SATs are right around the corner, and if you’re like me, you may or may not be stressed out of your mind. Fear not! I have compiled a checklist of things to do to make sure that this testing season is more than manageable, including things to aid your physical and mental health both before and after the testing period.
Step 1: CHARGE YOUR CHROMEBOOK!!!!! This is hands down the most important part of preparing for the SATs; if you take no other advice from this guide, take this one. Plug your chromebook in before you go to bed, and keep it charging until it is at 100% battery. Set a reminder if you have to. No one wants to enter testing with a chromebook with half its battery gone and having to stay close to the front to charge it, or worse, having it die on you in the middle of testing. It’s not worth the risk. Charge your chromebook, and don’t leave it at home.
Step 2: Get lots of rest. The SATs are a surprisingly draining experience, especially if you are arriving at school earlier than your typical arrival time so that you can start the test on time. I would highly recommend going to sleep at around 10 pm, and being off your screens by 9:30. I know, I know, it sounds like old advice, but it really is useful! Blue light emitted from your phone keeps you awake for longer, so if you stop using it around 30 minutes before you lay down to sleep, your brain will find it easier to doze off, and if you’re well-rested, you won’t fall asleep during the test!
Step 3: Self Care! Shower, brush your teeth, do your hair, eat breakfast before you go, all that jazz. It’s important that you are in the best shape possible for a test like this, and that extends far beyond just getting enough sleep. You want to be clean and energized, even if you think you won’t be using any energy from sitting in a seat all day. You will! It will be brain energy, though, not body energy, which is why having something to eat is important- a bit of sweets to adjust your blood sugar, some carbs for fullness, protein for energy, or fruits and veggies for vitamins.
Step 4: Comfort & Entertainment. You do not want to be stuck in a seat for 4 hours with itchy clothes or nothing to do but stare at the void when you’re done answering questions. Wear your comfiest outfit- pajamas, something soft, something breathable, whatever- and bring things to entertain yourself. While you can’t wear your headphones during the test or have your phone out, you are allowed to bring books, fidgets/toys, stress relievers, and maybe even a small non-interruptive game like a deck of cards! It’ll stop you from going crazy, trust me.
Step 5: Food & Water! There is a decent chance you’ll be missing out on your lunch period, or that you will simply get hungry/thirsty during the test- reading and answering all those questions makes you burn energy much faster than you think. Pack yourself some snacks and fill up a water bottle before you leave home, it’ll help you make it through the day. Personally? I would recommend granola bars or cheese crackers, but bring whatever you can if it works for you!
Step 6: Bring Headphones! Yes, I know I just said in Step 4 that you can’t use them in the test; but they are not for the test! They are for before and after, when you need your recovery time. The last thing you want is to finish testing and be subjected to the loudness of the rest of the school; you’d want your little slice of isolation and relaxation, right? Headphones can provide that. Make sure you charge them before you come to school, though!
Step 7: Mental Health Days! If you didn’t know, ERHS Students are given 1 excused absence a semester for Mental Health. If you haven’t already used yours for the second semester, I would greatly encourage doing so the day after or before your test, for recovery/preparation. The day after serves letting you rest and recuperate after the SAT. The day before is a little less necessary, in my opinion, but do what you need to do. If you want to spend that day at home studying or curling into a ball of anxiety in your bed, so be it!
Step 8: Communication is key! Talk to your teachers and parents; be very clear about your needs. Your teachers should already know when you’re taking your test, but maybe tell them just in case! Ask what lesson you may be missing during your testing day, or if they will allow you to rest in their class. As for your parents, let them know about the importance of this test; ask for a ride to school if possible, or the chance they’ll take you home early after your test is done so you can rest without using your mental health day. Whatever works for you, just be sure to communicate it!
Above all, you should try your best. Put the effort in, but don’t work yourself to the bone; that benefits no one. SATs are not as scary as everyone makes them feel, I promise. They’re not easy, but they aren’t the impossible mountain you think you’re going to be climbing. All you need to do is find the right path, and then you’re set to succeed. You’ve got this, Raiders!
