SAT practice: THE NIGHT BEFORE THE SAT
1. Take it Easy
There are two ways you can mess this up. One is to go out, party, and stay up late. The other is to spend the night cramming! Whatever prep you do the night before the SAT will have very little effect on your score. You’re better off taking it easy. If you insist on studying the day before, limit it to 30 minutes. Otherwise, chill out and do something relaxing like watching your favorite TV show, hanging out at your friend’s home (but coming home at a reasonable hour), or going out for a walk. Yes, even playing video games the night before the SAT is highly recommended – just not more than an hour or so, though!
2. Pack Your Bag
It’s a good idea to pack your belongings the night before so you don’t risk forgetting something in the morning. Here’s what you have to bring: [could consider having pictures of these pop up, or having the speaker hold them up]
Admission Ticket – You can print out your admission ticket from the College Board website.
Photo ID – This can be a driver’s license, learner’s permit, passport, or school ID, for example.
#2 Pencils – We recommend you bring 5 pencils just in case. They should be regular, non-mechanical pencils, and make sure they’re sharpened!
Calculator – While calculators are not required, they are permitted and will be a big help on the calculator math section. Put in new batteries the night before the test.
And here’s a few more things we recommend:
Watch – It’s a good idea to wear a watch. While testing rooms usually have a clock, sometimes they may not, or the clock may not be working. It’s best to wear your own watch so you can keep track of the time no matter what. Digital watches are fine, but just make sure they aren’t going to beep during the test. Keep in mind smart watches are not permitted.
Jacket – No matter what time of year you’re taking the test, it’s a good idea to dress in layers. The testing room could be cold or hot, and you want to make sure you’ll be comfortable.
Snack – You’ll get two breaks during the test, so it’s a good idea to bring a healthy snack to keep your energy going.
Small drink – Bring a small bottle of water or your preferred drink in case there isn’t a drinking fountain.
How about what not to bring? [put an X over these to show they’re not allowed. again you could put a photo or hold them up]
Cell Phone – It’s best to leave cell phones at home or in your car. If you have to bring your phone into the test center, it will need to be turned off and turned in to your proctor.
Any Other Electronics – Be sure to leave any smart watches or electronic fitness devices at home. Even if your intentions are good, the presence of electronic devices can not only invalidate your scores but also the scores of everybody else in the room.
Other Tools – Do not bring a highlighter, ruler, or any other tools unless you have testing accommodations specifically allowing them.
3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep is a great SAT strategy
You’re probably tired after a week of school, so use that to your advantage! Hit the sack at a reasonable hour so you can be well-rested for test day – no video games or movie watching until 2am! Believe it or not, sleep plays a huge role in your memory and ability to perform academic tasks. The best thing you can do for your brain is to get plenty of sleep! However, don’t try to go to sleep too much earlier than usual, or you might have trouble falling asleep.
THE MORNING OF THE SAT: Other SAT strategies
1. Wake Up!
It’s a bad idea to roll out of bed and go straight to a 65-minute reading section. Instead, allow yourself plenty of time to get up and get ready before you have to leave. Once your alarm goes off, help yourself wake up completely by taking a shower. You want to be completely awake before you leave!
2. Get Your Heart Pumping
It’s a great idea to do a little exercise before you leave home on test day. Exercising gets your heart pumping, which in turn will send oxygen to your brain. The better shape your brain is in, the better you will do on the test! Consider doing 10-15 minutes of push-ups, jumping jacks, or any other exercise that will increase your heart rate.
3. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Reach for a bowl of oatmeal, fruit, or granola instead of a doughnut or sugary cereal. You won’t be able to eat another meal for at least five hours, and you don’t want to be distracted by your stomach growling during the test.
4. Stick with Your Routine
If you normally drink coffee or tea before school, it’s okay to have your usual amount before the test. However, if it’s not a normal part of your routine, don’t try it out on test day. Caffeine can affect people differently, and you don’t want to risk feeling sick or jittery. The same goes for energy drinks and any kind of medicine.