You’ve been preparing for weeks, if not months. You know the ins and outs of your chosen test. Whether SAT or ACT, you’re ready to ace it. Test day is finally here. Now what?
Many students dedicate themselves to studying for the SAT or ACT. But how to prepare for the test day, rather than the test itself, can be overlooked. Mental, physical, and emotional preparation are often as important as knowing test strategy. We’re here to remind you about what to keep in mind during test week.
- Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your ticket’s designated arrival time. We can’t stress this one enough. There’s nothing worse than rushing to get to your test center before doors close. Make sure to leave yourself extra time for traffic, public transport delays, and life’s surprises!
- Bring your printed admissions ticket and photo ID. ‘Nuff said?
- Remember to charge or replace the batteries on your calculator! And, of course, bring it with you on test day.
- Bring a water bottle and a hefty snack for the break. This might sound insignificant, but these tests are long! You need some fuel to get you through the second half. My personal faves include a banana, Snickers bar, and trail mix.
- Don’t stray from your normal morning routine (and have a good breakfast!). Students can often be tempted to do something “extra” on test day morning, but it’s very important to stick to your usual routine. If you normally drink coffee, go ahead. But if you don’t, please don’t make this the morning to try it out! And whatever you do, avoid the Red Bull or Five Hour Energy!
- Wear your most comfortable mask. This is a new one for the COVID-19 era. Test centres have different regulations on this. Make sure to bring your most comfortable mask in case it’s required.
- Expect the unexpected! Things go wrong, and that’s okay. Whether it’s a computer failure or a leaky roof, try to roll with the punches if anything out of the ordinary happens. Try your best to stay focused on the test, and you’ll be just fine!
