The SAT is coming soon and with it a combination of excitement, nerves and anticipation. But do not fear, you’ve got this! Whether you’re shooting for an Ivy League college or just want to boost your score, this blog is written to make you feel relaxed, assured, and prepared to tackle the test.
Here’s all you need to know about what to do and what not to do for the SAT. And with a bit of guidance from The Genius Squad, you can tackle this milestone with confidence.
What to Do: Prepare Yourself for the Exam Day
Minimize stress on the day of SAT and perform best by following these steps:
- Get Plenty of Rest Before your Test Day
The best thing that you can do is to have a good night’s sleep prior to the SAT. Your mind must be at its peak to function optimally, so try to get a minimum of 7-8 hours of undisturbed sleep. Don’t stay up cramming the previous night, as this results in anxiety and exhaustion. Have faith in your studies, and give the night to rest and relax.
- Power Your Body with the Proper Breakfast
On the day of the test, don’t skip breakfast! A balanced meal will help your body and brain get through the long hours. Choose protein sources such as eggs or oatmeal, accompanied by fiber from whole grains. Avoid sugary snacks that may provide you temporary rush of sugar followed by an energy crash. Keep in mind, a fed brain is a concentrated brain, particularly for the tough SAT Math and SAT English sections.
- Arrive Early and Be Ready
Plan to arrive early at the test center. Showing up at least 30 minutes prior provides ample time to get comfortable and finish any check-in process without being hurried. Do carry:
- Valid ID (driver’s license, school ID, etc)
- Admission Ticket
- Fully Charged Mobile Device (laptop, tablet, or school-provided Chromebook)
- Approved Calculator (SAT Math section)
- #2 Pencils (for scratch work)
Having all the preparations in place will minimize stress and enable you to concentrate only on the exam.
- Get Used to the Online Platform
As the SAT is fully conducted online, it is good to familiarize the platform prior to the test day. The Genius Squad provides SAT mock tests and online practice sets to familiarize you with the interface, the tools of the trade such as the on-screen calculator, and the timing system. Familiarity with the digital format will put you at ease so that no technical glitches will interrupt you when it’s time to test.
- Use Your Breaks Wisely
You will have breaks in your Digital SAT and it is important to use them wisely. Step away from the screen, stretch, drink some water and grab a quick snack to restore your energy. Remaining refreshed will serve you well as you progress to the next section.
Preparing for the Digital SAT takes more than learning the content, it’s about strategy, practice, and getting in the right mental shape for test day. Take the opportunity to make use of SAT mock tests, online practice sets, and personal guidance from an SAT online tutors at the Genius Squad to hone your skills in both SAT Math and SAT English.
What to Avoid: Common Errors to Sidestep
Don’t make these common errors that can lose you your dream score on your SATs:
- Don’t Cram the Night Before
Cramming the night before the test is likely to cause you stress and exhaustion, and it will only do you harm when you take the Digital SAT. Instead, have faith in your preparation, go over any last-minute instructions, and give yourself permission to relax. A good night’s rest will see you wake up fresh and sharp for the test.
- Don’t Forget to Pack Your Essentials
Double-check your bag the night before to ensure you have all the essentials:
- Admission ticket (you can go digital, but still have a safety net)
- ID (for verification of identity)
- Fully charged device (your tablet, laptop, or Chromebook)
- Approved calculator for SAT Math
- Don’t Overthink or Rush Through Questions
It’s simple to get hung up on a tough question, but don’t allow that to distract you. If you’re having trouble, skip it and return to the question later if time permits. Don’t forget that the Digital SAT might feel faster, but hurrying through it could result in errors. Take your time, eliminate possibilities, and go with your gut.
- Don’t Get Distracted
The Digital SAT might have some new elements like screen-based reading and on-screen tools. If you’re not used to working with a digital format, it might take a little getting used to. But stay focused! Don’t let distractions, whether from technology or other test-takers, affect your concentration. You’ve practiced for this, and now it’s time to shine.
Mark Your Calendar: Upcoming SAT Test Dates
Plan in advance using the following SAT test dates:
- August 23
- September 13
- October 4
- November 8
- December 6
Don’t cram your prep. The Genius Squad provides free mock test evaluation for your upcoming SAT tests, to enable you to measure your level of preparation and identify areas of weakness prior to the actual exam. Prepare early, remain concentrated, and position yourself for success.
How The Genius Squad Can Help You Succeed
At The Genius Squad, we are dedicated to offering the most effective resources and guidance to help you score the best in your SAT exam. Our SAT online tutors are experts in SAT Math and SAT English and will assist you in memorizing the core concepts and will help you solve the questions with ease.
Here’s how we can assist you:
Online Practice Sets:
Get access to many SAT online practice sets to help you familiarize with the style of SAT questions, time management and the most important topics like SAT Math and SAT English.
Personalized SAT Math and SAT English Tutoring:
In case you need help with algebra, geometry, reading comprehension, or grammar, our SAT online tutors would conduct a one-on-one lesson to enhance your skills and to build confidence.
Free SAT Mock Tests:
Leverage our free SAT mock tests to monitor your progress, pinpoint weaknesses and strengths and perfect your approach prior to the actual exam.
Detailed Feedback and Progress Reports:
Receive detailed progress reports and feedback after each and every session or SAT Mock Test. The areas that need improvement will be notified, so you stay on track and maximize the use of your study time.
Be Confident, You’ve Got This!
Smart strategies, continuous practice and self confidence is the key to success when it comes to the SAT prep. By following the Do’s and Don’ts and utilisation of such resources as The Genius Squad SAT mock tests and professional SAT online tutors, you will feel more than ready when the big day arrives.
Trust your preparation, be calm, and apply the strategies we’ve discussed. The Genius Squad has got your back, and we are cheering you on to succeed.
So, breathe, keep your wits about you, and prepare to succeed at your Digital SAT. You can do it!