Sat math Essentials

B e f o r e t h e Te s t : Yo u r F i n a l
P r e p a r a t i o n
Your routine in the last week before the test should
vary from your study routine of the preceding weeks.
The Final Week
Saturday morning, one week before you take the SAT,
take a final practice test. Then use your next few days
to wrap up any loose ends. This week is also the time
to read back over your notes on test-taking tips and
techniques.
However, it’s a good idea to actually cut back on
your study schedule in the final week. The natural ten-
dency is to cram before a big test. Maybe this strategy
has worked for you with other exams, but it’s not a
good idea with the SAT. Also, cramming tends to raise
your anxiety level, and your brain doesn’t do its best
work when you’re anxious. Anxiety is your enemy when
it comes to test taking. It’s also your enemy when it
comes to restful sleep, and it’s extremely important
that you be well rested and relaxed on test day.
During the last week before the exam, make sure
you know where you’re taking the test. If it’s an unfa-
miliar location, drive there so you will know how long
it takes to get there, how long it takes to park, and how
long to walk from the car to the building where you will
take the SAT. This way you can avoid a last minute
rush to the test.
Be sure you get adequate exercise during this last
week. Exercise will help you sleep soundly and will
help rid your body and mind of the effects of anxiety.
Don’t tackle any new physical skills, though, or overdo
any old ones. You don’t want to be sore and uncom-
fortable on test day!
Check to see that your test admission ticket and
your personal identification are in order and easily
located. Sharpen your pencils. Buy new batteries for
your calculator and put them in.
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