How I am studying for the SAT - timed test method - What do you think?

[KBosh]

This is what I did to prepare for the SAT. Note - I'm going to make some suggestions for the books that I used primarily for their practice tests they contained. These can be purchased by doing a quick search on amazon or google shopping. I took the test once and got over 2100, but I plan on taking it again because I am applying to a bunch of Ivy schools that are very competitive.

I got as many practice tests as possible and took them under simulated conditions that mimic the test day experience. To do this, firstly, I would get the The Official SAT Study Guide, 2nd edition (Paperback) for the 10 Official SAT tests to practice with timed.

To time yourself, I used this video called the SimuGator: SAT Edition DVD. It basically simulates the actual full-length test the way it is given on test day. I used it with my laptop to time myself when taking my practice SAT tests. I took a few sections from some of the practice tests I didn't use and some from other non-official practice tests to use as the experimental sections for these tests. (Note: The practice tests in the Official Study Guide do not include the experimental sections so you are going to need to substitute other tests' sections as the experimental sections to get the actual test day experience.)

Here are a few more practice test books out there by third party companies that I used as experimental sections and as practice tests (Note: These tests are not official ones, so I recommend only using them as experimental sections or non-timed practice. They can be used timed. I just prefer the Official SAT tests more because I want to get as real a feel as possible to the real thing on test day.):

McGraw-Hill's 12 SAT Practice Tests with PSAT, 2ed

11 Practice Tests for the SAT & PSAT, 2010 Edition (College Test Preparation)

Kaplan 12 Practice Tests for the SAT 2010 (Paperback)

This is exactly what I did, and I did pretty well - over a 2100. I'd suggest this method because you are going to become very familiar with not only the test questions and the test as a whole but also with what it is going to take to get through the anxiety and stress of test day. This mimics test day. The video gives you 3 breaks like on test day. I just kept it running like you are supposed to to simulate taking the test. 4 hours is brutal initially for a test, but with practice you'll get used to it.

 

So this is how I have been studying, what has everyone else been doing? Anything similar to my method?

[atse]

I think that your method of studying is very good. Practice makes perfect for everyone who is wondering how to raise their SAT scores. Just by practicing, I also raised my SAT score by at least 500 points! I feel that the SAT's are a strong reflection of your test-taking ability.