Decide on your ideal test score. Different colleges require different minimum scores on the SAT. If you have a good idea of where you want to go to college, you can set your minimum acceptable score to match that school's.
Use a structured test-preparation method, such as purchasing a test-prep book or software package, hiring a tutor or signing up for a test-prep class.
Become comfortable with elimination. As the SAT is a multiple-choice test, you can eliminate wrong options to questions that you don't know the answer to. Once you have eliminated a wrong answer or two, you have a good chance of choosing correctly and improving your score.
Familiarize yourself with the type and style of questions that will be asked on the SAT. The College Board, which administrates the SATs, offers sample questions on its website to help you prepare (see Resources below).
Take a practice SAT test to diagnose areas of the test that might be troublesome for you. A practice test is available on the College Board website.
Get a good night's rest the night before you take your SATs. Studies have shown that, no matter how much you cram for the test the night before, you will still get a better score by being well rested.
Make sure you take your photo ID and SAT-admission ticket on the morning of the test. You will also need two number-2 pencils and a calculator. You are also allowed to bring snacks and drinks for breaks between the sections of the test.