How To Prepare for SAT Test Day

Hopefully, by the Friday night before the SAT, you feel ready to go into the test and do your best work. Here are some tips to make sure you're prepared for test day.

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: one day

Here's How:

1. Make sure you know where you're going on test day. If the test center is at a school or other location where you've never been, don't rely on your sense of direction or a computer map. Drive there during the week before the test to make sure you know where to go on Saturday.

2. Don't study the night before the test. You want your brain to be as fresh as possible in the morning.

3. Get a good night's sleep! Don't try to go to bed much earlier than you normally would on a weeknight, because you'll just lie awake thinking about the test. But go to bed at a reasonable time. Getting a decent amount of sleep on Thursday (two nights before the test) is also essential.

4. Have all of your test-day materials ready to go before you go to bed: your admissions ticket, ID, two pencils, a permitted calculator with fresh batteries, and a watch that won't beep.

5. Eat something in the morning to help your brain prepare for the SAT. Protein (such as eggs or bacon) is best because it helps keep your brain sharp later in the test.

6. Bring an energy snack. You won't be allowed to eat or drink in the testing room, but you'll have a few free minutes to leave the room during breaks. Some sugar or an energy bar can give you a needed boost at the right time.

7. Be excited and focused, and work as hard as you can until they call time on the final section. This is the big one! There will be plenty of time for rest once it's over. Go in there and kick some butt!

More How To's from your Guide To College Admissions: U.S.