Studying properly will require at least dozens of hours of preparation. While cramming may have worked for you in the past, it won’t work here. At the latest, you should begin studying during the spring of your junior year.

 
PLAN YOUR STUDYING.

 When you first start preparing for the SAT, map out a plan of attack. Figure out what you need to learn and practice, and understand which materials you’re going to work through for each section.

 
STUDY IN A CONSISTENT TIME AND PLACE.

 You’ll be more relaxed and efficient if you set aside a consistent time and place to study, whether it’s your bedroom on Tuesday nights or 3rd period study hall.

 
WORK FOR AT LEAST AN HOUR AT A TIME.

The SAT is an ordeal that takes more than four hours to get through. Patience and improving your attention span are key skills. Studying for 15 minutes at a time may help you review concepts, but it won’t help your brain
get in shape for the actual SAT testing environment.

 TIME YOURSELF.

 The SAT is what’s known as a “speeded” test—time is definitely a factor. If you haven’t been practicing doing questions with a clock or timer, then you’re not ready for the test.