What to Do the Night Before the SAT or ACT
This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Shravya Kakulamarri in a CollegeVine Livestream. You can watch the full Livestream for more info.
What’s Covered:
What NOT to Do the Night Before
You’ve prepped and practiced extensively, and now you’re almost at the finish line. What do you do the night before the SAT or ACT?
First things first: do not stress. Don’t attempt to cram the night before the test. This will have very little effect on your score, and it will only stress you out more. If you DO need to study to help put your mind at ease, limit yourself to 30 minutes. Certainly don’t take a practice exam — you’ll be burnt out.
Prepare Your Items
Make sure you pack up everything you need for the test, including your admission ticket, your photo ID, at least three no. 2 pencils, and your calculator. We also recommend wearing a watch to help you keep track of time, although most test centers have a clock in the room and will keep you updated on the time by writing it on a chalkboard. If you do wear a watch, bear in mind that smart watches are not allowed.
We suggest that you bring a jacket in case you get cold, as well as some healthy snacks — whatever you normally eat and drink.
Know what you can’t bring with you, such as cell phones and other electronics, highlighters, and rulers, unless you have special accommodations.
Clear Your Mind
Clear your mind. Take a walk. Spend some time with your family or friends. Meditate. Avoid doing anything too high intensity.
And the best thing you can do to prepare is get a good night’s sleep. Don’t oversleep — that can make you feel really groggy — but get a good amount of sleep. Go to bed at a reasonable time; sleep is an enormous component of memory consolidation.
Boost Your Scores
Need more advice and tips on how to prepare for the SAT or ACT? Whether you’re self-studying or taking prep classes, our experts can help. They’ll guide you through the admissions process, helping you hone your weak areas and capitalize on your strengths — no matter what they are.
