types of questions

When I say "they ask the same type of questions", I mean they are covering certain skills. It's not like playing "trivia" where they suddenly throw an unexpected element at you, such as an advanced physics or calculus or philosophical or historical or pop culture question.

They predictably cover basic understanding of certain elements of algebra and geometry -- So in the math portion, there will most likely be a question along the lines of "John can paint a house in 6 hours, Bill can paint a house in 10 hours, how long will it take them to paint it together?" If you know how to solve this TYPE of question, then you will know how to do this kind of problem when it comes up, even though the details (the people's names, the hours listed, etc.) are different. There will also be questions about triangles, xyz algebra equations, graphs, etc. Once you identify the scope of what is covered, then you simply make sure you know how to those types of problems.

In the verbal portion, I believe they ask some analogy questions. Once you learn how to understand and figure out analogies, then you can deal with those questions on the test, even though obviously don't know WHAT the analogy will be (which words will be used). For reading comprehension, understanding skills such as quickly glancing at the questions before reading the passage can be helpful, and watching out for potentially misleading questions, such as the use of the word "not" which would entirely change the question (and of course, the correct answer). Obviously a strong vocabulary is immensely useful.

There is a limited range of what is covered under the blanket of "SAT". There are common types of questions asked on all the tests. I believe someone can look through one of those books of practice tests and compile a list of common types of questions, make sure they are familiar with the particular skills needed for those types of questions, and do well with the test.

For example, maybe someone DID study how to solve an XYZ algebra equation, but that was several years ago and they've since forgotten the details. Once they realize this is something that will probably be asked on the SAT, they can go back and refamiliarize themselves with how to solve that kind of problem. Or perhaps they realize they never did learn that, so they had better learn how before they take the test, because they will most likely come across one or more of that kind of problem.

Does that make sense? Or do you disagree?

It is essentially "learning for a test" and IF people are familiar with the kinds of questions asked and are prepared in knowing how to identify and understand those questions, and have the necessary skills in order to come up with the correct answer, then obviously YES, they will do well on the test!