Trusted by thousands preparing for high school entrance exams

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Conclusion

This collection of eight best-selling High School Entrance Prep books reveals clear themes: targeted preparation for Catholic exams, focused math practice, and tailored content for ISEE test takers. These resources reflect widely adopted methods, combining theory, drills, and diagnostic tools to build confidence and exam readiness.

If you prefer proven methods for Catholic school admissions, start with Anita Price Davis Ed.D. and Brian Walsh M.A.'s guide or Kaplan’s comprehensive resource. For sharpening math skills, Allen Koh’s workbook stands out. Those preparing for the ISEE exams will find the Middle and Upper Level Secrets Study Guides focused and accessible.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized High School Entrance Prep book to combine these proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped countless students succeed in competitive high school admissions.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with a book that matches your target exam. For Catholic schools, try "The Best Test Preparation for the Catholic High School Entrance Exams." If you're taking the ISEE, the "ISEE Middle Level Secrets Study Guide" is a solid starting point.

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

No, many books like Kaplan's Catholic High School Entrance Exams provide clear explanations and practice geared for beginners and those new to test preparation.

What's the best order to read these books?

Begin with a comprehensive overview like McGraw-Hill Education Catholic High School Entrance Exams, then focus on targeted practice books such as Peterson’s Skills & Drills Workbook for skill sharpening.

Should I start with the newest book or a classic?

Focus on editions updated for your exam year. For instance, the second edition of Catholic High School Entrance Exams w/CD-ROM offers revised content reflecting current test formats.

Can I skip around or do I need to read them cover to cover?

You can skip around based on your strengths and weaknesses. Diagnostic tests in books like Kaplan’s guide help identify areas to focus on, allowing efficient use of your study time.

How can I get prep content tailored specifically to my needs?

While these expert books provide solid foundations, personalized books can tailor strategies and practice to your strengths, weaknesses, and goals. Consider creating a personalized High School Entrance Prep book to complement expert insights with your unique learning path.

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