’Twas the Night before the SAT

It's the night before the SAT. If you haven't learned it by now, you probably won't learn it in the next eight hours. It's time to put down the books and relax. Here are a few Dos and Don'ts for the night before the most important exam of your life.

Don't try to cram a year's worth of study into one night. It won't work. The SAT doesn't test knowledge as much as ability. A few extra vocab words won't make a difference to your score. Chances are, they won't be on the test.

Do organize yourself. Get together everything you'll need for the tests. Make sure you have several sharpened #2 pencils, a good eraser, your i.d., your admissions ticket, a calculator, a bottle of water, a snack, and anything else you'll need. That way you won't have to run around in the morning looking for things.

Do visualize yourself sitting calmly and confidently in the testing room. Athletes use visualization to prepare for important games and competitions. It will help you feel confident once you're actually in that room.

Don't go out. This may sound obvious, but many students do go out the night before the SAT to distract themselves. It's not a good idea. Go out the night after the SAT instead.

Don't drink alcohol or caffeinated drinks.

Don't go to sleep too early. If you normally go to bed at midnight, don't try to go to bed at 9pm. You won't be able to sleep. You'll just lie there, stare at the ceiling, and worry about the test.

Do watch a movie. It'll take your mind off the test.

Do call a friend and talk about anything other than the SAT. The less you think about it, the better.

Do set an extra alarm, just in case the first one doesn't go off. It happens.