Hey guys! My SAT is coming up soon, and I'm feeling a bit anxious. Any last-minute tips or advice for staying calm and managing stress on test day? Thanks!
It's natural to feel a bit of anxiety before the SAT, but there are several things you can do to ease your stress and perform at your best on test day. Here are some tips to help you stay calm and focused:
1. Prepare everything the night before: Gather your admission ticket, photo ID, calculator, pencils for scratch work, and a snack. Lay out your clothes and plan your transportation to the testing center. Taking care of these details in advance can help minimize stress in the morning.
2. Get enough sleep: Try to get a full night's sleep leading up to your test day, especially the night before. Getting enough rest will help you feel more alert and focused during the test.
3. Eat a nutritious breakfast: Eating a well-balanced breakfast can fuel your brain and help maintain your energy levels. Avoid anything too heavy or greasy, and choose foods that keep you feeling full and alert, like whole grains, protein, and fruit.
4. Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time to get to the testing center, find your assigned room, and settle in. Arriving early can help reduce stress from running late or feeling rushed.
5. Practice relaxation techniques: During the test, if you start feeling overwhelmed or anxious, take a few deep breaths and focus on relaxing your body. This can help calm your nerves and recenter your mind.
6. Take breaks seriously: During the scheduled breaks, stand up, stretch, and walk around a bit to prevent feeling stiff or drowsy. Use the restrooms if needed and have a snack to keep your energy levels up.
7. Manage your time effectively: Keep an eye on the time, but try not to obsess over it. Remember, you have about 71 seconds per Reading and Writing question and 96 seconds per Math question. Skip questions you find too challenging and return to them later.
8. Trust your preparation: Remember the practice and preparation you've put in for the SAT. Have confidence in your abilities and stay focused on the present moment, tackling one question at a time.
9. Stay positive: Keep a positive attitude throughout the test. Remember that everyone else taking the SAT is experiencing similar challenges, and it's just one part of your college application.
Taking these steps should help you manage stress and stay calm on test day. Good luck!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.