A few years ago, a 35-year-old took the SAT and wrote about the experience.
I responded with the essay below, which I think is relevant to most academic work, not just the SAT.
I posted the essay on Facebook, where a very interesting discussion ensued.
Forgive me if this offends:
Being scared of the SAT is an uninformed response to the serious and real issue of cultural test-mania (unless you are getting paid to write a funny article in which you aim to be uninformed, as in this case). The way you deal with the SAT is the same way you deal with any of the other problems you deal with as an adult: you learn about the most important ideas from a reputable source, you do the minimum necessary preparation, you make a backup plan in case you need to take it more than once, then you execute the plan.
I mean, seriously, taking the SAT cold is as smart as doing your taxes cold. For your taxes, you buy software, or you hire an expert, or you google some basic questions. Same applies here: the basic math facts you need fit onto a page. The reason for the 0.25 point penalty (and the way to use it to your advantage) takes three paragraphs to explain, tops. The fact that the essay comes first is well-understood to be a mind game (and again, one you can use to your advantage).
A little research, folks. That’s all it takes. The big bucks in private prep are spent by three categories of people: people who actually need every last point, people who need to save every possible minute, and people too lazy or afraid to search the web for basic information.
It’s honestly not rocket science. It’s wholly doable with some forethought. Treat it as such instead of freaking out. In other words, take it like a grown-up.