SAT Test Day Tips: The Night Before and The Day Of the SAT for a Successful Exam

As an SAT tutor with results, when I guide my SAT tutoring clients through preparation, I always encourage them to keep their eyes on the endgame: Test Day. June 7th is coming up for many of them, so I am writing this post for parents and families (and students of course!) who are looking for guidance on how to navigate the night before and the day of the SAT for a successful exam. Read on to the end of the post for information on my SAT study plan for summer, perfect for high school students.

Preparing for the SAT exam can be nerve-wracking, but knowing exactly what to do the night before and the day of the SAT can make a huge difference in your performance. In this post, we’ll share proven SAT test day tips to help you stay calm, focused, and confident so you can achieve your best score.

Preparation the night before and the day of the SAT for a successful exam-why is it important?

The night before the SAT is crucial for setting yourself up for success. How you spend this time impacts your energy levels, focus, and stress management on test day. Many students make the mistake of cramming late into the night, which can backfire and leave you exhausted.

1. Get a Full Night’s Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important factors affecting your cognitive function and memory. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep. Avoid screens and stimulants like caffeine or energy drinks at least an hour before bedtime to help your brain wind down naturally.

2. Review Lightly — No Heavy Studying

If you want to review, stick to light review techniques like going over vocabulary flashcards, formulas, or quick notes (my clients know the notes I am referring to- I encourage my SAT tutoring clients to review these both the night before and the day of the SAT for a successful exam. Avoid diving into complex math problems or long reading passages the night before — this can increase anxiety.

3. Prepare Your Test Day Materials

Lay out everything you’ll need for the test, including:

• Your admission ticket or registration confirmation

• A valid photo ID

• Several sharpened No. 2 pencils

• An approved calculator with fresh batteries

• A snack and a water bottle

• A watch (without an audible alarm)

Having your materials ready will reduce morning stress and keep you organized.

4. Eat a Balanced Dinner

Fuel your body with a nutritious dinner rich in protein, whole grains, and veggies. Avoid heavy, greasy foods that can cause sluggishness or stomach discomfort.

5. Practice Relaxation Techniques

If test anxiety is a concern, try deep breathing exercises, meditation, or light stretching to calm your nerves before bed.

Morning of the SAT: Tips for a Smooth and Focused Test Day

The morning of the SAT can be stressful, but with the right routine, you’ll start the day calm and ready.

1. Wake Up Early

Give yourself plenty of time in the morning so you’re not rushing. Aim to wake up early enough to have a relaxed breakfast and review your materials one last time.

2. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Eat a balanced breakfast with protein, complex carbs, and some fruit. Avoid sugary cereals or pastries that might cause a mid-test energy crash.

3. Dress Comfortably

Wear layers so you can adjust to the temperature of the test center. Comfort is key to staying focused.

4. Double-Check Your Materials

Before leaving, double-check you have everything:

• Admission ticket

• Photo ID

• Pencils

• Calculator

• Snack and water

5. Arrive Early

Plan to arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. This helps avoid any last-minute stress and gives you time to settle in.

6. Stay Calm and Positive

Use positive self-talk or visualization techniques to keep a confident mindset. Remember, you’ve prepared — now it’s time to do your best.

During the Test: Key Strategies

Although this post focuses on the night before and day of, a few quick test-taking tips can help:

• Pace yourself: Don’t spend too long on any one question (check your watch frequently!)

• Skip and return: If stuck, guess, mark the question, move on and come back if time allows. I encourage this because there is NO penalty for guessing vs. keeping the answer blank on the SAT exam. Therefore, please do select something rather than keeping your SAT answer blank.

• Use process of elimination: Narrow down answer choices to improve your odds.

Final Thoughts: Make Your SAT Test Day Your Best Day

The SAT can feel overwhelming, but with preparation for the night before and the day of the SAT for a successful exam, you can reduce stress and improve your performance. Remember to get plenty of rest, eat well, stay organized, and maintain a calm mindset.

If you’re looking for more SAT prep tips, including study schedules and practice resources, check out my 60-day self-paced SAT study plan for summer, perfect for this upcoming summer, or reach out for personalized college advising. As an SAT tutor with results, I have spent years analyzing the best approach to tackling the SAT and truly believe the resources and SAT study plan for summer on this website with site membership offer that.

Sincerely, Dr. Medeeha Khan