Going into the test feeling prepared doesn’t just feel good, it also can bring up your score! Having confidence in your abilities helps you move through the problems quickly and with minimum exhaustion. Don’t stress yourself out unnecessarily. Here’s how to feel prepared for the SAT in 5 steps.
1. Put in the Work
At the end of the day, what’s going to make you feel the most prepared is putting in the work preparing for the SAT. Fall back on the knowledge that you’ve put in the hours into studying, that you’ve improved since you started, and that you’ve done what you can do.
Not sure how to start? Maybe begin by raising your reading speed. Next, our SAT Math Mastery books can walk you through the SAT Math section, and our SAT & ACT Grammar Mastery book can break down the 17 rules of SAT grammar, and how to use them.
You’ve done your time studying the SAT, and now, you’re going to use that knowledge to defeat it.
2. Practice Test Under Similar Conditions
Be familiar with the SAT’s timing and pace! Take a formal practice test if you can. If you can’t, run yourself through it by yourself, using a timer, and remember to schedule time for the breaks! This will help you get into the rhythm of the SAT. Whether you grade it or not, having a practice run will let you feel more at home with the actual SAT when it starts.
3. Build Rituals to Feel Prepared
The night before, get everything ready to go. Have your snacks packed, your pencils stocked with lead, and your calculator placed somewhere ready to go. Eat a good breakfast to prepare yourself. Having these little preparation rituals that you can easily prepare and succeed at starts your test day off with a burst of productivity and confidence.
4. Take Care of Yourself
It’s hard to feel prepared for the SAT when you don’t take care of yourself! Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating enough good food, and moving around when you need to! Your brain is a part of you, and can only function as well as your body does. Eat some protein and fresh fruit or veggies. Sleep for over seven hours. Go on a walk. Anything hurting or making you feel gross? Address that. Having your body in tip-top shape will help you feel better in all parts of your life, not just the SAT.
5. Breathe
It’ll be okay. Breathe in for five seconds, and out for ten. If things are still seeming completely bleak, you could have test anxiety, which is normal, but still needs attention.
But otherwise? It’s the SAT, and you’re a student who’s prepared and studied to take this thing on. Get out there and show it who’s boss.
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That’s it! We hope you’re feeling prepared for your big day! If you want more SAT and ACT prep advice sure to join our mailing list for a free 27-item checklist and 30-day free SAT email course.