If you’re signed up to take the SAT or ACT in June, you’re getting into crunch time—and you may already be thinking about what you should do the night before and morning of the big test. By the time your test date comes around, the big preparation is done. You studied test-taking strategies, ran through practice questions, took multiple mock exams, and worked diligently with your tutor. The night before and morning of the test are your final way to set yourself up for success.

The Night Before the Test…

Go Over the Logistics

Make sure you know the precise starting time. Double-check your testing center, look up directions to it, and figure out how long it will take to get there. Aim to arrive 30 minutes before your test is scheduled to start. If you are getting driven by someone else, make sure they also know how to get to the testing center and what time you need to leave. Either way, plan on leaving early in case you run into traffic, construction, or weather. A crucial part of this is determining how long it will take you to get ready in the morning. 

Prepare Your Device (For Digital Testing)

If you’re taking the SAT or the digital version of the ACT, make sure your testing device is ready to go the night before. For the SAT, you’ll need to download the Bluebook app and ensure it’s installed and working properly ahead of test day. For the digital version of the ACT, students will need to download and set up ACT’s Gateway testing app. Make sure your laptop or tablet is fully charged the night before, and bring your charger with you just in case! While many testing centers have outlets available, not all do.

If you do not have a device to bring, don’t worry—testing centers can provide one. Just be sure to request a device ahead of time when registering so everything is ready for you on test day.

Pack Your Backpack

Don’t scramble to get the rest of your supplies until the next morning. The night before the test, make sure you have everything you’ll need: your SAT or ACT admission ticket (you may show it on your phone, though we recommend a printed copy for the ACT), valid photo ID (like your driver’s license, state ID, or passport), an approved calculator (required for the ACT, and recommended as a backup even with the SAT’s built-in Desmos calculator), extra calculator batteries, pencils (be sure they’re #2 if you’re taking the ACT on paper), and an eraser. If you think a watch would be helpful for keeping track of time, pack it—but it can’t be a smartwatch, and it can’t have an alarm that makes sound. Finally, bring anything else you might want, like a light, healthy snack or a bottle of water for scheduled breaks.

Lay Out Your Clothes 

Some people say, “Dress well to test well.” You do you, but we say, “Dress comfy to test well.” Pick out some clothing that is comfortable to sit in. You don’t want to be adjusting your jeans or fiddling with awkward sleeves throughout the test. And, most crucially: WEAR LAYERS. You don’t want to be uncomfortably hot or cold while you test. Wear layers you can add or remove as necessary!

Carb-Load and Hydrate

Seriously, eat a well-rounded meal with plenty of protein and healthy carbs the night before the test. You need the fuel for the next day. Sure, you won’t be running a marathon, but testing for that long is exhausting. Your brain runs on glucose and uses about 20% of your daily calories to run basic bodily functions, and it uses extra when you’re thinking hard. 

Make sure you’re also drinking plenty of water, so you’re well-hydrated (and won’t be chugging water during the test and focusing on when the next break will be so you can use the bathroom). 

Set Your Alarm (and Five Others)

Can you imagine the horror of waking up only to discover you slept through your alarm and missed the test? Yikes. Don’t risk this! Set an alarm clock, your phone alarm, an alarm on your laptop, and so on. Set your mom’s alarm and your dad’s alarm and your little sister’s alarm. Set the alarm on your oven. Tell your grandma to call and wake you up. Whatever it takes, make sure you’re up in time to make it to your test.  

Get a Good Night’s Rest

You really don’t want to be nodding off midway through the math section. Get in bed earlier than usual the night before the test, put away your cell phone, and turn off the TV. Make sure your room is completely dark and quiet, and get those extra Z’s. Most people need between 7 and 9 hours of solid sleep. Get that and your brain will be rested and ready for the big day. 

If you’re struggling to relax while in bed, do something calming like reading, meditating, or listening to something soothing—just avoid the temptation to look at your phone. If you are a night owl that wakes up later in the morning, try to adjust your sleep schedule starting a week out by going to bed 15 minutes sooner than you normally would each day.

The Morning of the Test…

Eat a good breakfast

Our biggest advice for you is: Stick with what works for you! This isn’t the morning to see how a chia seed pudding sits on your stomach or if you can put down four honey butter chicken biscuits. Stick with a healthy breakfast that you know makes you feel good without feeling overly full, whether that’s an omelet, a bowl of oatmeal, or a blueberry bagel with a schmear of cream cheese. 

Unless you’re a regular coffee drinker, skip it. If you need caffeine in the morning, limit yourself to one cup. Seriously, resist the urge to overcaffeinate—it will just make you jittery and nervous, and it’s hard to perform at your best when you’re overly anxious. 

Seriously, Head to the Test Center Early

Even if you know the route, give yourself an extra ten minutes on test day. The test start time is strict, and you don’t want to miss it because you’re stuck behind a slow driver or in a traffic jam. Just as important, you won’t be rushing, which will make it easier to get in a calm headspace before the SAT or ACT begins.

Turn Off Your Phone

Yes, off. Don’t put it on silent or on vibrate. Turn it fully off. If your phone rings in the middle of the exam, no one will be happy and you’ll be distracted. You could also be asked to leave. Don’t risk it. Turn it off. 

Take a Deep Breath and Relax

Once you’re seated at the testing center, there is nothing else to be done. Take a deep breath. Take a long exhale. Now take another long breath and exhale. You’re prepared. It’s not nearly as scary as it may seem, and you can reward yourself with a nap or a good meal (or both!) as soon as you’re done.

If you have any additional questions about the ACT, SAT, or how to prepare, contact The Enrichery today!