Let the countdown begin...

10. Have Info, Will Travel

Scrambling around the morning of test day, trying to remember all the things you need to take with you is not a smart move. Instead, take some time the night before to pack a "test-ready" bag containing the following: Admission ticket, valid form of photo identification, several No. 2 pencils, calculator with fresh batteries, and a high energy snack to satisfy your brain.

9. Don't Cram

You've studied the content and perfected your test-taking skills. So what else is there to do? Get a good night's sleep prior to the big day. A well-rested person is calm, confident and ready-and what better way to feel when taking the SAT?

8. Dress in Layers

The climate in test centers can vary from sauna-like to frigid. Be prepared for both extremes and everything in-between. You need to be comfortable to do your best.

7. Arrive Early

Getting to the test should be the least of your concerns. Scope out your test location prior to test day so you know exactly where you're going and how long it takes to get there.

6. The Clock is Ticking

The hardest questions are worth the same number of points as the easy ones. So, if a question is confusing or too time-consuming, don't lose your cool. Just keep moving on. If you have some time left over at the end of a section, you can go back to the questions you had difficulty answering.

5. Don't Look

Bottom line- you are not going to know which questions are experimental. So, do your best on every question- that way, you're covered.

4. Easiest to Hardest

On the SAT, obvious answer choices early in a set are more likely to be correct than obvious answers near the end of a set. To avoid these SAT land mines, pay attention to where you are in a section.

3. Guess Aggressively

If you don't know an answer, don't leave the question blank or guess randomly. Eliminate the choices you know are wrong, then make an educated guess from the remaining options. Remember, if you can eliminate even one answer choice then it pays to guess on the SAT. The math Grid-in questions have no wrong-answer penalties, so always put your best guess down in these situations.

2. Be Alert and Very Careful

Pay attention when you are filling in your answers. Make sure you're on the right numbers.

1. Take a Deep Breath and...

If you are nervous or anxious, take deep breaths to calm yourself. Your attitude and outlook are crucial to your performance. Be confident and your test-taking experience will be much smoother.

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