For most high school students, the SAT will be the longest test they have ever taken. At three hours and forty-five minutes, it is a truly daunting challenge. It's not enough simply to know all the material on the SAT test; you must also improve your focus and stamina.
The best way to train for this academic marathon is to take lots of practice tests. One practice test is the PSAT. This will give you a sense of what topics are covered, what strategies work, and where your weak spots are. Pay close attention to the PSAT Score Report Plus. Use it to inform and guide your SAT prep plan. But, at only two hours and ten minutes, the PSAT does not prepare you for the grueling endurance game of the real SAT.
To really get into shape for the SAT, be sure to take the eight complete practice tests included in
The Official SAT Study Guide
. It's best to take these test under true test conditions, if at all possible. Take the practice tests the on the same day of the week and at the same hour of the day that the test will be given (for example, Saturday at 8:30am). Find a quiet room at home, or perhaps at a school or library. Give yourself three hours and forty-five minutes to complete the test. If you do this every week for two months, you will walk into the real SAT test more confident and better prepared than everyone else in the room.
Be persistent. Be diligent. Hard work pays off.
How to Succeed with SAT Test Preparation