Test Week Tips

/ Premier Edge Prep/

It’s the week of your SAT or ACT. You’ve been preparing for weeks or months. Now it’s time for the last-minute cramming you’ve gotten accustomed to from studying for tests in school, right?

Not so fast! The SAT and ACT aren’t quite the same type of test as what you’re used to in school. Since they cover years of material and test broad reasoning skills more than specific concepts, there’s little sense in cramming. Better to get a lot of sleep the week of the test and go in well-rested.

So what can you do to get ready the week of the test? Follow these steps below. While most of these tips will apply to all students, some are specifically meant for students studying with a Premier College Prep tutor.

Week of the Test

  • Re-read the Guide to the ACT/SAT.

  • Read through the “Key Strategies to Remember” section on your assignment sheet and any other notes you took.

  • Focus on your sleep schedule and getting enough rest throughout the week.

 

Night Before the Test

  • Relax. Hang out at home. Watch a movie or tv. Don’t study any new material. You’ve done all the practice you need. You’re ready!

    • If you really want to review, you can do a brief re-read of the Guide to the ACT/SAT, your “Things to Remember” section, and the math formulas.

  • Pack a small bag with everything you’ll need in the morning. Better to do it tonight than scramble in the morning. You’ll need:

    • Multiple #2 pencils- Wood is preferred but mechanical should be fine if that’s all you have. If you are using mechanical, triple check that you have adequate lead and bring at least 3-4 pencils.

    • Reliable Eraser- Use to avoid smudging and to save time. Test the eraser with your #2 pencils.

    • Calculator. Make sure it is fully charged or has new batteries in. Bring replacement batteries (AAA) if you’re not confident.

    • Admission ticket. Confirm testing location, etc.

    • ID

    • Snacks- Some recommended snacks: any sort of healthy bar (Power, Clif, Lara, Nature Valley), fruit (bring napkins!) or dried fruit, dark chocolate

    • Water bottle

    • Tissues– Especially during allergy season.

    • ACT/SAT approved watch if you have practiced using one. Clocks in your testing room might be unreliable or awkwardly placed.

      • Smart watches and watches that beep are not allowed.

    •  COVID– Two masks and Hand Sanitizer.

  • Set an alarm to give yourself plenty of time to wake up and get ready in the morning. You should know exactly how far away your testing center is and add 15 minutes to that drive to account for traffic.

Morning of the Test

  • Breakfast – Eat a healthy breakfast without overloading on caffeine or sugar. If you are used to an early lunch (before noon), then eat a little extra. You won’t be finished with your test until after noon.

  • Dress in Layers – Bring a sweatshirt and wear comfortable clothes. You can always take off your sweatshirt if it’s hot, but you want to be ready in case your testing room is chilly.

  • Warm Up – Just like athletes stretch before a game, you want to do a mental warm-up activity. Here are some options: read through the Quick Guide, listen to classical music, do yoga, spend a few minutes on brain games.

  • If you normally drink coffee before school, drink coffee. If you don’t normally drink coffee, DON’T drink coffee. Same applies to any medications. Today is not the day to be throwing your body any curveballs.

  • Double-check your bag. Make sure it’s got everything you need. 

During the Test

  • Turn off your phone and put it away (in your bag, not your pocket). Do not check it until after the test.

  • Break(s) – Take advantage of all your breaks. Get up and stretch/walk around, use the bathroom, and have a snack. Avoid all conversations about the test or test prep and keep the chatter lighthearted and positive. Don’t check your phone – it will only distract you and nothing good can come from it!

  • If the proctor makes a mistake, you MUST SPEAK UP. Proctors are often inexperienced and poorly motivated. They sometimes make mistakes. After all the training you’ve received, nobody in your classroom (proctor included) knows the structure of the test as well as you do. If the proctor gives you less time than usual or ends a section early, raise your hand and SPEAK UP IMMEDIATELY!

    • After the test is over, there is absolutely nothing that can be done to help your score. If you want fair treatment on test day, you must be prepared to speak up if there’s an issue.

  • Experimental Section – You will have to do a 5th “experimental” section on the SAT and ACT. This section does not count for your score – it’s only used to test out future questions.