Need advice for the SAT test

I'm taking my SAT in a couple of months and although I've been preparing, I'm pretty stressed. Any advice from you veterans who've already taken it? Maybe some do's and don'ts I should be aware of? Or any strategies that could help me maximize my score? Really appreciate your help!

It's completely normal to feel stressed about the SAT, but the right strategies can help offset that stress. To start off, here are some key do's and don'ts:

Do's:

1. Practice, Practice, Practice: The more familiar you are with the types of questions that will be asked, the better. The College Board provides free full-length practice tests which can be a great resource. Try to complete at least 3-5 full-length practice tests before the actual test.

2. Develop a study plan: Identify areas where you need to improve, and dedicate time each day to practice those areas. This will help you avoid "cramming" and make studying more manageable.

3. Take care of your physical health: It's easy to neglect this during stressful periods, but eating healthily, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can all help boost your performance.

Don'ts:

1. Don't ignore mistakes on practice tests: Review them carefully, understand why you made them, and focus on not repeating them in the future.

2. Don't cram the night before the test: It's better to have a calm night and get a good sleep.

3. Don't rush through questions: You have 71 seconds per Reading/Writing question and 96 seconds per Math question. Use your time wisely rather than rushing to complete it.

In terms of strategy, focusing on time management is crucial. Since the SAT is a timed test, make sure you're comfortable with the timed structure to avoid running out of time.

Another thing to note is, the SAT does not have any penalty for guessing. Therefore, don’t leave any question unanswered. Even if you're unsure, always pick the best answer you can and move on.

Remember, the SAT is important, but it's not the only thing colleges consider when reviewing applications. Plenty of other factors, such as your GPA, extracurricular activities, and essays, also play a big role. Keep a positive mindset and do your best. Good luck!