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16 Effective Last Minute SAT Tips For Test Day

In the final SAT countdown, you might feel the pressure. But don’t worry; we’ve covered you with all the last-minute SAT tips you need to succeed. These SAT tips will help you confidently tackle the test, even if you’ve left your prep to the last minute. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to a successful test-taking experience!

Structure Of The SAT

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Reading and Writing Section

The Reading and Writing section is the first part of the digital SAT and is designed to evaluate your reading comprehension and writing skills. This section is divided into two modules consisting of 27 standard multiple-choice questions. Some key topics covered in this section include Information and Ideas, Craft and Structure, Expression of Ideas, and Standard English Conventions. You will have 64 minutes to complete the Reading and Writing section.

Math Section

The Math section is the second part of the digital SAT and evaluates your mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities. Like the Reading and Writing section, the Math section is divided into two modules, each comprising 22 standard multiple-choice questions. The Math questions cover Algebra, Advanced Math, Problem Solving and Data Analysis, and Geometry and Trigonometry. You will have a total of 70 minutes to complete the Math section.

Intermission Break

During the digital SAT, you will have a 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing and Math sections. Use this time to relax, refocus, and recharge for the Math section. Use this break wisely to ensure you are ready for the next part of the test.

Total Testing Time

The digital SAT has a total testing time of 2 hours and 14 minutes. This includes the Reading and Writing section, Math section, and the intermission break. Manage your time wisely during the test to ensure you can complete all sections within the allocated time frame.

Getting familiar with the structure of the digital SAT test can help you feel more confident and prepared on test day. Use this information to create a study plan, practice effectively, and maximize your performance on the test. Good luck!

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4 Crucial General Last Minute SAT Tips

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1. Take a Practice Test to Identify Weaknesses

To prep for the Digital SAT, you should aim to take a practice test to uncover which areas need the most attention. By doing this in a controlled environment, ideally outside of your home, you’ll get a feel for the test’s mental fatigue and what it will be like on test day. This will provide you with a baseline score and indicate which sections – Math, Reading, or Writing & Language – may need more attention. 

This will set the stage for where to concentrate your study time in the days leading up to the final exam. Start by taking one of the practice tests available on College Board’s website and then scoring it using the associated key and conversion table. Not only will this provide you with a baseline score that will allow you to set reasonable expectations for the real thing, it will also tell you which of Math, Reading, and Writing & Language needs the most attention.

2. Know the Test Structure for Smooth Sailing

Familiarity with the SAT’s structure will help you save time on exam day. Knowing the directions beforehand helps reduce the cognitive load during the test. Being aware of what to expect in each section, from the Math portion to the Reading and Writing section, will allow you to focus more on answering the questions than on deciphering the test rules.

3. Focus on Improving your Weak Points

It may be tempting to take practice tests solely. Pinpointing and understanding your mistakes is crucial. Analyzing why you answered a particular way and comprehending the correct path to the answer will help boost your score. Delve into your errors and understand why they occurred, aiming for significant score improvements. By taking the time to analyze and comprehend the reasons for your errors, you’ll be better prepared for the actual test.

4. Manage Time Effectively to Ace the Test

Time management is key when prepping for the Digital SAT. Understanding the time you have available for each question is vital to completing each section. On the Digital SAT, you have 71 seconds per question in Reading and Writing and 95 seconds for each question in Math. 

Aim to spend about a minute on each Reading and Writing question and 90 seconds on Math. Practice timing yourself on a few questions, ensuring you understand how long each period feels. This will prevent surprises when time is called on the SAT and provide extra time to review your answers.

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3 Useful Tips For The Day & Night  Before The Test

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1. Take it Easy

As part of your last-minute SAT tips, relaxing and unwinding the day before the test is vital. This is crucial because the amount of prep work you do on the evening before the SAT will have minimal impact on your final score. It’s best to take it easy and avoid staying out late or cramming. If you feel the urge to study, limit it to 30 minutes. Instead, opt for a relaxing activity such as watching your favorite TV show, hanging out with friends, or taking a leisurely walk. Playing video games is also a great way to unwind, provided you don’t go overboard and limit your gaming session to an hour or so.

2. Pack Your Bag

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth test day. Pack your bag the night before to avoid any last-minute scrambling and forgetting essential items in the morning. Ensure you have the following items ready:

Admission Ticket

Print your admission ticket from the College Board website.

Photo ID

Bring a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license, learner’s permit, passport, or school ID.

#2 Pencils

Pack at least five sharpened non-mechanical #2 pencils for the test.

Calculator

While not mandatory, a calculator can be useful for the math section. Ensure it has fresh batteries.

Laptop or tablet (optional)

You can use your own device, although one is provided.

Don’t forget these essential items:

Watch

Wear a watch to keep track of time during the test.

Jacket

Dress in layers to ensure comfort regardless of the testing room temperature.

Snack

Bring a healthy snack to maintain energy levels during breaks.

Small drink

Carry a small bottle of water or your preferred beverage.

What not to bring

Cell Phone

Keep cell phones turned off and stowed away

Other Electronics

Leave smartwatches and electronic devices at home.

Other Tools

Avoid bringing highlighters, rulers, or any unauthorized tools.

3. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is critical to your SAT strategy. After a long week of school, use your fatigue to your advantage by hitting the sack early. Ensure you go to bed at a reasonable hour to wake up well-rested on test day. Adequate sleep significantly impacts memory and academic performance. Aim for a bedtime that isn’t too early to prevent difficulties falling asleep. Set your alarm to wake up early enough to avoid feeling rushed in the morning.

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6 Effective Last Minute SAT Tips For Test Day

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Dress Comfortably and in Layers

It’s essential to wear comfortable clothing, dress in layers, and be prepared for any temperature. This will ensure that you can focus on the test without distraction.

Eat a Filling Breakfast

Stick to your usual routine for breakfast to avoid any unnecessary stress on the test day. Even if you’re not a big breakfast eater, ensure you have something substantial to eat for energy.

Warm Up Your Brain

While having breakfast, read a newspaper, magazine, or book to warm up your brain. This will help you transition into the mindset needed for the test.

Arrive Early

Getting to the test site early will give you extra time to adapt to the environment, which can help you feel more at ease when the test begins.

SAT Tips During the Test

1. Don’t Panic

When faced with challenging questions, try to remain calm. Take a few seconds to focus on your breathing. This mini mindfulness session can help lower your blood pressure and clear your thinking, allowing you to continue with the test.

2. Skip Difficult Questions

If you encounter a particularly challenging question, don’t spend too much time on it. Skip it and come back later if you have time. Avoid getting stuck on one question and missing out on easier ones that could earn you more points.

3. Always Guess

Guessing is better than leaving a question blank. There is no penalty for wrong answers, so always make an educated guess, as there is a chance you could get it right.

4. Take the Break

Use the break to relax, eat a snack, and reduce stress. Stepping away from the test environment can refresh you and help you tackle the rest of the test more effectively.

5. Check Your Answers

Review your answers if you have time at the end of a section. Correct any mistakes, and ensure you have completed all the necessary responses.

6. Use Available Resources

Exhaust all resources provided on the SAT exam. If you can’t find an answer, take shortcuts if possible. This is not a typical test, so the method you use to solve a problem is less important than arriving at the correct answer.

What Comes After The Test?

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Cancel Your Scores

If you’re concerned about your scores because you know something went wrong on the test, you can cancel them. You must submit your written request for cancellation to the College Board by midnight on the Wednesday after the test.

Don’t Get too Stressed

Giving yourself time to decompress and relax after the test is important! Try not to stress out too much about what may have gone wrong. It’s out of your hands now, and your time and energy are much better spent doing other things you enjoy for the rest of the weekend.

Look Forward to Your Result

According to the College Board, Digital SAT scores will typically be available online around two weeks after your test date. If you took the SAT on a Saturday, expect to get your scores two weeks from the test date.

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