Last Minute SAT Tips: Your Guide to Getting a Good Score on Test Day

Crunch time is here! With the SAT approaching full steam ahead, you might worry that you haven't done enough to prepare yourself for test day. First and foremost, we're here to say: stay positive and breathe. While the SAT will undoubtedly impact your future education journey, it doesn't need to feel like a life or death situation. There's a reason students are allowed to take the test as many times as they'd like.

With that said, we get it; No one wants to take the same test twice. That is why we at Varsity Tutors are here -- to offer up last minute tips that will allow you to feel confident when you walk into the test center. We'll provide insight on effective time management techniques, discuss the importance of practice tests, and other general tips for preparing for test day, including getting a good night's sleep.

Whether you're aiming to impress the college board at your dream school, or simply want to get through the test with a passable score, we hope these tips spark a renewed sense of confidence in you when the real test approaches. Let's dive into some actionable last-minute SAT tips!

Understand how the SAT is Scored

Knowing how the SAT is scored will give you a great idea of what to prioritize in your studies, this is something every student should be familiar with before test day. The SAT is broken up in two primary sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (ERW) and Math. While these sections have always been a part of the SAT, there are notable changes to the SAT in 2024. Here's a little bit more about each section:

• ERW Section: Not long ago, the reading section was separate from the writing section. Now, they're mashed into one. This dual section includes reading and writing tasks that are interrelated, now featuring shorter passages and single-question formats.
• Math Section: Covers a range of topics from algebra to advanced math, with calculators now being allowed throughout the entire section (Students can still bring their own calculators). Expect to solve linear equations through multiple choice and grid-in questions.

So, how does the college board weigh each of these sections? They do this with their adaptive testing methods. Essentially, the max score you can achieve depends on how well you do at the beginning of the exam. Both the ERW and the math section will be broken up into two parts, with the difficulty of the second part depending on how you scored on the first part.

Let's say you crush the first reading and writing section, but struggle to answer the math questions correctly. When the second wave of reading and writing questions come around, you will likely notice the complexity of them elevate -- and vice versa for the math section. While the increased difficulty may prove to be challenging, it also raises the ceiling for your max score.

Key Takeaway: If you want to get the highest score possible, it's all about getting off to a hot start. A correct answer choice leads to higher-difficulty questions.

Master Time Management

Feeling rushed on exam day only leads to stress. For some students, the hardest part of taking the SAT is balancing time. This rings even more true after the latest SAT changes, where the test time was shortened from three hours to two. Shaving time off wherever possible removes the stress of feeling like you're racing the clock. Here are some tips to spend time wisely:

• Use the two-pass method: Don't feel like you need to answer all the questions in order. Start with the ones that you feel most comfortable with, then circle back to the more difficult ones. Getting the correct answer on as many questions as possible right from the start will at least guarantee a respectable base-level score. Just remember not to leave a question blank before you finally submit!
• Set mini deadlines: Certain sections may prove time-consuming. Before walking into the testing center, set time limits for each question or section. Something like, "I will not spend more than 2 minutes on a question," or "I want to answer the first 10 questions in 10 minutes." This gives you a definable goal and prevents you from spending too much time on one question.
• Practice Your Pacing: It's never too late to fit in a practice test. While these are beneficial for several reasons, a huge advantage of taking practice tests is that you can monitor your pacing on your own watch. Set a timer and see how long it takes you to get through reading passages. The more practice you have, the less guessing there will be on test day.

Be Intentional About Practice Testing

Even if there is only a day or two before you have to take the SAT, practice tests can still offer significant value -- as long as you approach them strategically. Here are some ways to maximize your practice session:

• Focus on high-yield areas: Instead of taking a full length practice test, focus on the areas that you know you need the most assistance in. Are you historically bad at understanding math formulas or complex calculations? Probably good to spend most of your time working in the math sections of the practice test.
• Review common mistakes: Review your answer choices from previous practice tests or assignments to further highlight where you need help. What do you notice? Are you rushing? Having trouble reading long passages clearly? Buttoning up these issues can help you avoid losing easy points.
• Simulate test conditions: Even with limited time, do a short, timed practice session in a quiet space to get accustomed to the pacing and pressure of the actual test environment.

Other Practical Tips for Last Minute SAT Preparation

As the big day inches closer, you'll find that having a gameplan is crucial. This includes everything from building a checklist of items to bring, to planning out what you're going to eat for breakfast on test day. Every little detail matters, your brain will thank you! These are some final tips to consider when getting ready to take the SAT.

Build a checklist

Avoid unnecessary stress by organizing your materials the night before. Double-check that you have everything you need to breeze through check-in and stay comfortable during the test. Common things on your checklist could include

• Admission ticket and photo ID
• Approved calculator
• Fully charged device
• Snacks and water for breaks

Get plenty of rest and nutrition

I know we sound like the annoying parent in the room, but we cannot overstate how important it is to eat a good breakfast and get a good night's sleep. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before and eat a meal high in protein and carbs. This ensures your brain is well-rested and ready to tackle complex questions.

Mentally prepare

A strong mindset can make all the difference on test day. Take a moment to center yourself before diving into the exam—deep breathing or a quick mindfulness exercise can help calm any nerves and set a focused tone. Visualize success by picturing yourself confidently working through each section, answering questions with ease, and finishing with time to spare. Finally, trust in the preparation you’ve done, even if it was last-minute. Remind yourself that you’re ready to tackle the challenge and give it your best shot. Walking into the test center with a positive attitude can significantly boost your confidence and performance.

Review testing accommodations

If you qualify for testing accommodations, it's essential to understand what’s available and how they can benefit you on test day. Common accommodations include:

• Extended time
• Breaks between sections
• Small group or private testing rooms
• Assistive technology
• Alternate test formats

If you haven’t yet applied for accommodations, check with your school counselor or the College Board to see if you’re eligible. Taking advantage of these resources can help create a testing experience tailored to your needs.

Varsity Tutors Can Provide SAT Test Strategies

Even with limited time, you don’t have to navigate last-minute SAT prep alone. Varsity Tutors connects you with experienced educators who can provide targeted strategies to maximize your performance. Whether you need a quick review of critical concepts or guidance on tackling specific test sections, our tutors offer personalized support tailored to your unique needs.

With flexible scheduling and virtual tutoring options, you can fit in a session right before test day to boost your confidence and reinforce key skills. Don’t let time constraints hold you back—reach out to Varsity Tutors today for expert assistance and make the most of your final prep efforts.