Don't wait until the night or morning before the test to cram information into your head. Begin studying for the test as early as several months in advance. By the week of the test, you should be comfortable enough with the format to be able to relax. Avoid stress on the days leading up to the SAT.
Many school districts offer SAT Prep courses you can pay for. You also can find sample questions on the Internet, as well as preparation books in some libraries and bookstores. If you are practicing alone, try to recreate the conditions of the actual test by setting a time limit for each section.
Familiarize yourself with cancellation policies before taking the test. If illness or tardiness hurt your overall score, complete a Test Cancellation Form to cancel the results. Collect this form before leaving the test area. Only submit this form if you are certain your score will not match your expectations.
Expect the SAT to last 3 hours and 45 minutes -- 70 minutes of reading, 60 minutes of writing, 70 minutes of math and some time left over for an ungraded, experimental section. Get a full night's rest the night before of the test so your mind remains sharp throughout the session. If possible, bring snacks and a drink for breaks between each session. Do not substitute these snacks for a full breakfast the morning of the test.