I’ve studied and I am prepared…I pretty much know the test like the back of my hand…but I don’t test very well and I’ve never done this before! The test isn’t even at my High school, so it’s all going to be incredibly unfamiliar too…
When I get there, where do I go? Can my parents walk me in? What is the first step of getting into the actual classroom? How can I avoid getting distracted and how can I avoid being so nervous that I just forget everything? These are the idiotic questions that haunt me at night…
There will be papers posted probably at the front of the school which will tell you what room you’re gonna be testing in based on your last name. You don’t need your parents to walk you in. You’ll wait outside the room until the proctor is ready and then you’re gonna be ready to go and start the test!
I’m taking it this Saturday too and I’m totally scared but lets just stay optimistic and do well! Good luck
Hi there! I am taking it tomorrow too hi5 Just relax, make sure you have a good night sleep and a balanced breakfast before you head for the test center. Good luck you all xD >:D<
In answer to your questions;
Normally there will be directions around the building, telling you where you are supposed to go/be. I suggest texting a friend to meet at a certain point so you can figure it out together! It makes everything a lot less intimidating. Your parent can follow you in initially, but it will be quite clear when they are supposed to leave (my mom came and waited with me before the test started). As for distractions - people have different ways of keeping a clear mind. I love to listen to music. As an athlete, before any races I step aside and listen to music before the race starts. You can do this in the car on the way to the test, and even before the test if you are just hanging around waiting, however when the proctor calls you in make sure everything is switched off and put away.
As a veteran test taker (LOL), here are some of my top tips in no particular order (sorry in advance for any typos):
Get there early - rushing around at the last minute certainly raises stress levels, and you want to avoid that at all costs.
Make SURE all of your devices (phones, iPhones) are off when the proctor says so, don't be afraid to double check. Not on silent OFF, and make sure there are no alarms on iPhones/smartphones even if they are turned off.
Before you go to sleep tonight, briefly read over any notes you have, read over anything you have struggled with (e.g grammar rules, a particular math equation). If you're truly prepared this should not cause you any anxiety, instead it will reassure you that you know everything you are supposed to know.
Bring a back-up calculator OR change your current calculators battery now and do some problems with it so you make sure it will function properly on test day. I personally did both - changed batteries and brought a back-up.
Get a good-night's sleep: 9:00-10:30pm LATEST. if you don't sleep well your brain will be fried tomorrow, trust me. If you are an insomniac (like me), go to bed at like 8:00pm tonight, that way you will eventually sleep earlier than you normally would.
Pack your bag/(your stuff if you aren't bringing a bag), the night before. Use the check-list they have on your test ticket.Make sure you have your ticket and ID - double check, triple check. Pack a snack, tissues and a small bottle of water, however LEAVE THESE IN YOUR BAG (except for tissues if your proctor allows it). Do not take the rest of the stuff to the table, it is not allowed, you can use them at break time.
Bring/wear a sweater: these big test halls tend to get drafty and the last thing you want is to be so cold you can't concentrate.
Don't try any "exotic" things the night before, or morning of - for example if you don't normally eat a huge breakfast, don't decide to do so tomorrow.
Finally take a deep breath and relax, you have no reason to be anxious, you are prepared. Keep calm, keep focused and do your best. Don't be discouraged if when the scores are released you didn't do as well as you wanted to, it's your first time taking the SAT! Most people do better on their second round. Try your best, that's all you can do, and all anyone can expect from you.
Don’t drink a lot of water before the test lol. I did that when I took the SAT for the first time, and all I could think about was relieving myself instead of focusing on the first three sections.
I’m sure you won’t even need it