If you’re about to take your first real SAT or ACT, congratulations! The prep you’ve done so far will support you as you navigate the test, and don’t worry: even if you feel it didn’t go well, many students are surprised to find that they scored higher than they thought. Plus, you can take it again if you want to!
Here are six tips for taking your first SAT or ACT:
Arrive at the testing center early. It’s much better to have a few extra minutes in the car than to be maximally stressed in unexpected traffic.
Make sure you have your ID and all your paperwork ready to go. If you qualify for accommodations, make sure you have the official letters and paperwork just in case.
Clock potential distractions as soon as you walk in. Acknowledging a source of distraction (the kid who won’t stop fidgeting in their seat and making noise, the bird feeder full of bright red cardinals just outside the window) will help you ignore it. There will always be distractions, and part of taking the test is demonstrating your ability to resist them.
Eat a good breakfast and bring a snack for the break. It may seem silly, but it’s real: we recommend that our students eat a meal that includes some form of protein and low-GI foods before the test to avoid blood sugar crashes. They can really pack a punch and wreck your focus!
Sleep well for several nights before the test and try to remove stressors from your schedule in the days leading up to the exam. If you’re cramming like mad or doing a million things right before the test, you won’t have your full brain capacity when you’re actually taking it.
Plan something nice to look forward to after. You worked hard to get here: make sure you have a way to celebrate!
Again, if you feel you didn’t do your best, don’t worry. Wait until you get your scores back (usually about two weeks) and then evaluate whether or not you’d like to take it again. If you need help prepping and want above a 1400 on the SAT or 30 on the ACT, send Nathaniel an email at nathaniel@kingfisherprep.com and we’ll pair you with a coach who can help you get the score you deserve!
"Six Tips For Taking Your First SAT Or ACT"
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