You've made it through weeks, if not months, of study. You know the
format and directions of the SAT test cold. You've developed strategies
to show off your strengths and offset your weaker areas. What's left?
Essentially, the last step in SAT preparation involves ensuring you're
at your best, physically as well as mentally, minimizing all
distractions so that your entire focus can be on finishing strong in
this academic marathon. Here's a list of the top 5 things you should do
during SAT exam week.

1. *PRACTICE THE WAY YOU WANT TO PERFORM*
It's a clich in sports and the arts that the way you practice is
the way you'll perform. Your studying this week should replicate
as much as possible the conditions of the actual SAT test. Take
numerous practice tests, doing as many sections at once as you
will on test day. The more your SAT prep resembles the test
itself, especially as the day draws near, the more comfortable you
will be when you sit down to take the real thing.
2. *MAKING A LIST AND CHECKING IT TWICE*
With at least three days remaining, compile a checklist of things
to be done during the 24 hours before your SAT test begins. Put
even the obvious, no-brainer tasks down on this list so that you
can free up as much of your brain as possible and maximize your
comfort level. The remaining tips in this article will provide you
with the raw material necessary to develop this list.
3. *THE GATHERING STORM*
One key section of your SAT checklist will be the materials you
need to bring with you to the testing center. These include your
admission ticket, an acceptable photo ID, several #2 pencils and
erasers, an acceptable calculator (with fresh batteries), and a
watch with no audible alarm. Select a book bag or other means of
carrying these items, and set them in a designated place in your
home at least twelve hours before you leave for the testing center.
4. *GET ME TO THE TEST ON TIME*
After weeks of studying for the SAT, you should be quite capable
of managing the logistics required to get yourself to the testing
center with plenty of time to spare. Arrange for transportation
(preferably, have someone else drive you and pick you up
afterwards) and confirm your route beyond the shadow of a doubt.
Be sure to add in extra time for potential traffic or other
delays, and write down the time you intend to leave your house.
Prior to going to bed the night before, set at least two alarms
(one of which should be battery-powered), and/or arrange for a
wakeup call if that would make you feel safer.
5. *MAKE SURE YOUR TANK IS FULL*
The last thing you want to be fighting while taking the SAT test
is your own body. For at least three nights prior to test day make
sure you get plenty of sleep, waking up at approximately the time
you will need to on test day. Arrange to have a full, hot
breakfast made for you to eat at a leisurely pace before arriving
at the test center.

Finally, ease up on your studying the day before the test: focus more on
your checklist, your familiarity with the SAT test, and your tricks and
tools. Also, take some time to relax. Do something purely for fun:
sometimes getting your mind off the SAT test is the best preparation. If
you have given your SAT preparation all the time and care possible, this
should be a time of confidence, knowing that it's almost over and you're
as prepared as you possibly can be.