Feb. 16, 2024
By Drew Bancroft
Staff Writer
One of the most stressful parts of high school is the various standardized tests.
A study conducted by the National Bureau of Economic Research found that a student’s level of cortisol, a hormone regulating the body’s stress response, goes up an average of 15% when taking a high-stakes test such as the SAT.
Students who exhibit this symptom experienced a drop of 80 points on their SAT scores. To combat this phenomenon, here are some tips students can use to prepare for and stay calm when taking the SAT this spring:
First, students should take practice tests to assess their strengths and weaknesses. Taking online practice tests also helps students familiarize themselves with the actual exam before targeting their shortcomings to improve their skills.
Practice tests can be found on the College Board’s website, Khan Academy’s website or within test books that can be purchased online or in bookstores.
According to the College Board, students who take the SAT more than once generally score higher than their previous attempt. However, students can avoid the need to make multiple attempts by studying before the first exam.
Additionally, taking online practice tests helps students develop test-taking skills. Each student has a unique way of approaching standardized tests and handling challenging questions. Taking time to perfect one’s test-taking strategies allows students to be more prepared when test day comes around.
INFOGRAPHIC BY EMILY REED The information in this infographic can be found on the College Board’s website.
To become familiar with the online testing format, students should use the online testing app Bluebook. This application simulates the test-taking experience so students can feel more comfortable when taking the actual exam.
Students may find it useful to set goals for themselves based on the colleges they are interested in attending. Not all colleges require the SAT, but those that do have differing expectations about the scores they wish to see from their applicants.
Top schools with lower acceptance rates tend to recommend submitting SAT scores. Therefore, students applying to these competitive colleges and universities should put extra effort into preparing for the SAT.
No matter what one does prior to the exam, one should practice healthy habits on the day of the test. Having a healthy meal and drinking plenty of water improves brain nourishment and mental performance. Some foods that are beneficial for the brain include avocados, beets, eggs, fish, fruits and nuts. It is also good to avoid electronics the night before the test to achieve the best quality of sleep.
On the day of the test, students should bring with them essential items including an admission ticket, a photo ID, two No. 2 pencils for scratch work and a snack to eat during breaks. Students must also bring a Windows or Mac device, an iPad or a school-managed Chromebook.
Students may find it useful to set goals for themselves based on the colleges they are interested in attending.
During the SAT, students should consider using all aspects of the digital testing application, including the bookmark button and the provided Desmos calculator. Students may bring a four-function calculator to use on the test, but the online portal provides a fully functional Desmos calculator as an alternative.
Students should make sure not to leave any questions blank. Even if a test-taker is unsure of the answer, it is better to guess and have a chance of getting the question right than have no chance at all.
Registration for the SAT costs $60. Low-income students who qualify for free or reduced lunch are eligible for a fee waiver, so they should speak to their guidance counselor before registering.
The SAT can be a huge source of anxiety. However, properly preparing and approaching the test with a positive mindset will help diminish stress and maximize confidence. Through the use of these tips, students can conquer the SAT and set themselves up for success.
