I used to stress out when it came to those tests. I took the SAT's twice and I am not sure what I got, I think it was a 1200 or something and like a 1720 (if you include the writing) I thought it was OK. I never studied because at one point I knew I was getting into college regardless of if I did extremely well or if I just did OK, so I opted for the OK.
What I say:
Don't stress. That's the worst thing you can do. And in a year, you will look back on the tests and laugh asking yourself why the hell you invested so much time thinking about them.
Breakdown of the test:
It is split into three parts- Writing, English, Math
For the writing, they give you a topic and you have to write about that subject. What I recommend is to add in as many outside sources into the essay. Like if it is about child obesity, be like:
" '43% of all American children in the school systems are overweight,' Says the New York times"
They like that stuff. Even if you make it up. The thing is, the people who read these things, read about 50 a day and will not look up your sources. Also, if you use books to back up your claims, they really like that. Even make up a book if you don't know one, I did it, I got an 11/12 (Like a 700/800 or something) as my score. lol
The English part is a lot of 'read this (story, article, ect.) and answer questions. What helped me the most was reading the questions first, never just read out the whole story because when you get to the questions you will forget everything. Also, if the story has Black Bold type above it, READ THAT, it can give you information for the questions. And clear up the subject of conversation.
Math: I have no clue, I am bad at math. It's pretty much you know this or you don't, so study if you are not good at math and want to do well.
Hope I helped you out dude! Good Luck.
FullMetal