What Should Students Do the Night Before and the Morning of the SAT/ACT?
You have spent weeks (maybe even months) on SAT/ACT prep, running through practice tests, memorizing tricky formulas, and perfecting your pacing strategies. But cramming the night before may do more harm than good.
Research from UCLA found that sacrificing sleep for extra study time, like cramming before a test, actually reduces comprehension and retention. Instead of late-night studying, focus on getting quality rest and mentally preparing yourself for test day.
Score at the Top will help you understand that what matters in the final hours before the SAT/ACT exam is staying calm, organized, and mentally prepared. Even if you study independently, these practical SAT/ACT tips will help you stay focused and maximize your performance.
Let’s dive in:
1. The Night Before the SAT/ACT
The night before your SAT/ACT exam is about tying up loose ends, staying calm, and—most importantly—getting good quality sleep. Here's what you should (and shouldn't) be doing the evening before the big day.
Final Review (But No Cramming!)
It can be tempting to squeeze in a marathon study session and try to cram every last ounce of knowledge into your brain. Instead, focus on a light review:
Skim key concepts likely to come up on the SAT/ACT exam, like math formulas, grammar rules, or pacing strategies for each section. This is not the time to tackle brand-new material—you have already done the hard work, so trust in what you know.
Studies have shown that while last-minute cramming may allow you to pass a test, you won't remember the material for long. Instead, focusing on light review and revision of key concepts can lead to better performance and results.
Pack Your Test Day Essentials
Nothing will sink your confidence faster on test day than realizing you forgot something at home. As part of your SAT/ACT prep, take a few minutes the night before to pack everything you will need. Here's what should be in your bag:
SAT/ACT Exam Admission Ticket (printed from either the College Board or ACT website).
Valid Photo ID, such as a driver's license, passport, or school ID (check the testing rules for what is acceptable).
Approved Calculator for the math section (bring extra batteries just in case).
#2 Pencils & an Eraser (mechanical pencils are NOT allowed).
A Watch or Timer, but not a smartwatch or anything that beeps. A basic analog watch can help you keep track of time.
Snacks and Water for your break—you will want something to keep your energy up without making you sleepy, like an apple or a granola bar.
Layered Clothing because test centers are notorious for being either freezing or stuffy. Be ready for both scenarios!
One of the best SAT/ACT tips is to pack your bag early and double-check that everything is ready so there is no last-minute panic in the morning.
Set Up a Good Sleep Routine
Did you know that getting less than six hours of sleep is one of the fastest ways to hurt your cognitive performance? A well-rested brain is sharper, quicker at problem-solving, and less prone to silly mistakes. As part of your SAT/ACT prep, prioritize getting 7-9 hours of solid, uninterrupted sleep the night before the test. Here's how:
Wind down early, ideally around 9 or 10 p.m. Give yourself at least 30 minutes away from all screens—blue light tricks your brain into thinking it is still daytime and can make it harder to fall asleep.
If you are feeling a little anxious and struggling to relax, do something calming, like reading, meditating, or listening to soothing music. Even a warm shower can help signal to your body that it is time to rest.
To avoid oversleeping, set multiple alarms for the SAT/ACT exam in the morning. Most importantly, put your phone or alarm clock somewhere out of reach, so you get out of bed to turn it off.
This way, your body is already adjusted, making it easier to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to perform at your best.
2. The Morning of the SAT/ACT Exam
Your morning routine will set the tone for the rest of the day, so make sure it’s calm, structured, and focused. Let’s break it down:
Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
Your brain is about to endure hours of intense focus during the SAT/ACT exam and needs fuel to keep running at its best. A breakfast rich in healthy carbs, protein, and hydration is key. Here's a breakdown of smart food choices:
Protein: Scrambled eggs, yogurt, or a spoonful of peanut butter can do wonders for sustained energy levels.
Healthy Carbs: Whole grain toast, oatmeal, or fruit (bananas, apples, berries) will give you a steady release of glucose for focus and brain power.
Hydration: Skip sugary or energy drinks, which can cause energy crashes later.
As part of your SAT/ACT prep, avoid heavy, greasy, or sugary foods—no bacon, donuts, or that tempting breakfast sandwich dripping in cheese. These can make you feel sluggish or cause your energy to spike and then crash mid-test.
Dress Comfortably & Check Your Bag
You don’t want to be uncomfortable while taking the SAT/ACT exam, so make sure you are dressed comfortably:
Test centers can be unpredictable in terms of temperature, so wear layers.
Start with a lightweight shirt and bring a jacket or sweater that you can easily take off if it gets warm.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes since you’ll likely be sitting for several hours.
Mental Preparation & Relaxation
A calm and positive mindset is as important as knowing how to solve a quadratic equation. Before you leave for the SAT/ACT exam, take a few moments to center yourself.
Do a quick mental warm-up by solving two or three easy practice questions. As part of your SAT/ACT prep, this will help signal your brain to get active.
Use positive affirmations to boost your confidence. Repeat things like, "I've prepared for this," "I am ready," or "I've got this!" Positive self-talk has a powerful effect on performance.
Avoid talking to other students about complex topics right before the test—it is more likely to make you second-guess yourself than help.
Arrive Early & Settle In
Plan to get to the SAT/ACT exam center at least 30 minutes early. Without feeling rushed, this will give you enough buffer time for unexpected delays (traffic, parking issues, etc.).
Once you arrive, find your testing room and take a few deep breaths to calm your nerves. As part of your SAT/ACT prep, remind yourself that you have done the work and are ready for this.
3. Things to Avoid Before the Test
Let's talk about some common SAT/ACT exam day mistakes—and how to steer clear of them.
Don’t cram last-minute material. Do not cram last-minute material. Not only is it unlikely to stick, but it may also increase your anxiety. One of the best SAT/ACT tips is to trust your SAT/ACT prep and focus on staying calm.
Avoid excessive caffeine. A small cup of coffee or tea is fine if you are used to it, but too much caffeine can lead to jitteriness and a racing mind, making it harder to concentrate during the test.
Stop comparing yourself to others. If someone talks about how much they studied or how nervous they are, tune it out. An excellent SAT/ACT prep strategy is to focus on your preparation and mindset rather than getting caught up in test-day stress.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the SAT/ACT exam is a marathon, not a sprint. The night before, shift your focus from studying to setting yourself up for success. Trust your SAT/ACT prep—pack your essentials, get quality sleep, eat well, and stay confident.
Remember, this test is just one step in your academic journey. While it's important, it does not define your entire future. For students seeking additional support, personalized SAT/ACT tutoring and college counseling can provide valuable guidance to help you reach your goals.
Interested in expert guidance? Score at the Top offers top-tier tutoring and counseling to help you achieve your best score.
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