Tutorbot's Test Tips: Prep Your "Go-Bag"

Posted by kevin on Jan. 24, 2013, 11:47 a.m. in SAT
Tutorbot's Test Tips    


As preparation for January's SAT winds down and we start getting in the zone for test day, it's important to remember that peace of mind and comfort are just as important as the math and reading comprehension sessions you devour in the next two days. Here is a tip that I learned through student and personal experience that may help you eke out that edge on Saturday. Welcome to the first issue of Tutorbot's Test Tips.




• Prep Your "Go-Bag"
  I am still guilty of this when I need to go somewhere important in the morning, but it's especially important on a day like SAT Test Day. Get your bag ready the night before, not five-minutes before. Remember, it's all about staying calm. Here is what I always tell my students to pack.
  


• Bag! Bring it!
  A bag isn't required, you may say. Why can't I just walk in with the requisite test-taking items in hand?

  Nay, I say a bag is required, be it a backpack, purse, man-bag, “murse,” messenger bag, briefcase, or even a grocery bag. Why? It keeps all your stuff in one organized, conveniently accessible place. The last thing you want to do is walk in the door juggling your spare batteries, pencils, and erasers, making an utter fool of yourself, and sit down thinking about how the cute girl next to you probably thinks you're a klutz and won't talk to you during that break after section two (true story).



• March to Your Own Beat
  Proctors often vary in the way they give out time cues. If you can get used to referring to your own watch, you'll feel more comfortable knowing you don't need to rely on your proctor to tell you that there is one minute left to finish that question that has been bugging you all section.
  


• Calculator Crazies
  About the calculator: you've put your calculator through its paces for the past few months you've been prepping. Chances are you haven't replaced the batteries. While I'm sure you're a math wiz and can go commando when needed, it's always nice knowing that you can graph the parabola to find the roots on a particularly dastardly quadratic equation.
  


• Prepare for inclement weather
  Pack something warm to layer over just in case someone goes crazy with the air conditioning. Also, factor in the possibility that it might be too hot and you might end up feeling like you're taking a Hot Yoga class instead of an SAT test. Layer up. Wear clothing that can make you comfortable in multiple situations.
  


• Fuel up!
  Props if you bring healthier stuff -- high fructose corn syrup and caffeine don't mix well with high test scores. Eat a healthy moderately sized breakfast and pack plenty of healthy snacks (vegetables, trail-mix, etc.) and fluids such as water or tea. Treat test day like it's the big game. You've been lifting weights, doing cardio training, and drilling for the past few months. The last thing you want to do is stuff your body with junk for your big performance.
  

Best of luck, test-takers! Go get 'em!

Log In to Post a Comment