SAT Breaks: How Do They Work?

Hey everyone, I'm gonna be taking the SAT soon and I've heard there are scheduled breaks. How long are these breaks and what are some strategies to maximize the benefit during this downtime? Any advice is appreciated.

Sure, happy to provide some insights on this!

The SAT schedule includes a total of three breaks. After the first Reading section (two 32-minute modules, 68 minutes total), there's a 10-minute break in which you can relax, finish thoughts from the past section, have a snack, and prepare mentally for the next part.

Then, after the Math section (two 35-minute modules, 70 minutes total), you get a 5-minute break which is a good time to quickly rejuvenate and get ready for the Writing section.

Finally, you have another 5-minute break before the second Math section. At this point, you've gone through most of the test, so this is mainly just a breather before the final few miles.

To maximize these breaks, make sure to move. Stand up, stretch your legs, and get your blood pumping again – this helps to reduce fatigue. Stay hydrated; have a drink of water at every break, but don't drink so much that you need a washroom visit!

Snacking on something quick and high-energy like a granola bar or a piece of fruit can help maintain your energy levels. Avoid anything messy or that takes too long to eat—you don't want to waste precious relaxation time.

Take a few deep breaths and clear your mind to reset and refocus for the next section. Try not to get stuck dwelling on what's completed, you can't go back and change it, so it's best to focus on what's coming ahead.

Remember, you won’t be able to access your phone during the breaks, so you’ll need to plan accordingly and ensure any snacks or other essentials are within reach!

Good luck with your test! It sounds like you're doing a great job preparing.