WHAT SHOULD I DO ON TEST DAY? - ATTACKING THE NEW SAT: TWELVE FAQs - SAT 2016

SAT 2016

CHAPTER 1

ATTACKING THE NEW SAT: TWELVE FAQs

12 WHAT SHOULD I DO ON TEST DAY?

1. Wake up early and get some cardiovascular exercise. A good 20-minute cardiovascular workout will get your blood flowing, wake up your brain, and release stress.

2. Eat a good breakfast. Don”t skip breakfast. Your brain needs energy for a three- to four-hour workout!

3. Bring a snack. You”ll have a couple of short breaks, during which you can have a quick snack. Bring a granola bar or some other quick burst of energy. You”ll need it!

4. Take slow, deep breaths—often. Most test takers feel some anxiety before and during the test. Don”t worry—it”s a normal physiological response to keep you on your toes. If this anxiety begins to overwhelm you, just take three long, deep breaths and remind yourself that you are prepared, and you will perform better if you are relaxed rather than tense. It works wonders.

5. Dress in layers. Since you won”t know whether your test room will be hot or cold, dress in layers so you”ll be ready for anything.

6. Don”t worry about what anyone else is doing. If you”ve been practicing as this book recommends, you will have a good sense of your own pacing and game plan. Trust your preparation, and resist any temptation to take your cues from what anyone around you is doing.

7. Don”t panic when things get tough. Don”t psych yourself out every time you get to a hard question or even a hard section. That might be an experimental section! Just stay positive and keep going.