Now that 9th,10th, and 11th grade have taken their PSAT. It’s time for our juniors to start mentally and physically preparing for their SATs. For most juniors, there is significant pressure to achieve a perfect SAT score. I think that there is too much pressure on students to have this ideal score. Which yes, you do want to have a great score, especially if you’re planning to attend college after high school. The thing is, when you have so much pressure on yourself, you overstress yourself. To the point when you go to take your state test, and you have so much anxiety in your bones that you overthink every question and blow the test. My first advice is to relax and come into your testing room with a calm and positive attitude. It’s also important to stick with your gut instincts; don’t second-guess yourself while answering questions on the test.

Other ways to prepare for the SAT on the day of are making sure you eat a good, healthy, balanced meal. The way you eat is the way you’re gonna feel, and you don’t wanna show up and take the test while feeling hungry and out of it. Also, make sure that you are getting a good night’s sleep the night of the test. Try striving for 8 hours or more. Students always stay up late the night before the test, studying last-minute things. While in reality, your brain needs to charge, especially from all the stress and overstudying that has been going on to prepare for the test.

What are ways to prepare for the test in advance? Depending on the kinda learner you are, you should start preparing either 6 to 2 months before the test.

Here are some of the early on important steps to prepare for the SAT.

First and foremost, make sure that you have a College Board account. If not, go and talk to your counselor or Mrs Came to get directions on how to make one.

College Board is where you get your PSAT and SAT scores.

College Board also has free SAT preparation resources.

Blue Book, which is owned by College Board, has mock-like practice tests that give you the idea of what the test will look like.

YouTube also has amazing ways to prepare, giving directions on how to take advantage of different tools on the app.

Best ways to study.

To be able to study productivity, one must remove all distractions.

Studying alone is the best way to go, but it is good to occasionally have a study buddy who can quiz you on your knowledge on a subject can also be helpful at times.

Study in an environment where it isn’t silent, but where there aren’t tons of noise either.

Places that give you that kind of surroundings and conditions would be a library, coffee shops like Starbucks, your house, but not in your bedroom. Also, having relaxing and chill music playing is very beneficial.

The goal with having a good environment is you want a place where you’re not gonna be overstimulated, but you also don’t want a place where you will be understimulated. The goal is to find a good balance in the middle, and these places will give you that.

Another great tip on studying is allowing and planning breaks during your study sessions. Allowing the mind to recharge is important, so you don’t burn yourself out.

Also, having a reward system can be helpful; giving yourself something to look forward to can help you stay motivated and locked in during your study sessions.

Here are a few ways to productively prepare for your SAT. Using these examples will ensure you will be able to take the test comfortably, without overthinking. Remember not to let the pressure of having a perfect score tear you down; stay confident in yourself. Even if you don’t get the score of your dreams, remember it does not define who you are. If you truly are unhappy with your score, you can always retake the test.