It has been a while since I took the SAT and I haven't taken the GRE yet so my information is a bit old, but not much has changed other than adding essay sections.

I like standardized tests, probably because I do well at them. I never took a class for the SAT but I did study books and take practice tests. I think that is one of the best ways to prepare. Take as many practice tests as you can without burning out on them. This helps you get used to the format and to the timing aspect. The last thing you want to do is run out of time because you took too long on some questions (if something is slowing you down, it is better to skip it and try to come back to it later since every question is pretty much equal in value. NOTE: This might be different with computer based tests. Skipping might not be an option).

Also, one thing that you really want to find out is if you are penalized for wrong answers and if so, how much. They do this to discourage guessing. It is usually a fraction of a point. If this is the case, don't guess on a question if you have absolutely no idea about it. Better to leave it blank. If you can reduce the choices down to two or three, though, taking an educated guess is supposedly advised.

I have no idea if one choice is the right answer more often than others.

Personally, I found out that my first instinct was usually right. If I answered something and then started second guessing my gut, I did better if I left my first answer.

Going back to what I said earlier, don't run out of time. My strategy was not to rush but to get through as fast as possible, noting questions that I had problems with, and then going back and addressing those questions. I usually wouldn't look at the questions I answered easily just so I didn't start second guessing or wasting time. Then, if I was done and there was still time, I'd use that to relax a bit, getting ready for the next section, while maybe pondering questions that had stumped me. Sometimes in that relaxing time, something would occur to me that I hadn't cosidered.

I went about it this way for Math and Verbal.

I never had to worry about my Math scores but Verbal was a struggle back then. I spent a summer prepping for Verbal and ignored Math but when I took the test, my Verbal only went up 10 and my Math went up 70. So, studying for specific types of problems might be helpful but I think general concepts might be better. Don't quote me on that one. But, most of all, be ready for how the test is set up. Don't let that surprise you. And take plenty of practice tests so you know what kinds of problems they like to use.

Hopefully this helps. Try the test time management and guessing strategies on your next test and see if it helps.

Fer"Wants to take the GRE for fun"rick