The Sat Test Day: What To Expect?

In my previous articles, I have talked at length about the SAT test, and various strategies to attack the so called ‘difficult’ questions. Assuming that you have spent a few months preparing for this exam, let us talk about the test day, and try to answer the question “what to expect on the D-day”.

Here is the situation you will find yourself in the day you have to write the SAT. Carrying your registration details and two ID forms you will enter the pre-designated SAT test center. Be prepared to be patient as you will have to wait in line before you make your way into the testing center. Roughly, it would take ten minutes or more to enter the exam room. Once you reach the room, the proctor would show you your designated seat. While your heartbeats would be going crazy, you would see other students entering the room.

As soon as the test begins, the proctor would read out the instructions laid down by the College Board. Following this, the supervisor would distribute testing materials, and also check whether the students have their pencils. The calculator would also be checked to ensure they meet the standards of the College Board. Upon the completion of all these formalities, you would be asked to fill in your personal details in the bubble sheet.

Here is what the SAT test would look like:

Section One: Essay — 25 Minutes

Sections Two — Nine: Math, Reading, or Writing — 20 or 25 Minutes

Section Ten: Writing — 10 Minutes

Surprisingly, the SAT varies its testing format and length. However, the essay would ALWAYS appear first and writing section would come last. Breaks and pauses would be given during the test.

Obviously, you are not allowed to solicit help from other students, or even talk to them. Use of communication devices like cell phones is strictly prohibited. Once the test is over, you would have to hand over the paper to the proctor.

The following tips would help you analyze what to do, and what not to do on the test day.

Do Sleep properly

…not on the test day!!! Ensure that you get proper sleep the night before the test day. According to doctors, you should sleep for at least 8 hours. The dinner you eat before going to bed should be light and healthy. Make sure you do not eat junk food as dinner. Intake of high protein meals is not recommended, as this might tire you on the test day.

Do carry your Calculator

A graphic calculator can sometimes make lengthy solutions in a few seconds; hence, it is advisable to bring it to the test center. A watch (that does not produce irritating beeps) is also recommended.

Do drink water & glucose

Glucose can instantly give you energy. Having a glass of glucose with water would certainly help.

Eat a light, nutritious breakfast

The breakfast on the SAT test day should contain a portion of fresh fruits. Do not look for donuts and pastry on the test day.

Observe silence in the exam hall, and mind your own business. Concentrate on the test, answer easy questions first, do not panic if you come across a difficult problem, and fill in the choices in the answer sheet correctly. Doing all these, in addition to your hard work that you put in for SAT test preparation, would help you fetch high SAT scores, and thus get you a seat in one of the most sough after colleges in the country!