Exam Day Tips to Crack SAT with a 1400+ Score

SAT

Posted on: Mar 28, 2024

Are you anxious about the forthcoming SAT exam and experiencing mixed emotions, like being overwhelmed, excited, and confident? Preparing for the SAT, the Scholastic Aptitude Test can be pretty daunting. The thought of taking such an important exam can be overwhelming and challenging. If you are trying to be admitted to USA-based universities, your score will ultimately play a significant role in the admissions process. It will be one of the primary factors considered when evaluating your application. 

In this blog post, you will gain valuable advice on preparing for the SAT exam, insights into test-day strategies, and helpful tips for the day before, the morning, and during the test.

The SAT is a standardised test used for undergraduate university admissions. Administered by the College Board, it is primarily utilised by universities in Canada and the USA, although certain institutions in Australia and the UK also accept it. In addition to international universities and colleges, the exam is also recognised by over 20 colleges in India.

Exam day tips for SAT 

  1. Wake up on time: Focus on energising your mind when you wake up to ensure that you are ready to tackle the exam. 
  2. A nutritious breakfast before the exam: One should have a healthy and nutritious breakfast. This will help you focus during the test. 
  3. Read the questions carefully: Reading and understanding them is crucial before attempting any test section. Additionally, underline the significant details in each question to ensure clarity.
  4. Cross-check for everything to be taken to the exam centre: Reading and comprehending all the questions is essential before attempting any test section. Additionally, underline the key points in each question to ensure clarity and understanding.
  5. Wear comfortable clothes: Wear comfortable clothes like pants and a shirt as you will be sitting at the desk taking the exam for three long hours. Opt for a jacket in case it's too chilly in the testing centre.
  6. Reach the exam centre early: Arrive early to avoid last-minute rush and potential traffic delays, especially if the exam centre is unfamiliar. Late arrival may result in being turned away, as doors close 15 minutes before the exam begins.

 

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Tips - At the centre 

  1. Ensure you plan your time according to the sections and have a plan for answering your questions. Also, spend the first 5-10 minutes organising your answer. 
  2. Visit the current section you are taking and answer all the questions you know first. Quickly fill out the questions you know to get more time to work on the questions you need to be more confident about. 
  3. When you are in the exam centre, avoid your friends. They may engage in discussions that only serve to increase your anxiety without offering any productive solutions. 
  4. When tackling SAT questions that you need clarification on, eliminate answer choices that you know are incorrect. Narrow down the options by eliminating some of the four possibilities. Doing so will improve your odds of making an accurate guess.
  5. Do not read unnecessary topics or study at the last minute at the SAT exam centre. 
  6. Spend time on one question for a short duration. If you cannot find the answers, guess and move on. SAT does not give a penalty for wrong answers. 
  7. The SAT is a comprehensive exam that lasts several hours and is divided into multiple shorter sections. It is crucial to focus on the specific sections you are currently working on and not get caught up on the ones you have already finished or those that are yet to come. 
  8. Don't cheat, like referring to previous sections or jumping ahead to the next section before permitted, and don't discuss the test with other students.
  9. If you lose focus, get stressed or irritate about the time, stop for 30 seconds. Utilise this time to take a few deep breaths, close your eyes, set aside your writing instrument, and release the tension in your shoulders. Engaging in these actions will enhance your productivity once you have taken a brief moment to unwind. 

 

Read More - Your Guide to Crack the Digital SAT Exam

 

SET Exam Day Checklist 

  1. SET exam centre: Candidates must arrive at the SET examination centre one hour before the scheduled start time. Arriving early will facilitate a smooth and efficient verification process.
  2. ID proof: The test taker should provide a valid government-issued photo identification document, such as a PAN card, Aadhar card, voter ID, passport, or driving license, for verification. It is mandatory to bring proof of original ID along with a photocopy. The candidate's photograph should be easily discernible and correspond with the SET admit card photograph.
  3. SET Admit Card: The SET admit card is an important document that should be carried to the exam centre. The candidate should take a printout of the SET admit card at least a day before the exam date. This is a crucial document needed for the verification process.

Dos and Don’ts on the SET exam day 

Dos 

  1. Candidates should carry a simple blue or black ballpoint pen. 
  2. Candidates should make their travel and stay arrangements for attending the tests. 
  3. The candidates will be given a rough sheet for calculation. After completing the exam, they should write their seat number and names on the sheet and submit it to the supervisor. 

 

Don'ts 

  1. The candidates should refrain from carrying any paper or cheating material to the exam hall.
  2. Do not carry electronic gadgets like calculators, cameras and mobile phones. 
  3. Relatives, guardians, and other individuals accompanying the candidates will be prohibited from entering the examination hall.
  4. The candidates cannot keep their personal belongings inside or outside the hall. 

 


To ensure your admission into your dream school, you must take the SAT. This standardised test consists of various sections, each with unique questions you may not have encountered before. Being well-prepared for the exam day is crucial, as it plays a vital role in any entrance examination. Therefore, students must develop a robust strategy for the SET exam day, enabling them to showcase their best performance on the designated day. Before taking the SET exam, review these helpful tips to keep in mind on the actual day of the exam. 


When you sign up for the IMS International SAT Live Online program, you get access to 48 hours of intensive live instruction coupled with several hours of guided practice sessions and 10 full-length mock tests with solutions. You also get to interact with mentors one-on-one to plan out your test-day strategies and get help with the application process. Just fill out the form here - IMS International SAT Live Online - and one of our mentors will get back to you with a plan.