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Taking the SAT is a big deal—but how you prepare in the final hours before the test can make or break your score. From what you pack to how you manage your energy, the digital format brings new rules and new opportunities. We will guide students through every part of SAT prep—including what happens the day before and the day of the test.
What Should You Do the Night Before the SAT?
Key night-before steps:
- Confirm your test center location, start time, and travel plan
- Charge your laptop or tablet fully and make sure Bluebook™ is installed and updated
- Pack your bag (see next section)
- Set multiple alarms
- Avoid caffeine or screen time close to bedtime
- Go to sleep at a reasonable hour—aim for 7-9 hours of sleep
What to Pack in Your Bag for Test Day?
Start with your ID and test ticket. These are non-negotiables, and if you leave either one at home, you’re not getting in. But beyond that, think of your calculator—not just whether it’s allowed, but whether you’ve practiced with it enough to use it naturally. It’s surprising how many students show up with a calculator they barely know how to use, wasting valuable minutes during the math section fumbling with settings.
Snacks and water are often underrated. You’ll have breaks, and if you don’t refuel, you’ll feel it during the last stretch of the test. But pick snacks that won’t make you crash—nothing too sugary or greasy. And pack them in a way that’s easy to reach and won’t cause chaos when you open your bag in a silent room.
Comfort items aren’t just for younger students. A quiet watch (without internet), and even a familiar pen or pencil can help ground you. The idea is to eliminate unknowns so you can focus entirely on what’s in front of you.
How to Choose and Locate Your Digital SAT Test Center?
When registering, choose a center that:
- Is close to home or easy to get to
- Has a good reputation for SAT administration
- Offers tech support or backup devices (check policies)
After registration, double-check the exact address and entry instructions, look up the route and parking options, and arrive at least 30 minutes early on test day.
What to Expect When You Arrive?
Legacy Online School helps students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed on the SAT® and ACT®. All lessons are delivered live online, with real-time support and feedback from qualified instructors who are fully invested in your progress. If you’re serious about improving your score, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Here’s what the morning will likely look like:
- You’ll check in with your ID and admission ticket
- The proctor will assign you a seat and give you a Bluebook start code
- You’ll launch the app, enter the code, and wait for instructions
- The proctor will read testing rules and monitor the room
- Once everyone is ready, you’ll begin the test
“We quietly waited for the chaperones to go through all instructions, and set up Bluebook. In just a few minutes’ time, I will be taking the SAT. Once again. For a third time”
What to Do the Morning of the Digital SAT?
Wake up early and you need time to move slowly through your routine—eat something that gives you steady energy and mentally walk through the day ahead. The digital SAT adds an extra layer of pressure because your device isn’t optional; it’s your test center, your scratch paper, your timer, and your calculator all in one. That means you have to be alert enough to follow the proctor’s instructions and troubleshoot quickly if something goes wrong.
It’s easy to slip into panic or overthinking, especially if you start your day scrolling through group chats or cramming last-minute facts. But calm and focus come from predictability. Trust your prep and treat the morning like a warm-up lap—not the race itself. Stretch. Breathe. Review your admission ticket and ID, double-check that your device is charged, and resist the temptation to talk yourself into worst-case scenarios.
Key Strategies to Maximize Performance on SAT Test Day
To maximize your performance:
- Don’t rush the easy questions. Build momentum early by getting the simple ones right
- Use the break wisely. Get up, stretch, and reset. Don’t review notes—you want to conserve energy
- Watch the built-in timer. Bluebook includes a countdown clock—keep your pacing in check
- If a question stumps you, move on. Flag it and come back later
“Don’t take seemingly easy questions for granted. You don’t want an easy question to stop you from an 800 EBRW…read each question equally thoroughly”
Using Your Calculator Strategically During the Math Section
A lot of students assume they’ll save time by punching in every step, but here’s the truth: the test is designed with this in mind. Some questions reward mental math or logic, while others punish you for wasting time on messy arithmetic that could have been skipped or estimated. Knowing the difference is what sets high scorers apart. Let’s break it down:
| When the Calculator Helps? | When It’s Better to Skip? |
| Complex decimals or fractions | Clean numbers or obvious patterns |
| Multi-step expressions with roots or exponents | Problems that simplify algebraically |
| Statistics or averages across large datasets | Questions with estimation tricks |
| Coordinate geometry or function evaluation | Logic-based questions with no math required |
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Alyssa Mendoza, AP Coordinator and College Prep Specialist
Sources: College Board, Reddit
