Anxiety before Test Day: 9 Tips to Prepare for Test Day

Nervous about taking the SATs? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Millions of college hopefuls feel the same way you do. The wise ones, however, don’t just sit and let their nerves take over them; they do something about it.

If you’d like to feel less anxious about the SATs, here are some steps you should take so you feel calm and prepared.

  1. Know how to get to the test center

If your test will be at a different school, find out where it is. Your admission ticket should indicate where the test will be. Once you know where it is, figure out how you will get there. Will someone be driving you to the test center? Or are you going to take public transportation? Account for traffic and travel schedules as well. Ideally, you should already be at the center 30 minutes before your test.

  1. Review your notes

The night before, review your notes and tackle each topic one by one. Make sure you don’t just memorize the material and that you really understand it. You should keep reviewing until you feel confident. Avoid tackling any new topics. Cramming in more information at the last minute is not really going to help. All topics should already be covered in your study notes at least a week before the test. 

  1. Give your mind a break

The night before the exams shouldn’t be an intense study session. A lengthy, exhausting session will only make you feel worn out the next day. Once you’re done reviewing your notes, it’s time to relax your mind. Put your SAT materials away and do something relaxing like listening to music, writing in your journal, or reading a book. 

  1. Put down your phone

Your phone can be a good distraction for the nerve-wracking day that’s about to come. But it’s the last thing you should be looking at. Phones emit a bright light that might make it difficult for you to fall asleep. The same goes for laptops and televisions. As much as possible, you want to avoid facing any bluelight screen hours before bedtime.

The less blue light you get, the more rest your body will get the night before. You should focus on putting the phone down and getting some quality sleep. A mattress from the guys over at Helix will help with your sleep immensely. Their mattress customizes different support, isolation, and comfort for all sleeping styles.

  1. Plan the night before

Outline the things you will do the next day approaching the test. Write it all down on a list if you want. For example, get up, brush teeth, shower, make coffee, review notes, etc. It seems so basic but it’s very helpful for easing your mind. Having a ready-made schedule frees up your brain and allows you to focus on the test.

  1. Prep your bag

Everything you need for the test should be all in your bag the night before test day. This includes your ID, admission ticket, pens, pencils,  erasers, calculator, snacks, money, etc. 

  1. Have an early day

Nothing is worse than feeling rushed at the start of the day when you’re about to take an exam. You want to avoid any added stress so make it a point to get a goodnight’s rest so that you can get up early. This will give some quiet time for your mind, and if you didn’t have time to plan the night before, you can still take some time in the morning to prepare. 

  1. Eat breakfast

Have a healthy breakfast in the morning. Some good choices include the usual egg, toast, fruit, fruit juice, cereal, bagel, milk, and coffee. You should never skip breakfast. Nothing is worse than having a grumbling stomach in the middle of exams. 

  1. Stay positive

Take some time alone to collect yourself. Remember, part of performing well on the test is having the confidence that you can do this. Yes, this test is very important but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t pass. Be positive and do your best anyway. 

Which of these tips do you find the most useful? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

About The Author

Stan T.

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Stan Tan works at OwlGuru. His job is to help teenagers and adults find a career they love. In his spare time he likes to read entrepreneurial biographies and work on his marine aquarium.

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