Taking the SAT: Day Before Preparation Tips

If you are gearing up to take the SAT, you may be feeling a wide range of emotion. You are excited, as this test influences your acceptance into the college of your choice. You may be nervous for the same reason. And, if you dislike tests you may be fearful. Of course, these emotions are common, but there is one thing you must do. That is breath. As nerve-wracking as the SAT is, remember that it is just a test. It is just like a high school midterm or final exam. Moreover, it is not the only factor colleges take into consideration.

In addition to taking a deep breath and trying to relax, there are many others ways to physically and emotionally prepare for the SAT, especially the day before the test. What are they?

Make sure you have everything you need to gain entry into the test. To eliminate confusion, overbooking, and cheating, all students must have their SAT ticket and a valid form of photo identification. If you do not have these items, you may be unable to take the test. Ensure you have them the night before and store in a safe location.

Pack a small bag for your other needed supplies. For the test, you will need two number two pencils, an eraser, and a working calculator. Before putting these items inside your bag, check their format and function. Your calculator needs to work. If it runs out of batteries during the test, you are out of luck. If your calculator is old and one you have used for years, consider replacing the batteries the night before. All pencils must be number two for proper scoring. Most orange pencils are, but recheck.

In your bag, also pack a small snack and drink. Your test will be long. You will be at the test center for at least four hours. You will likely get hungry and thirsty. During the SAT, you will have a couple of short breaks, so pack a dry snack and a drink.

After you have ensured that you are ready to physically arrive for the SAT and show up prepared, work on reviewing your notes or study guides. This should not be considered a study session, but a review. Just read your notes, go through your practice flashcards, or skim the highlighted sections of your SAT study guide. This should not be the first time you are looking at these. The night before the test, it is best to review and not technically study. This applies less pressure and stress.

Set your alarm clock. As you likely already know, the SAT starts early. Most students are expected to arrive at their designated test center by 7:45 in the morning. If you are not a morning person, an alarm clock is needed. Set your alarm clock the night before. When doing so, be sure to account for the snooze button. Don’t get up 30 minutes before you need to leave if you know you will spend those 30 minutes pressing the snooze button. In terms of the SAT, the earlier the better. The earlier that you get up, the less of a rush you are in. You also get to ensure a tasty and fulfilling breakfast.

Make sure someone knows you are taking the test. If you are junior or high school senior, you should live with your parents. Make sure they know all about your SAT and the test date and time. If you forget to set your alarm clock or don’t wake up to the sounds, you need a backup plan. Remember, it is important to arrive on time to the SAT. If you are late, you lose your spot in the test. Not only that, but you won’t get your fees back either.

Finally, go to bed early. Many students make a costly mistake the night before the SAT. That mistake is staying up all night studying. As nerve wracking as the SAT is, a late night cramming session the night before the test will not do any good. In fact, it may worsen your score. Review your notes, flash cards, or study guides earlier in the afternoon or evening, but leave the night for sleeping. You may be surprised to know, but getting a good night’s sleep is one of the easiest ways to improve test score.