SAT Next Week: Advice?

<p>I'm a junior signed up to take the SAT on the 24th, and I have a couple questions regarding how I should go about it.</p>

<p>This is my first time taking the real SAT test. I got a 212 in the PSAT without any studying, and have been prepping moderately for about a month for the upcoming SAT. Studying isn't really my issue; I know that I haven't done enough of it to get the score I want (as high as possible), but I still hope to score fairly well. (I have to note, however, that I am not ultra-comfortable with the test, but plan to do more practice between now and then.) There will be at least one more opportunity for me to take the test, this I know. </p>

<p>Would you recommend filling out the names of some schools that I'm interested on test day? The fee that is added for sending scores in later independently is not of great concern to me right now. I'm afraid of scoring poorly and sending scores in to schools that will get a negative impression of me as a result of them. Is this something that most people do? What do schools do with the scores once they receive them? </p>

<p>And my last concern is about how I should approach the test. Should I not sweat the studying and instead walk in on test day thinking of it as a practice for the next one I take? What do you think? </p>

<p>Any input is greatly appreciated! Thanks.</p>

<p>Don't send your scores this time.</p>

<p>Chances are, you WILL end up taking the SAT again (or a subject test) later on. If you do so, you can send all your scores for free then. Don't send your scores unless the last SAT of your high school career.</p>

<p>I'm a junior too, actually; I'll be taking the next next week as well. I took it last year though so I have a little bit of advice for you: DON'T FREAK OUT. Everyone at my school gets really stressed on test day, acting like if they do badly it's going to ruin their lives or something. The truth is though, if you're unhappy with your score you can ALWAYS retake. So don't worry. If you're feeling nervous, look around and watch everyone else. It's slightly entertaining to watch the people around you acting all nervous and serious, it's good for stress relief.</p>

<p>Oh, and bring extra batteries for your calculator. It makes you feel 100% less stressed.</p>

<p>And eat a good breakfast.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>I'm taking the sat for the first time too next week. If you aren't a morning person, try to go to sleep earlier each day next week. </p>

<p>Right now, practice! Find past essay prompts and time yourself.</p>

<p>I'm a junior and I took the test for the first time in December. That entire week leading up to it I was a nervous wreck, but then Saturday morning I woke up completely calm. If you don't like your score you can retake again and you have plenty of time to do it. Don't worry, just walk in the room feeling confident. Also, I wouldn't reccomend studying the week before. I took a practice test the Saturday before my test, studied literally like a madwoman, and got the exact same score and break down on the real one. The only thing that studying the week before is stress you out more.</p>

<p>Thanks, great advice!</p>

<p>You have nothing to lose but some money by sending your scores to colleges. Colleges take the highest score, and you're going to take the test more than once.</p>

<p>Here's the number one cardinal SAT rule: RELAX! Your only preparation should be telling yourself you will do well. Then do the best you can. After the test, you can decide whether you need some extra prep on future tests.</p>

<p>Remember--don't guess if you have no idea about the answer. If you can eliminate one or two answers though, then go ahead and answer.</p>

<p>You will rock!</p>

<p>Next week is my first SAT also </p>

<p>I'm basically just chillin with it...not really like focused on it but I notice myself thinking, "oh, this could work in an essay" and stuff along those lines</p>

<p>I've also been told that being very comfortable with the format and what kind of questions the test asks is invaluable in letting you perform to your highest potential even though you haven't been doing hard studying</p>