Juniors will take the SAT on March 5, and with the test just days away, making the most of remaining study time is crucial. While time is limited, strategic preparation can still boost confidence and improve performance. Preparing is not just about cramming as much information as possible—it’s about developing smart study habits and taking care of your mental and physical well-being. These tips can help you make the most of the final days before the test. 

1. Take practice tests

The College Board offers multiple official SAT practice tests that match the difficulty of the actual exam. Taking these tests helps you gauge your score, identify skill gaps, build endurance and get familiar with the test format. According to The College Board Blog, “you can get used to how long the test takes, and you can practice with any accommodations you’ll have on test day.” After completing a practice test, reviewing your answers carefully can help you understand mistakes and avoid repeating them.

2. Focus on your weakest skills

After completing a full-length practice test, Bluebook, the online platform where the SAT is administered, releases your score, highlighting your strengths and areas for improvement. Use this feedback to focus your practice on the weaker skills. Consider using resources such as online tutorials, SAT prep books, or tutoring for additional support. 

3. Learn how to use the Desmos Calculator

The SAT provides access to the Desmos calculator, which can be a powerful tool if you know how to use it. Desmos allows you to graph equations, handle scientific notation and simplify complex calculations. Practicing with it beforehand can save valuable time during the test. Khan Academy offers a guide on maximizing its features.

4. Get a good night’s sleep

Sleep is essential for concentration and memory, so aim to get a good night’s sleep before the exam. In the days leading up to the exam, consider maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. If possible, avoid caffeine and screen time before bed, as this can interfere with sleep quality. 

5. Have a Healthy Breakfast

A healthy, well-balanced breakfast keeps your energy levels steady throughout the day, which is crucial for performing well on the SAT. Avoid sugary foods, as they can cause energy crashes. Opt for a more balanced meal with protein, carbs and healthy fats such as eggs, toast, fruits, and yogurt. According to Dr. Rachel Paul, eating a balanced breakfast can “rev up the brain cells and help keep your brain sharp.”

6. Bring Necessary Materials

The night before the test, double-check that you have everything you need. Make sure to bring your fully charged and updated school-issued Chromebook, pencil, eraser and optionally, a snack for breaks. Healthy snacks such as granola bars or nuts are ideal. Consider bringing extra pencils and erasers just in case. 

7. Manage Your Time

The SAT has four sections.  The Reading and Writing portion has 54 questions divided into two 32-minute sections, and the Math portion has 44 questions split into two 35-minute sections. Use the provided timer to pace yourself. Practice pacing during your study sessions to get a feel for how much time to spend on each question. 

8. Use the Process of Elimination

When answering questions, utilize the process of elimination to get rid of incorrect options and increase your chances of selecting the correct answer. Even if you’re unsure of the correct answer, narrowing down the choices can improve your odds of guessing correctly. Look for answer choices that seem obviously wrong and eliminate them first.

9. Make Educated Guesses

The SAT doesn’t penalize missed answers, so never leave a question blank. If a question is too challenging, make an educated guess and move on. Return to difficult questions after answering the easier ones.

10. Relax!

Test-day nerves are normal.  Practice stress-relief techniques like deep breathing and positive self-talk to stay calm and focused. Use the breaks between sections to relax and de-stress.