Should You Study the Day Before the SAT?

If your SAT is tomorrow and you’re planning to just rely on your natural ability to do well, you might ask yourself how you can study for the SAT in a single day. While not preparing earlier may not have been the best idea, at this point, there’s not much to lose by trying a last-minute study session.

The Pros and Cons of Last-Minute SAT Cramming

Cramming involves trying to absorb a large amount of information in a short time. Experts generally don’t recommend cramming if you want lasting understanding and retention (after all, you wouldn’t want surgery from a doctor who only crammed for the procedure!). However, with just one day left, cramming is usually better than not reviewing at all.

Pros:

· Time Efficiency: Cramming lets you cover a lot in a short span, especially useful if you just need to refresh your memory.

· Quick Review: If you’re already familiar with most material and just need to brush up on specific concepts, cramming can help.

· Formula Recall: It’s effective for going over the many formulas needed for the math section.

Cons:

· Low Retention Rate: Cramming usually leads to poor long-term retention. You might not remember all the formulas and facts by the time the test starts.

· Increased Stress: Trying to keep all this new information straight can add extra stress. The SAT is already demanding, and hurried last-minute studying can leave you feeling overwhelmed or lead to a panic during the exam.

Key Point:
In most cases, the disadvantages of cramming outweigh or cancel out the advantages.

How to Cram the Day Before the SAT

If you decide to cram the day before your SAT, you still shouldn’t spend every waking hour studying. Focus your limited time on reviewing the basic rules of grammar and key math formulas and procedures. Don’t try to learn new reading comprehension strategies in just one day—stick to the essentials.

· Verbal Review: Go over subject-verb agreement, punctuation, and other fundamental grammar rules.

· Math Review: Look at the SAT reference sheet (which you’ll have access to on test day). Because you don't need to memorize everything on that sheet, prioritize other key formulas and concepts. Focus, in particular, on linear equations (e.g., y = mx + b) and spend some time reviewing quadratic functions, including factoring and properties of parabolas.

Pro Tip:
Be strategic in what you study. Focus on basic grammar and punctuation for verbal, and key math formulas and linear functions for math.

If You Decide Not to Cram the Day Before the SAT

If you choose not to cram, spend your day doing calming, low-stress activities. Eat nutritious foods, stay hydrated, and do things that help you relax, such as light exercise, seeing friends, watching TV, or playing video games.

One thing you must do, though: If you’re using your own device for the SAT and haven’t installed the Bluebook app from ETS, make sure to do that today.

Pro Tip:
If you’ll use your own device on test day, download the Bluebook app in advance.

If You’ve Been Preparing for the SAT

If you’ve studied for weeks or months—reviewing math and verbal topics, practicing with official SAT questions, and taking practice tests—you’re probably well-prepared. If your practice scores are at or above your goal, you’re on the right track.

Don’t Sabotage Your Progress the Day Before!

After putting in so much effort, don’t risk it by over-studying at the last minute. The best thing you can do the day before the SAT is to take a break from studying. Think of it like preparing for a marathon: you wouldn’t run a full marathon the day before the big race. Focus instead on rest and self-care so you can do your best on test day.

Spend the day doing relaxing activities: eat a healthy breakfast, go for a walk, watch a favorite movie, hang out with friends, read, or just enjoy your hobbies, knowing you’ve prepared well.

Pro Tip:
Instead of studying, do something relaxing the day before the SAT—like watching a movie, exercising lightly, or reading.

What If Not Studying Makes Me Nervous?

If taking a complete break from studying makes you anxious, it’s okay to do a little very light review. Just don’t let it tire you out or add stress. Avoid marathon study sessions that could leave you exhausted for the real exam.

If you really want to review, here are some options:

· Skim your notes for an hour or two

· Look over important math formulas and the SAT reference sheet

· Review a couple of grammar rules that have given you trouble

· Do a few (just a few!) practice questions in math or verbal

· Remind yourself of your test-day timing and strategy

Pro Tip:
If you absolutely must study the day before the SAT, keep it very light.

SAT Test-Day Tips

No matter how much you’ve studied, these tips will help you perform your best on the big day:

1. Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water and other healthy fluids, as the SAT is over 2 hours long with only one 10-minute break.

2. Eat a Healthy Breakfast
Don’t take the test on an empty stomach. Eat a good breakfast and consider a small snack before the exam starts.

Pro Tip:
Eat a balanced breakfast and make sure you’re well-hydrated on test day.

3. Don’t Study on Test Day
Just as you shouldn’t study the day before, don’t try to cram on the morning of your exam. Try some deep breathing or listen to music if you’re nervous.

4. Listen to Your Favorite Music
Start your day with music that energizes you and puts you in a positive mindset.

5. Visualize Your Success
Imagine yourself answering each question confidently. Visualization can help you feel more prepared and calm.

6. Prepare for Ups and Downs During the Test
Not every question will be easy. Stay calm if you encounter a tough one—don’t let it throw you off.

7. Double-Check What to Bring
The night before, gather everything you need:

· Fully-charged laptop/iPad/Chromebook with Bluebook app installed

· Admission ticket (preferably printed)

· Photo ID

· Pens or pencils

· Calculator (if allowed)

· College Board login details
Optional: snack, water, jacket, backup device, charger, wristwatch

Pro Tip:
Pack everything you need the night before to avoid morning stress.

8. Manage Your Time During the Exam
Know how much time you have for each section (Math: 70 minutes for 44 questions; Reading/Writing: 64 minutes for 54 questions). Don’t spend too long on any one question. If you’re stuck, eliminate incorrect choices, guess, mark the question, and move on. There’s no penalty for guessing.

9. Focus on the Current Question
Keep your attention on the question you’re working on. Don’t worry about previous or upcoming questions.

10. Use Break Time Wisely
During your 10-minute break, allow your brain to rest. Use the restroom, eat a snack, or relax. Remember to return to the testing room on time.

Making the Most of Your SAT Eve

As the SAT approaches, the best thing you can do the day before the test is to keep things simple and go easy on yourself. Rather than cramming or pushing your limits, use this time to briefly revisit foundational grammar concepts and essential math formulas. There’s no need to take a full practice test, as this can leave you feeling drained and anxious. Instead, focus on organizing what you’ll bring on test day, solidifying your exam strategy, and giving yourself plenty of rest. Trust the preparation you’ve already done, and allow your mind and body to relax so you can approach the SAT with clarity and confidence.

On test day, remember to:

1. Stay Hydrated

2. Eat a Healthy Breakfast

3. Avoid Last-Minute Studying

4. Listen to Music to Get in the Zone

5. Visualize Your Success

6. Mentally Prepare for Difficulties

7. Bring All Necessary Items

8. Manage Your Time Carefully

9. Focus on Each Question

10. Use Breaks Strategically