<p>Whenever I take my CB tests, I usually take them a section at a time. Whenever I finish a section, I'll grade the section and review the ones I got wrong. I've done this for the last 5 tests, and, although rarely, sometimes it will take me up to two days to take a single test (just because I have other stuff going on). It suddenly dawned on my this might not be the best way to deplete my test supply, as taking a test section by section does not simulate the way I'll take the real SAT come October. Am I right in this thinking, or does it not matter? From your guys' experience, does it matter if I take the tests section by section, or am I just being paranoid?</p>
<p>Well it sounds like you're doing something that Xiggi would recommend. I'm not too familiar with it, though. You may want to check his thread.</p>
<p>I did the same thing when I first started preparing. I think it's fine, since you have to make sure you understand the material before you can time yourself or put yourself in a stressful situation. However, you should try to take at least one test as if it was the real one, just so that you don't zone out after the first two hours of critical reading.</p>
<p>So you're saying xiggi wouldn't demand that I only take my tests in full, rather than section by section?</p>
<p>It's not necessarily bad, because you're still getting practice and seeing the different types of questions that will be on the SAT. Nonetheless, it's a good idea to take at least one full-length practice test under conditions similar to those on test day.</p>
<p>While the method that you're using is a good way to start prepping for the SAT, you shouldn't deplete your entire test supply this way. After you take a few tests section by section, then it is absolutely essential that you move on to taking the whole test at once. If you don't, you will be caught off guard on test day. You need to practice sitting there for four hours and fighting through the fatigue and boredom (yes, four hours is a long time!). I think that once you take some tests under actual testing conditions (in the morning, taking four hours straight with appropriate breaks, working with a timer etc), you will get the best indication of your test score and you will be well prepared to face the real thing.</p>