March SAT Exam

I'm stressing a bit over the upcoming March SAT exam. I've done quite a lot of preparation, but as the date gets closer, anxiety is creeping up. Any advice on how to handle this? Also, any last-minute study or test-day strategies that might help?

Responding as a high school counselor:

First, it's perfectly normal to experience some level of anxiety before a significant event like this. Just remember, it's a natural response to potentially stressful situations.

One method to reduce this anxiety is to familiarize yourself with the entire process. You can do this by running full-length, timed practice tests on the BlueBook™ app, which allows you to experience a very similar environment to the actual exam. Try to do it in a quiet and timed setting. This will not only help you with your pacing but also, the more familiar you are with the format and timing, the less intimidating the test will seem.

Make sure to review the material that you find most challenging. It's easy to gravitate to sections you're comfortable with, but it's really those difficult areas where you'll make the most progress. You've likely done considerable review already. In this final stretch, consider creating flashcards for areas you may be struggling with to allow for quick, regular review.

On the day before the exam, I recommend setting aside your study materials and taking the day off to relax and recharge. You want to be mentally fresh for the test day. Try to engage in some physical activity, get a good night's sleep, and have all your materials ready (calculator, ID, etc.) to avoid any additional stress in the morning.

On the test day, eat a good breakfast and arrive early at the test location. During the exam, remember to breathe, take it one question at a time, and don't spend too much time on a single question - it's perfectly fine to skip a question and come back to it later if you have time.

While it's natural to want a high score, it's also important to remember that this test is just one aspect of your college application. It does not define your intelligence or your potential. Best of luck!