The January SAT is coming up and many students, ours included, are anxious about their “performance.” Obviously, being prepared for the test is the best way to reduce test-taking anxiety. Here are some last minute tips for the SAT that also may help you perform your best on test day.
Last Minute Tips for the SAT
1. Get an early start.
Go to bed early the night before, eat breakfast if you normally do, and arrive at the testing center early. Waking up late or arriving late will significantly increase your stress levels before the test. You want go to the test center as calmly as possible.
2. Be confident in your skills.
If you have worked with Apply Me or prepared appropriately, be confident in that preparation. You know how to get the answer, it’s just about putting the pieces of the puzzle together correctly.
3. Visualize a successful test day the night before.
Take 5 to 10 minutes and simply imagine the next day. Think about everything you will do and see yourself doing well on the test before you take it. Great athletes visualize big games and so should you.
4. Practice deep breathing.
This is one of our weirder tips for the SAT…but it works. Breath in deeply for 5 seconds and then exhale for 5 seconds at least 3 times. Deep breathing has been shown in medical studies to increase blood flow to the brain and lower your blood pressure. Basically, deep breathing can help make you smarter and calmer.
5. Take a timeout during the test if you need one.
Put your pencil down and completely relax for a few short minutes if you get stuck or frustrated on the test. “Reboot” yourself and then attack the test.
6. Use the long breaks and short stretch breaks wisely.
Leave the room and walk for a few minutes during the long breaks. Actually stretch during the stretch break (you may look like a nerd stretching but this can really help).
7. Always remember that you can take the test again.
This one is maybe the most important on our tips for the SAT. Taking the SAT up to 3 times is okay for many schools and don’t forget that they take the BEST scores from all your attempts.
8. Forget about the SAT (and our tips for the SAT).
Despite the importance we place on the SAT, other parts of your application also matter. Your overall grade point average, grades during your last two years of school, and extracurricular activities weigh heavily. Don’t worry about whether you think the SAT is important. Remember that you can get accepted to university despite a low SAT score.
Need to boost your score with more than tips for the SAT?
If you don’t do as well as you would like on the SAT, email us at [email protected], and let’s talk about how we can improve the rest of your application so you can get into a university that fits you
