Yeah, I think that for most kids who qualify through talent searches, a few full-length practice tests to get used to the format and sheer stamina needed (at 8-14yo, that is DEFINITELY a factor with the SAT) are a good idea.
Beyond that, it's prepping. I disagree with prepping. Others don't.
My DS 14 qualified for the JHU~CTY Grand Ceremony last year with his SCAT & STB scores. Shockingly, he wanted to go get his medal. So we did. While there I talked to several other parents and all of them admitted to heavy prepping - tutors, SAT classes and whole regimens of practice tests.
My DS14 took one practice test to get familiar with the format and length. He scored a 670 on the math portion as a 7th grader. I'm certain that if I subjected him to a punishing SAT prep that he would have achieved near perfect scores. However, I thought the point was to get an accurate measure against other gifted kids. Ugh.
