Sounds like good advice from 1013. One of the main problems with the test is stress. To cut the stress down I flew enough hours to feel confident. Your demonstrating your ability to command and make decisions, that takes confidence. So as said, budget for more hours.
I also made a point of not doing too much before the course as I didn't want to learn one way and then have to follow another. Again though the previous advice on checks is a good one. Where are you going?