Hi! I’m Lindsey Golotko and am currently a senior here at FTHS. As an eleventh grader, I struggled through and, thankfully, survived not one, but three, SATs. I’ve had a multitude of different experiences taking this test, including a fire alarm going off in the middle of the exam.  Today, I’m here to share some wisdom about conquering the SAT one step at a time.

STUDY

The biggest thing I’ve heard from so many people is “I’m just gonna wing this first test,” but people do not realize this a test designed to be challenging. First of all, it is long, much lengthier than any other test anyone has taken in school.  Taking practice test help you to figure out when you should go to bathroom, eat a snack, etc. Studying also helps to understand which sections you need the most help with. The SAT has 5 sections: reading, grammar, math no-calculator, math calculator, and the essay. Each section is difficult to different people and studying can help you thrive.

WRITE THE ESSAY

After visiting colleges, I have learned that many universities require the essay portion of the SAT. It is more practical to take the essay each time you take this test because if you end up applying to a school that wants the essay, you will have to retake the whole test another time. You cannot simply go to a testing center and solely take the essay.

DON’T STUDY THE NIGHT BEFORE
One of the biggest piece of advice I received from my SAT tutor was to not study the night before. Reviewing the Friday before the test often makes you second guess your abilities and start stressing more than necessary. Take the day before to relax and unwind with a good movie or something else that is relaxing.

GET A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP

The SAT starts extremely early in the morning, so the night before make sure you are going to bed by no later than 10 PM. You must keep in mind you are waking up at what seems like dawn and every minute sleeping makes a different. You don’t want to be falling asleep and yawning while take the test hindering your ability to concentrate.

EAT BREAKFAST

This advice is crucial. The SAT is a looooonnnnngggg test and skipping breakfast will make it seem longer. If your stomach is growling, you’re not going to be able to focus as well, and also being hungry stinks in general.

BRING TISSUES
Even if you don’t have a cold or runny nose bring tissues. No one wants to be in a room taking a test with someone who is constantly sniffling. It’s distracting and you will thank yourself later.

DON’T LEAVE ANY QUESTION BLANK

No matter what answer every single question. On the new SAT, you are not penalized for a wrong answer, so it does not hurt you to fill in a random answer if you run out of time or can’t figure out the answer to a question. Moreover, choose the same letter to answer all blank questions to maximize the chance of getting the question right.

DON’T STRESS

People make it seem like the SAT is the ultimate life or death sentence. Not everyone is a great test taker and sometimes you have an off day. Go into the test with a positive and calm attitude and you will do great!