@NJROTC-CC ,
I have refrained from offering any advice, knowing that you and DS would get advice from other posters, teachers, etc, better than from me. My DSes' experiences are dated, but but certain aspects are relevant.
Both my DS's smoked the Math sections of the SAT, but struggled mightily with the Verbal section. They never did a "test prep" course. They used a private tutor, but only for a few hours. We didn't pay the tutor to watch them take practice tests. Those were done on their own time and the tutor analyzed the results with the sole purpose of identifying weaknesses which could be worked on.
Most important for them was learning how to read a question and how to efficiently eliminate incorrect answers. Just those two skills automatically gave them X# of minutes extra to complete the section and double check answers. This alone put them in a more relaxed and confident frame of mind walking through the door...always a good thing.
Whatever DS does, he shouldn't just grind through practice tests. A football team doesn't only scrimmage during the course of a season. A D-lineman doesn't just push a sled around the field all practice long. He should practice with a purpose, using the tactics which his tutor should be able to teach him.
Much of what my DSes learned from the tutor then is now available on the internet. There are all manner of free phone apps that teach without simply firing questions at the user. I even saw a vocabulary building shower curtain.
This might be a good place to start:
Not sure how to eliminate answers on the SAT? We've got helpful tips for guessing on the Reading, Writing, and Math sections.
blog.prepscholar.com
Your son sounds like a great kid and a good friend to those around him. I wish him the best of luck!
BTW Speaking from personal experience, knuckleheadedness is hardwired into almost every adolescent male. My favorite example:
DS#2 (capable and responsible in every aspect of his life) planned an extensive 3 1/2 month trip to Asia after graduation, before starting a real life mechanical engineering job. The trip was to start in Nepal. I consulted the CDC website for vaccinations. Among others, the rabies vaccine was highly recommended by everyone--CDC, Lonely Planet, Bear Grylls. DS told me he had read up on it and the Rabies vaccine isn't really necessary if you take precautions. "What are those?", I asked. "Stay away from the dogs and don't make eye contact with the monkeys."
It doesn't dramatically disappear all at once. Some of it never disappears. Just ask Mrs. cb7893...and we aren't just talking about her sons.