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The Night Before the Digital SAT®: 5 Tips for Students

A big exam like the SAT can evoke a mix of excitement and anxiety.

What you do the night before can make a difference in how confidently you approach the test. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the evening leading up to the new Digital SAT.

1. Get packed

Make sure you know where you will be testing, and double-check location information the night before—especially if you’re not taking it at your high school. Make sure the device you’ll be using is fully charged, and that the Bluebook™ application is installed. If you haven’t already, complete your exam setup in Bluebook, and get your admission ticket. Pack the essentials: your admission ticket, photo ID, writing implements for scratch work, and an approved calculator. (There will also be a calculator within Bluebook.) Consider also packing “nice-to-haves” such as a non-beeping watch, device charger, and a snack/drink for your break.

2. Dress for comfort

Choosing what to wear might seem trivial, but comfort is key! Prioritize ease over style, and consider the unpredictable testing room temperatures. Layering is advisable, and if you have a lucky t-shirt, include it in your wardrobe plans. The goal is to minimize distractions and keep your focus on the test.

3. Review, don't cram

The night before is not the time to learn new information. Consider your preparation complete—but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid exam-related content altogether. Reviewing familiar problems can boost your confidence and get you into a problem-solving mindset. Work through problems you've encountered before, refamiliarizing yourself with the steps to solve them, and resist the urge to cram new information into your brain. The Digital SAT is not a test conducive to last-minute cramming.

4. Exercise and hydrate

Incorporate light exercise into your day so you have a healthy outlet for stress. Be mindful not to overdo it, and avoid exercising close to bedtime. Stay hydrated throughout the day, and again avoid consuming excessive water before bed. Hydration contributes to overall well-being and ensures you are physically prepared for the demands of the test day.

5. Sleep smart

While a good night's sleep is often emphasized, consider the two-nights rule, a favorite of many athletes. According to the two-nights rule, sleep the night BEFORE the night before the event is more important than sleep on the eve of the event. So, even if you don’t sleep amazingly well the night prior, take heart—according to the two-nights rule, you can still be in tip-top shape on exam day! Just focus on resting your body and engaging in relaxing and low-key activities, and set a reliable alarm so you wake up on time and minimize unnecessary stress in the morning.

The night before the SAT is all about consolidation, relaxation, and smart preparation. Follow these steps to create a routine that suits your needs—and draw confidence from the knowledge that you've done your best to prepare.

Learn more about how to prepare for the night before the Digital SAT from The Princeton Review® editor-in-chief Rob Franek!