Hi everyone! I have a few bad habits and problems that really make my testing experience so much worse.
- I get too nervous the day before the test to the extent that I cannot sleep. (or cannot sleep well for a few hours)
- The tedious lecture they give us about rules and the wait to get into the center... all this makes me very tired and I lose my energy before I even start with the essay. How do I keep myself energetic?
-I'm not entirely sure what are some of the best foods/energizing snacks/activities I can do in my 5 mins break. How can i release some of my stress and re-energize my brain?
-In critical reading, for some reason, I'm too worried to make mistakes that I actually revise each question after I finish it!!! This takes away from me about 4 precious minutes on a section (one of the three, not each one) that can boost my score by 30-40 points. (I tried giving myself 3 extra mins, that's how I know)
-I get way too nervous about the shading I have to do about myself (name, sex etc) and it REALLY makes me less energetic.
-In shading the answers... what is the quickest way?
Thank you for any tips you have to provide
We always stopped at the coffee shop on the way on testing mornings to get D2 a mocha. There is no question she is a sharper competitor in Quiz Bowl when I get her a coffee drink (I have actual tournament records to prove it). So we decided it was a good idea for her on standardized testing days. YMMV.
Thanks for the tip! 
Should I also have coffee during breaks?
Well… you don’t want to jitter so much you can’t bubble… 
That depends on you. I don’t think she took any caffeine in with her in our case.
I’m not too sure - perhaps I was jittering that day because it was my first SAT ever? This week would be my 2nd SAT - but I’m now more “comfortable” with the sections… unlike I was on June! I hope I’m not as nervous this time
You can do this, you are an old hand now that you have been through it. Try to not go back over your reading questions right away. Finish the section, then go back.
Make sure you have everything ready to go the night before so you aren’t worrying the night before. Sharpen your pencils, make sure your calculator has fresh batteries, have your test admission paperwork and ID ready to go, and pack your snacks. Pick up something you really like for a snack, like a favorite candy, for a break. Lay out your clothes — in layers in case the temperature is too hot or cold. Wear something you like – a favorite t-shirt with a cozy hoodie, so you feel comfortable and confident. Set your alarm so you get up on time. Try to do something distracting at bedtime, like reading for a while to take your mind off the test. I bet some of your low energy is because you were tired.