Advice for SAT Test Day

Hi everyone! I've been prepping hard for the SAT but besides studying, what other advice do you all have for the actual test day? Like what should I bring along, when should I arrive, any tips on pacing myself during the test, stuff like that. Any help would be much appreciated!

Let me share some points on the mechanics of test day - things you can't necessarily learn from studying for the SAT itself.

First, make sure to pack these items the night before:

1. Admission Ticket: Print this out from your College Board account.

2. Photo ID: Can be a driver's license, passport, or school ID.

3. Pencils: No.2 pencils and a good eraser.

4. Calculator: Ensure it's a College Board-approved model, and check that it's fully charged or take along spare batteries.

5. Watch: An analog one would be the best choice as digital ones aren't allowed. It can help you keep track of your pacing.

6. Snacks and water: You'll need nourishment during the breaks to keep your energy levels up.

7. Directions to the test center & Contact number: In case you get lost or need any test day help.

The College Board recommends students to arrive at their testing centers by 7:45 a.m. This gives students plenty of time to find their testing room, get acclimated to their setting, and take some deep breaths before the test begins.

In terms of pacing, the new digital SAT format has two 32-minute reading and writing modules, and two 35-minute math modules. For reading and writing, you get about 71 seconds to answer each question, and for the math modules, you get approximately 96 seconds per question.

During the test, it's crucial to stay calm and focused. If you encounter a particularly difficult question, don't dwell on it. Mark it and return to it at the end if you have time. Make sure to answer every question though, as there are no penalties for guessing, and an unanswered question is an automatic zero!

Remember that breaks are part of the test day strategy too. Use the breaks in between sections to stretch, relax your mind, have some water and grab a bite of your snack.

Lastly, have some faith. It's normal to feel the test may not be going as well as planned, but remember that everybody is in the same situation. Stick to your strategies and keep moving. And remember, if things really don't work out, you can always retake the SAT – that's totally normal!

Hope these test-day tips help. Wishing you all the best for your SAT!