Your Last-Minute SAT Checklist: What to Do the Night Before and On Test Day

You’ve spent weeks preparing, practicing, and reviewing—and now the day of the SAT is finally here. Feeling nervous? That’s completely normal. The best thing you can do now is focus on setting yourself up for success with some strategic, last-minute planning. Here’s everything you need to know—from the night before the test to what to expect at the testing center.

The Night Before the SAT: Set Yourself Up for Success

1. Don’t Overdo It

At this stage, there are two common mistakes students make: either they burn out by studying all night, or they go out and treat it like a vacation. Neither is helpful. A cram session at the last minute won’t boost your score significantly, and partying will just leave you exhausted.

If you feel the need to review, keep it brief—30 minutes max. Otherwise, unwind with something that helps you relax: a short walk, an episode of your favorite show, or even a light video game session (no more than an hour, though). Let your brain recharge.

2. Pack Like a Pro

Avoid scrambling in the morning by packing your essentials the night before. Here’s what you’ll need to bring:

• Admission Ticket – Print it from your College Board account.
• Valid Photo ID – Driver’s license, passport, school ID, or any government-issued ID.
• #2 Pencils – Bring at least five, sharpened, and non-mechanical.
• Calculator – Not required, but very helpful for the math section. Check the battery and make sure it’s an approved model.

Other useful items to bring:

• Wristwatch – Some testing rooms don’t have clocks. A quiet, non-smartwatch helps you manage time.
• Jacket or Hoodie – Testing rooms can be unexpectedly hot or cold. Dress in layers.
• Healthy Snack – You’ll need it during breaks to stay energized.
• Water Bottle – Hydration is key! Bring a small drink, just in case there’s no drinking fountain.

What to leave at home:

• Cell Phones – They must be turned off and handed in if brought. Better to leave them behind.
• Electronics – Smartwatches, fitness bands, or tablets are not allowed.
• Unapproved Tools – No rulers, highlighters, or pens unless specified by testing accommodations.

3. Prioritize Sleep

This might be the most important SAT strategy—get enough rest. A well-rested brain performs better, retains information more easily, and processes questions faster. Aim to sleep at your usual bedtime. Sleeping too early might make it harder to fall asleep.

Morning of the SAT: Get in the Zone

1. Don’t Hit Snooze

Waking up late and rushing to the test is a recipe for disaster. Give yourself enough time to wake up fully. A quick shower can help shake off sleepiness and sharpen your focus before you even leave the house.

2. Get Moving

Light exercise can boost brain performance by improving blood flow and alertness. Try a quick set of jumping jacks or a short brisk walk. It’ll leave you feeling more awake and less anxious.

3. Fuel Up the Right Way

Avoid sugary cereals or donuts. Instead, choose something with lasting energy like whole grains, protein, and fruit. Think oatmeal, eggs, or yogurt with nuts. You won’t get another chance to eat until the test is over, so fuel wisely.

4. Stick to Your Routine

If you’re used to drinking tea or coffee in the morning, go ahead and have it. But don’t experiment with caffeine if it’s not part of your usual routine. The last thing you want is a jittery stomach or caffeine crash mid-test.

At the Testing Center: Smart Test-Taking Strategy

1. Arrive Early

Plan your route in advance and aim to arrive early—usually between 7:45 and 8:00 a.m. Being late can cost you your spot. If you’ve never been to the testing location, do a trial run a few days before. That way, you know exactly how long the commute takes and where to park.

2. Know the Role of the Proctor

The test proctor is responsible for distributing materials, tracking time, and enforcing rules. Some proctors read everything from the script word-for-word; others may rush. You can prepare for both situations by being familiar with SAT instructions beforehand.

Proctors usually give a 5-minute warning, but not always. That’s why wearing your own watch is smart. If anything seems off—like time being called early—bring it up right away so it doesn’t affect your future sections.

3. Take Advantage of Your Breaks

The SAT includes one 10-minute and one 5-minute break. Don’t just sit there! Use that time to:

• Stretch or walk around
• Go to the restroom
• Have your snack and hydrate
• Chat with friends (but steer clear of test talk)

Moving around a little helps your brain feel alert and recharged for the next section.

4. Don’t Risk Cheating

Even if it seems harmless, avoid anything that might be seen as cheating. That includes flipping ahead, revisiting past sections, or whispering to a friend. The SAT has strict security policies, and a single violation could cancel not only your score but also those of others in the room.

5. If Something Goes Wrong, Speak Up

From a flickering light to outside noise, some distractions are unavoidable. But if a disruption significantly interferes with your concentration or timing, report it to the proctor right away—before you leave. It’s your responsibility to speak up in real-time.

Debunking SAT Myths: Don’t Fall for These!

Myth #1: Signing Your Name Gives You 400 Points

Technically, 200 is the lowest score per section, which adds up to 400. But that’s not “free” points—it’s the bottom of the scale. Think of it more as a zero than a bonus.

Myth #2: Bubble in Every Answer Choice for a Perfect Score

That’s an automatic disqualification. Multiple bubbles = wrong answer. Only one answer per question is allowed.

Myth #3: Always Guess “C”

There’s no magical letter. Statistically, each choice appears roughly the same number of times. If you have to guess, stick with one consistent letter—but it doesn’t have to be C.

Myth #4: Some Test Dates Are Easier

While the raw-to-scaled score conversion may vary slightly between tests, there’s no “easy” or “hard” SAT date. The curve adjusts based on the test’s difficulty to keep scoring fair.

Myth #5: The SAT Measures Your Intelligence

The SAT doesn’t test how smart you are—it tests how well you take the SAT. With the right strategies and practice, your score can improve regardless of your IQ.

Myth #6: A Perfect Score Guarantees College Admission

Even a 1600 SAT score won’t automatically get you into your dream school. Admissions committees look at your GPA, extracurriculars, personal essays, and recommendation letters. The SAT is just one piece of a much bigger picture.

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This

This is it—test day. You’ve done the hard work, and now it’s time to trust your preparation. Try to stay calm and focused. Remember, this one test doesn’t define who you are or what you’re capable of.

Take deep breaths, stick to your routine, and go in with confidence. You’re ready to tackle the SAT like a pro. Good luck—you’ve earned it!Need more last-minute tips or want to schedule a practice session before your next test? Connect with Test Prep Pundits for expert strategies and one-on-one support from experienced SAT instructors.