Do not try to simply memorize the words themselves; Instead, learn root words, suffixes, and prefixes. Unless you want to make your life much more complicated than it needs to be, don't bother writing out ten thousand flash cards and reading them over and over. Unless you give yourself years to study, this will never work. Instead, learn root words and memorize reoccurring suffixes and prefixes. It may be beneficial to take a Greek or Latin class, since many SAT words use their common root words.
Read as much as you possibly can. Ask your teachers or librarians for suggestions. Spend some time reading classic literature opposed to the more modern "chick lit" or "sci-fi" novels. Classic literature will contain many of the words found on the SATs. Putting words into context will help you memorize them much more effectively than reading the word and the definition alone. If you're reading and you see a word that you've never heard of, look it up. Read the definition in your head once or twice, and then read the sentence over again once you understand what the word means. Being able to associate the word with what was happening in the novel will give you a much more effective understanding.
Find what studying methods work for you and use them to your advantage. For visual learners, make flash cards. Do not simply write the word on one side and the definition on the other. This may work for 5% of the words, but there is no way this will work for all of them. Put the word into a sentence, draw a picture, do whatever you need to do to help it stick. For auditory learners, make recordings of the words and their definitions. Record yourself saying the word, the definition, and a sentence to go along with it. Listen to the recording as much as possible. Even when you're not officially studying, listening to your SAT words while driving, working out, or taking a shower can be beneficial.
Pay attention during your everyday life. Whether you realize it or not, many SAT words are used over and over in every day life. However, most people tend to tune words out if they don't know the meaning of them. Carry a pocket dictionary around (or for a more modern alternative, download one onto your iPhone or other handheld device). Look words up that you hear on the news, television, radio, from teachers, parents, or friends. You'll be surprised at how fast you can expand your vocabulary just by opening your ears and listening to what the people around you have to say.
Sign up for SAT or vocabulary programs, either online or in your community. Many schools, colleges, or towns will offer SAT prep workshops. For people who need the extra boost to study, this is a great alternative. There are also programs offered online, as well as websites that may assist you in learning and studying SAT vocabulary. Use any and all resources that you feel will be effective in your SAT prep. Refer to the resources below for some helpful links.