7 Best-Selling PSAT and National Merit Prep Books Millions Love

These PSAT and National Merit Prep books, authored by leading experts including The Princeton Review and Brian W. Stewart M.Ed., offer best-selling strategies and insights to help you prepare with confidence.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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When millions of students prepare for the PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, the choice of study materials can make all the difference. This exam often marks the first big academic challenge that shapes college opportunities and scholarship pathways. The books featured here have stood the test of time and shifting exam formats, reflecting widespread adoption and proven effectiveness for students navigating these critical assessments.

Throughout years of updates and changes—from paper to digital formats—these guides have remained reliable companions. Authors like The Princeton Review and Brian W. Stewart M.Ed. bring decades of specialized experience, blending practical strategies with deep understanding of the PSAT's evolving demands. Their work supports students in mastering complex test sections, managing time, and building confidence.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific PSAT and National Merit Prep needs might consider creating a personalized PSAT and National Merit Prep book that combines these validated approaches. This option lets you focus on your unique strengths and challenges, making preparation more efficient and effective.

Best for mastering digital PSAT format
The Princeton Review has been supporting students and educators since 1981, offering a wide range of test prep resources and expert advice for school admissions. Their extensive experience underpins this PSAT/NMSQT Prep book, which provides structured content reviews, practice tests, and strategies tailored for the new digital PSAT format, designed to help you approach the exam with greater assurance and clarity.
2023·432 pages·PSAT and National Merit Prep, College Entrance Prep, Test Preparation, Standardized Testing, PSAT Prep

The Princeton Review's PSAT/NMSQT Prep, 2023-2024 edition, draws on decades of experience helping students navigate standardized testing. This guide equips you with thorough topic reviews, including advanced math and verbal sections, alongside two full-length practice tests—one in print and one online. It offers targeted strategies for tricky questions and time management, plus insider insights into National Merit and College Board scholarships. If you're aiming to improve your PSAT score with focused practice and clear explanations, this book provides a well-structured path to build confidence and skill.

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Best for advanced digital test strategies
Barron's Digital PSAT/NMSQT Study Guide Premium, 2024 stands out as a focused resource for students navigating the updated digital PSAT format. It delivers an expert overview of test changes, including detailed reviews of new question types and the digital interface, paired with four full-length practice exams to build confidence. Designed by Brian W. Stewart M.Ed., an experienced SAT tutor, this guide specifically addresses the evolving demands of PSAT and National Merit prep. If you’re aiming to sharpen your skills for exam day and tackle the test’s latest challenges, this book offers a thorough approach to help you prepare effectively.
2023·540 pages·PSAT and National Merit Prep, Test Strategy, Digital Testing, Reading Comprehension, Writing Skills

Brian W. Stewart M.Ed., an experienced SAT tutor, crafted this guide to address the challenges posed by the new digital PSAT/NMSQT format. You’ll find detailed strategies for navigating updated question types like Command of Evidence and Rhetorical Synthesis, alongside targeted advice on managing test anxiety and mastering the digital interface. The book offers extensive practice with four full-length tests, including advanced drills designed for students aiming at National Merit recognition. If you’re preparing for the PSAT digital exam and want a resource that blends expert insight with practical practice, this guide suits your needs well, though those seeking a purely traditional test prep might look elsewhere.

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Best for personalized exam plans
This AI-created book on PSAT preparation is crafted around your unique background, skill level, and specific goals. By sharing which PSAT topics and challenges you want to focus on, you receive a book that matches your needs precisely. Customizing your study experience saves valuable time and helps you concentrate on what will make the biggest difference for your success in the PSAT and National Merit exams.
2025·50-300 pages·PSAT and National Merit Prep, PSAT Prep, Test Strategies, National Merit, Reading Comprehension

This personalized book explores proven methods for excelling at the PSAT and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, tailored specifically to your background and unique preparation needs. It combines widely validated approaches with your individual strengths and challenges, focusing on areas that matter most to you. The content covers essential test sections, time management techniques, problem-solving tactics, and reading and writing enhancement, all aligned with your goals. By integrating popular insights with your specific interests, this tailored guide offers a focused learning experience designed to make your preparation efficient and effective. You'll engage deeply with PSAT concepts customized to your skill level, helping you build confidence and mastery.

Tailored Guide
Exam Readiness
1,000+ Happy Readers
Kaplan's PSAT/NMSQT 2015 Strategies, Practice, and Review offers a comprehensive and reliable resource for anyone preparing for one of the most important tests in high school. Drawing on Kaplan's 75 years of test prep experience, this guide delivers four realistic practice tests along with hundreds of practice questions, detailed explanations, and an online companion with flashcards and videos. It’s designed to help you build the skills necessary to succeed on the PSAT, a critical step toward National Merit Scholarship eligibility and SAT readiness. Whether you're studying solo or in groups, this book’s flexible format addresses key areas in reading, math, and writing, making it a solid foundation for your test preparation journey.
2014·528 pages·PSAT and National Merit Prep, Test Preparation, PSAT, National Merit, Practice Tests

Unlike many test prep books that simply offer practice questions, Kaplan's guide combines decades of expertise with an integrated approach to mastering the PSAT/NMSQT. You’ll find not only thorough strategy insights spanning critical reading, writing, and math but also detailed explanations that clarify challenging concepts, like vocabulary roots and grammar nuances. With four full-length practice tests plus a diagnostic online test, this book equips you to identify and target your weaknesses effectively. If you're aiming to qualify for the National Merit Scholarship or build a strong foundation for the SAT, this guide provides the tools to understand the test’s structure and improve your timing.

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Best for targeted National Merit scholarship prep
McGraw-Hill Education's PSAT/NMSQT prep book offers a time-tested approach rooted in over a century of educational experience. This guide delivers a structured path to improving your PSAT scores, featuring a diagnostic test, multiple practice exams, and a focused section on the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Its blend of targeted content review and strategic test-taking advice makes it a reliable companion for students determined to elevate their performance. Whether you’re preparing for the PSAT or aiming for National Merit recognition, this book addresses those needs with clarity and precision.
McGraw-Hill Education PSAT/NMSQT book cover

by Felicia (Fang Ting) Wang, Mercedez L. Thompson·You?

2018·456 pages·PSAT and National Merit Prep, Test Preparation, Standardized Tests, PSAT Prep, National Merit

What sets this PSAT prep guide apart is its foundation in McGraw-Hill's extensive educational expertise, which shines through a thoughtfully structured approach to test readiness. You’ll find a diagnostic test that helps you identify exactly where to focus your efforts, followed by three full-length practice exams closely mirroring the actual PSAT’s style and difficulty. The book breaks down essential math concepts and offers a dedicated section on the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, featuring advanced vocabulary and practice questions tailored to that challenge. Whether you’re aiming to sharpen your reading, writing, or math skills, this guide gives you concrete strategies to tackle informational graphics and test-maker traps effectively. If you want a resource that combines thorough review with smart test-taking tactics, this book is built for you.

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Best for focused reading and writing skills
Unlike many general test prep books, this resource by PrepVantage targets the specific challenges of the PSAT 9/10 and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test reading and writing sections. With a clear focus on passage-by-passage accuracy and full verbal practice tests, it offers a methodical approach tailored to students aiming for top scores in these high-pressure exams. Its practical framework helps you build the precise skills needed to tackle the verbal components efficiently, making it a helpful guide for those seeking targeted preparation in reading and writing.
2019·214 pages·PSAT and National Merit Prep, Test Preperation, College Entrance Prep, PSAT Prep, Test Preparation

PrepVantage challenges the conventional wisdom that PSAT and National Merit Prep books must cover broad topics superficially by zeroing in on reading and writing skills critical for the PSAT 9/10 and National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. You’ll sharpen your accuracy and attention to detail through passage-by-passage practice, setting a solid foundation for scoring well on these high-stakes exams. The book includes full verbal tests designed to deepen your mastery of the Reading and Writing sections, making it particularly useful if you want focused, skill-building exercises rather than general test strategies. If you’re aiming to excel specifically in verbal components, this resource is a straightforward and practical choice.

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Best for rapid score improvements
This AI-created book on PSAT prep is designed based on your current skills, goals, and areas of interest. By focusing on your particular challenges and strengths, it offers targeted guidance that makes your study time more effective. Personalization matters here because no two learners are the same, and this book delivers exactly what you need to boost your PSAT scores efficiently. Rather than a generic overview, you get a focused path built around what will help you succeed.
2025·50-300 pages·PSAT and National Merit Prep, Test Preparation, PSAT Techniques, National Merit, Math Skills

This tailored book explores step-by-step actions designed to help you achieve rapid gains on the PSAT and National Merit exams. It examines proven techniques combined with your unique background and interests, focusing on practical improvements that align with your specific goals. By tailoring content to your strengths and challenges, it creates a learning experience that matches what matters most to you, sharpening your skills efficiently. This personalized approach dives into essential test components such as math, reading, and writing, offering insights that resonate with your learning style and pace. It reveals how individual-focused preparation can accelerate your progress in just 30 days.

Tailored Guide
Score Acceleration
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for clear, strategic test review
The PSAT Exam Secrets Study Guide offers a carefully structured path through the challenging National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. Crafted by the PSAT Exam Secrets Test Prep Team, this guide breaks down each test section with clear explanations and numerous practice questions, complemented by video tutorials that help clarify tough concepts. It’s designed to help you grasp what the College Board expects and to improve your performance with targeted strategies. Whether you're aiming for a scholarship or just want to strengthen your skills, this guide provides a practical and accessible resource for PSAT success.
2016·128 pages·PSAT and National Merit Prep, Test Preperation, Test Preparation, PSAT Preparation, Reading Comprehension

What happens when a dedicated test prep team focuses on the PSAT's unique demands? The PSAT Exam Secrets Study Guide by the PSAT Exam Secrets Test Prep Team lays out targeted strategies and thorough content reviews across reading, math, and writing sections. You get detailed practice questions with comprehensive explanations, plus video tutorials that clarify challenging topics like algebra and rhetoric. This guide suits those aiming to excel on the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, especially if you want a structured, clear approach without wading through overly technical jargon. It’s straightforward and practical, ideal if you want to build solid test-taking skills and confidence ahead of exam day.

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Best for practical problem-solving strategies
The Princeton Review's approach to PSAT and National Merit preparation is designed around practical techniques and thorough practice. This edition combines detailed topic reviews with two full-length practice tests that mirror the official exam, helping you familiarize yourself with question formats and timing. It also demystifies the National Merit Scholarship process, positioning itself as a solid choice for students determined to excel on the PSAT and beyond. By emphasizing targeted drills, strategic problem-solving, and up-to-date information, this book serves as a comprehensive study companion for motivated test-takers.
2016·480 pages·PSAT and National Merit Prep, Test Preparation, PSAT, National Merit, Math Drills

What started as a straightforward test prep guide, this book from Princeton Review offers more than just practice questions. You gain clear strategies for tackling the PSAT's toughest problems, including time-management techniques and methods to maximize points on multiple-choice questions. Chapters like the "Additional Math" section sharpen your skills on complex topics, while the two full-length practice tests provide a realistic exam experience with detailed answer explanations. If you’re aiming not only to improve your score but also to understand the National Merit Scholarship process, this book lays out what you need in accessible terms. It suits students serious about their PSAT performance and scholarship eligibility but might feel dense for casual test takers.

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Conclusion

This collection of seven best-selling PSAT and National Merit Prep books reveals several clear themes: a focus on blending practice tests with strategic review, adapting to the digital test format, and targeting scholarship-specific content. These widely-adopted frameworks have helped countless students build skills that go beyond rote memorization, emphasizing understanding and timing.

If you prefer proven methods, start with the Princeton Review's 2023-2024 guide or Kaplan's foundational strategies for a solid overview. For validated approaches that tackle digital testing and advanced question types, Brian W. Stewart M.Ed.'s premium study guide pairs well with McGraw-Hill's targeted scholarship prep.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized PSAT and National Merit Prep book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed, and tailoring them to your goals can unlock even greater results.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start with the Princeton Review PSAT/NMSQT Prep, 2023-2024. It offers a well-rounded approach with practice tests and strategies that suit most learners. Once comfortable, branch out to more specialized guides like Brian W. Stewart M.Ed.'s for digital test focus or Kaplan's for foundational skills.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to PSAT and National Merit Prep?

Not at all. Books like Kaplan's 2015 Strategies and the PSAT Exam Secrets Study Guide break down concepts clearly for beginners while still offering depth for advanced students. They balance accessibility with thorough preparation.

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

You can definitely pick one that fits your learning style and goals. Some students focus on a single comprehensive guide, while others combine a core book with a targeted workbook like PSAT Prep for reading and writing skills.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Kaplan's guide leans toward foundational theory and understanding test structure, while Princeton Review and Cracking the PSAT emphasize practical strategies and timed practice. The PSAT Exam Secrets Study Guide balances both with clear, actionable tips.

Are any of these books outdated given how fast PSAT and National Merit Prep changes?

Most guides here, like the 2023-2024 Princeton Review and 2024 Digital PSAT Study Guide, reflect the latest exam format changes. Older editions like Kaplan's 2015 book still offer valuable fundamentals, but pairing them with recent resources is wise.

Can personalized PSAT and National Merit Prep books complement these expert guides?

Yes! Expert books provide proven strategies, and personalized books tailor those methods to your unique needs and goals. Combining both can maximize your prep efficiency. Learn more about personalization here.

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