8 Best-Selling Test Preperation Books Millions Love

These 8 best-selling Test Preperation Books, authored by leading experts like Matthew Bowling and organizations such as ETS, provide proven, expert-backed strategies for success.

Updated on June 28, 2025
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There's something special about books that both critics and crowds love—especially in the high-stakes world of test preparation. Millions of students rely on trusted guides to navigate exams that often feel overwhelming. Whether you're preparing for nursing, graduate school, or college entrance tests, the right book can sharpen your skills and boost your confidence at a critical moment.

These eight books stand out because they're crafted by experts who understand both the tests and the test-takers. From Matthew Bowling's detailed TEAS guide to the Educational Testing Service's official GRE materials, these authors and organizations bring decades of experience and research to help you master core content and test-taking strategies.

While these popular books provide proven frameworks, readers seeking content tailored to their specific Test Preperation needs might consider creating a personalized Test Preperation book that combines these validated approaches with your unique background and goals.

Best for TEAS exam takers seeking clarity
Matthew Bowling, Executive Managing Director at Mometrix Test Preparation since 2007, leads a team that distills vast exam content into targeted study materials. His deep expertise ensures this guide covers the critical concepts most likely to appear on the TEAS 7 exam, complemented by step-by-step video tutorials and extensive practice tests. This combination offers you a structured and comprehensive resource crafted by experts committed to helping test-takers succeed.
2022·446 pages·Test Preperation, Study Guides, Practice Tests, Video Tutorials, Math Concepts

Matthew Bowling's extensive experience at Mometrix Test Preparation shines through this guide, crafted to address the complexities of the TEAS 7 exam. You’ll find six full-length practice tests paired with over 180 detailed video tutorials, especially helpful for mastering challenging math concepts and new question formats. The book thoroughly covers each exam section—from human anatomy in science to conventions of standard English—ensuring you grasp underlying principles, not just surface facts. If you’re preparing for the TEAS exam and want structured, clear explanations along with ample practice materials, this guide offers a focused path without overwhelming jargon.

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Best for healthcare admission candidates
The Admission Assessment Exam Review by HESI offers a focused approach to preparing for healthcare admission tests. It guides you through essential subjects like math and anatomy, with hundreds of practice questions accompanied by clear explanations. This edition’s structured format and diagnostic tests aim to sharpen your skills and target areas needing improvement. If you’re aiming to enter nursing or allied health programs, this guide can help you navigate the exam’s demands with practical study tools and up-to-date content.
2020·170 pages·Test Preperation, Study Guides, Admission Exams, Math Review, Reading Comprehension

After analyzing the needs of prospective healthcare students, HESI developed this Admission Assessment Exam Review to address the specific challenges of the HESI A2 exam. You’ll find thorough coverage of subjects like math, reading comprehension, biology, and anatomy, paired with detailed explanations for hundreds of practice questions. The book’s pre-test and post-test assessments help you pinpoint weaknesses, allowing focused study where it matters most. If you’re preparing for admission to nursing or allied health programs, this guide offers structured support tailored to the exam’s formats and content.

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Best for personal study plans
This personalized AI book about test preparation is created based on your background, skill level, and specific test goals. By sharing which areas you want to focus on and your current challenges, the AI crafts a book that matches your unique needs. This tailored approach makes the complex process of preparing for exams feel manageable and directly relevant to you, helping you build confidence and mastery efficiently.
2025·50-300 pages·Test Preperation, Test Preparation, Study Techniques, Time Management, Content Mastery

This tailored book explores proven expert strategies to conquer the complexities of test preparation, designed specifically to match your background and goals. It covers essential cognitive techniques, time management skills, and focused content review methods, ensuring a deep understanding of test formats and question types. By combining widely validated approaches with insights tailored to your interests, the book guides you through personalized study plans and stress reduction tactics that align with your unique learning style. This personalized approach ensures efficient preparation that directly addresses your challenges and aspirations, making the journey to test success more engaging and effective.

AI-Tailored
Test Mastery Insights
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for GRE aspirants needing official practice
Educational Testing Service (ETS), a nonprofit dedicated to educational measurement since 1947, brings unmatched expertise to this GRE Super Power Pack. Developing and scoring over 50 million tests annually worldwide, including the GRE, ETS offers you the official insights and authentic practice materials you need to prepare effectively. Their long history and global reach make this pack a uniquely reliable source for anyone serious about excelling on the GRE.
Official GRE Super Power Pack, Second Edition book cover

by Educational Testing Service··You?

Drawing from decades of experience in educational measurement, Educational Testing Service (ETS) compiled this 3-book bundle to give you a direct line to the official GRE test content. You get access to authentic practice questions, detailed explanations, and four full-length GRE exams—two in print and two online—which reflect exactly what you'll face on test day. The guide walks you through each question type with the test maker’s own tips, and includes scored sample essays with reader commentary to sharpen your writing. This pack suits anyone aiming to familiarize themselves fully with the GRE format and improve their performance through realistic practice.

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Best for nursing licensure exam preparation
Linda Anne Silvestri has shaped nursing education through her extensive research on exam success factors and her leadership in NCLEX preparation resources globally. Her holistic approach addresses not only knowledge but also test anxiety and self-efficacy, ensuring nurses are equipped to make sound clinical judgments. As a Next Generation NCLEX Subject Matter Expert, her expertise informs every aspect of this book, making it a trusted companion for those facing one of nursing's most important challenges.
Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination book cover

by Linda Anne Silvestri PhD RN ANEF FAAN, Angela Silvestri PhD APRN FNP-BC CNE··You?

2022·1144 pages·Test Preperation, Nursing, Study Guides, Clinical Judgment, Pharmacology

Linda Anne Silvestri and Angela Silvestri leverage decades of nursing education and research to confront the challenge of NCLEX-RN exam preparation. This book offers over 5,700 questions that mirror the rigorous clinical judgment required on the actual exam, complete with detailed rationales and test-taking strategies for each answer. You’ll find unique features like Pyramid Points highlighting high-yield content and Priority Nursing Action boxes guiding critical interventions, helping you connect theory to practical decision-making. Whether you’re reinforcing pharmacology or mastering new Next Generation NCLEX question formats, this resource sharpens your readiness with a clear focus on the evolving demands of the nursing licensure test.

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Best for ACT test takers craving authenticity
The Official ACT Prep Guide 2024-2025 stands apart in the test preparation landscape by offering authentic materials directly from the ACT creators. Its extensive collection of nine full-length practice tests, both in print and online, gives you the chance to experience the test exactly as it is administered, while 400 digital flashcards reinforce key concepts across subjects. This guide is designed to demystify the ACT, providing practical tips and a customizable study experience that suits your schedule and learning style. Whether you're just starting your ACT journey or aiming to improve your score, this resource addresses the challenges of test day and helps you build confidence through familiarity and targeted practice.
2024·1120 pages·Test Preperation, College Entrance Prep, ACT Prep, Study Guides, Practice Tests

When the ACT organization updates its official prep guide, it commands attention for good reason. This edition delivers nine full-length, authentic practice tests including three online bonuses, complemented by 400 digital flashcards and a customizable online platform. You gain direct insight into the test structure and question types straight from the test makers, which helps sharpen your approach to English, math, reading, science, and the optional writing section. If you're aiming to understand the ACT's demands thoroughly and refine your pacing and strategy with genuine materials, this guide fits the bill perfectly.

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Best for rapid score improvement
This AI-created book on rapid score improvement is tailored to your unique background and specific test preparation goals. By focusing on what matters most to you, it avoids one-size-fits-all advice and instead offers a plan that fits your learning style and timeline. Customizing the content to your needs helps make studying more engaging and efficient, guiding you toward faster, measurable progress in just two months.
2025·50-300 pages·Test Preperation, Test Preparation, Study Planning, Time Management, Content Review

This tailored book delivers a focused, accelerated plan to help you improve your test scores effectively within just 60 days. It explores proven study techniques and exam strategies, carefully matched to your background and specific learning goals. By concentrating on areas you need most, it enables efficient progress without unnecessary detours. The content combines widely valued insights with a personalized approach, ensuring it resonates with your interests and maximizes your potential. Through this personalized guide, you engage deeply with relevant topics that matter most for your success, making the study process more motivating and effective.

Tailored Blueprint
Rapid Learning Techniques
1,000+ Happy Readers
Best for GED candidates wanting robust practice
For 80 years, Kaplan Test Prep has helped students build knowledge and confidence through expert guidance. This book embodies that legacy, offering a vast array of practice questions and online videos designed for self-study. Caren Van Slyke and the Kaplan team crafted this resource to align perfectly with GED test objectives, making it a reliable companion for anyone aiming to succeed on the GED exam.

What happens when decades of test prep expertise meets the GED exam? Caren Van Slyke, backed by Kaplan's 80 years of educational experience, delivers a study guide that doesn’t just cover content but sharpens your test-taking skills with over 1,000 practice questions and 60+ instructional videos. You’ll learn to navigate the Reasoning through Language Arts section with targeted writing strategies, master the TI-30XS calculator for math problems, and break down complex science and social studies topics with clear lesson plans. This book suits anyone preparing for the GED who wants a structured yet flexible approach to build confidence and improve performance at their own pace.

Rated Best of the Best by BestReviews
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Best for GMAT math fundamentals review
In 2000, Teach for America alumnus and Yale graduate Zeke Vanderhoek founded Manhattan Prep with a vision of improving test prep through exceptional educators. His team’s proven expertise and commitment to student-friendly resources led to this math foundation guide, designed to help you build core skills essential for GMAT success. The book’s blend of clear explanations, 900+ practice problems, and interactive online materials reflects their educational philosophy and extensive experience in test preparation.

Manhattan Prep's approach to GMAT math revisits essential concepts with clarity and purpose, crafted by instructors who consistently score in the 99th percentile. You gain more than just a refresher; the book breaks down foundational math principles with straightforward explanations and guides you through applying them on practice problems. Its online starter kit and extensive question bank make it accessible whether you’re returning to basics or reinforcing weak spots. If you want to build confidence in core math skills before tackling advanced GMAT material, this guide fits that need precisely, though it’s less suited for those already comfortable with fundamental math.

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Best for GRE general test comprehensive prep
Educational Testing Service (ETS), the authority behind the GRE, offers this guide reflecting decades of expertise in educational measurement. Founded in 1947, ETS administers millions of tests worldwide annually and harnesses this extensive experience to create a resource tailored precisely to the GRE General Test. Their commitment to accuracy and depth makes this guide an indispensable tool for anyone serious about graduate or business school admission.
The Official Guide to the GRE General Test book cover

by Educational Testing Service··You?

The Official Guide to the GRE General Test comes directly from the creators at Educational Testing Service, ensuring you access the most accurate representation of what the GRE entails. You learn not only the layout and scoring but also gain practical familiarity through hundreds of authentic practice questions spanning verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing sections. The guide’s detailed breakdown of question types and scoring nuances equips you with a clear strategy to approach each section with confidence. Whether you're aiming to enter graduate school or a business program, this guide is designed to help you understand the test’s demands and improve your performance with material you can trust.

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Proven Methods, Personalized for You

Get proven popular methods without following generic advice that doesn't fit.

Focused study plans
Expert strategies included
Tailored exam practice

Trusted by thousands of test takers worldwide

Test Prep Mastery Code
Rapid Score Boost Blueprint
Strategic Foundations System
Success Formula Secrets

Conclusion

This collection reveals a clear theme: expert-backed, widely validated resources offer structured paths through the challenge of test preparation. Whether it's the official GRE guides providing authentic practice or Saunders' comprehensive nursing review, these books emphasize proven strategies and extensive practice.

If you prefer proven methods, start with foundational guides like the Official GRE Super Power Pack or The Official ACT Prep Guide. For validated approaches tailored to healthcare, Admission Assessment Exam Review and Saunders' NCLEX resource are invaluable.

Alternatively, you can create a personalized Test Preperation book to combine proven methods with your unique needs. These widely-adopted approaches have helped many readers succeed—and they can help you too.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Start by identifying your specific test. For TEAS, the ATI TEAS Secrets Study Guide offers clear explanations. If you're aiming for the GRE, the Official GRE Super Power Pack is a solid first step. Matching the guide to your exam focus ensures efficient study.

Are these books too advanced for someone new to Test Preperation?

Not at all. Many of these books, like GED Test Prep Plus and GMAT Foundations of Math, are designed to build foundational knowledge and confidence, making them suitable even if you’re just beginning your preparation journey.

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

You can definitely pick one tailored to your exam and needs. For example, The Official ACT Prep Guide suffices for ACT prep. However, combining guides like Admission Assessment Exam Review with practice tests can deepen understanding if time allows.

How long will it take me to get through these books?

It varies by book and your schedule. For instance, Saunders Comprehensive Review for NCLEX is substantial with over 1,000 pages, while others like Admission Assessment Exam Review are more concise. Plan your study timeline accordingly.

Which books focus more on theory vs. practical application?

Books like GMAT Foundations of Math focus on theory and fundamentals, while ATI TEAS Secrets Study Guide and The Official ACT Prep Guide offer practical strategies and extensive practice tests to apply knowledge effectively.

Can I get a book tailored to my specific Test Preperation needs?

Yes! While these expert books offer proven methods, you can also create a personalized Test Preperation book that blends popular strategies with your unique skills, goals, and areas of focus for a more efficient study experience.

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