Preparing for Test Day

Here are some guidelines for things to do in the days before the test:

On Thursday

• Get a good night’s sleep.  The night before the test you may be restless, so stock up sleep now.
• If you will be bringing a calculator with you to the test, replace the batteries.
• If you are still feeling nervous, you may want to review the lesson on Reducing SAT Anxiety, but avoid cramming which will only increase your anxiety.  Focus on feeling confident about what you do know, instead of worrying about what you don’t know.

On Friday

• Take the night off, do something relaxing, and then get a good night’s sleep!
• Before you head to bed, make sure your alarm is set and that you have set out the things you will need in the morning including: your admission ticket, a valid id, several sharpened number two pencils with good erasers, an approved calculator that you are comfortable using, a watch, with no alarm, a snack and something to drink, directions to the test site. Knowing you are prepared will help you feel more relaxed and enable you to get a better night’s sleep.
• Be sure your alarm is set correctly.  It’s also a good idea to have a back up – just in case – so set a second alarm or to ask a parent or friend to make sure you don’t oversleep. 

On Saturday

• In the morning have a good breakfast – but keep it light and watch the liquid – after all, you will only have two ten minute breaks during the exam. 
• It may be hotter or colder than you would ideally like it to be in the test room so wear layers. 
• Plan to arrive at the test location at least 30 minutes before the start of the exam.  Register and then find a seat you are comfortable with.  Take out your pencils and your calculator and take a deep breathe.  Feel confident knowing that you are prepared.
• If you have a little extra time, take a quick lap around the parking lot or climb a flight of stairs to burn of your nervous energy and wake you up.  And make sure you go to the bathroom before the test starts as there may be a line during the breaks. 

Finally, keep the SAT in perspective. As all consuming as the SAT might seem right now, it is just a test. SAT scores are not the only factor considered for college admissions. Take a breath and remember you CAN do it.  The SAT is not a one shot deal. You can always retake the test and Boston Test Prep will always be here to help you prepare.