The SAT: Sailing Through SAT-Day Morning

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SAT-day isn't a good timeto oversleep.  Set the alarm clock and ask a reliable parent/guardian/friend to verify that you're awakened on time.  If you're nt a morning person, you may need a few additional minutes.  Then, no matter how nutritionally challenged your usual breakfast, break out of the box and eat something healhful.  Unless it upsets your stomach, go for protein, (eggs, cheese, meat, tofu, and so on).  Stay away from sugary itmes (cereals made primarily from Red Dye No. 23, corn syrup, and the like) because sugar gives you a surge of energy and then a large chunk of fatigue.  If you think you'll be hungry during the morning, throw some trail mix, fruit, or other non-candy snacks into your backpack.  Then hit the road for the test center.

TIP: If disaster strikes - fever, car trouble, little brother's arrest - and you can't take the SAT on the appointed day, call the College Board and request that they transfer your fee to the next available date.

Bringing the Right Stuff

Be sure to have these items with you:

• Admission ticket for the SAT: Don't leave home without it!  You can't get in just by swearing that you "have one, at home, on top of the TV."
• Photo identification: The SAT accepts drivers' licenses, school IDs, passports, or other official documents that include your picture.  The SAT doesn't accept Social Security cards or library cards.  If you're not sure, ask your school counselor or call the SAT directly.
• No. 2 pencils: Don't guess.  Look fr the No. 2 on the side of the pencil.  Take at least three or four sharpened pencils with you.  Be sure the pencils have usable erasers or bring one of those cute pink rubber erasers you used in elementary school.
• Calculator: Bringing a calculator is optional.  You don't absolutely need a calculator to take the SAT. but it does help on some questions.  A four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator is acceptable. Anything with a keyboard (a mini-computer, in other words, or a handheld PDA (personal digital assistant) is barred.  So is any device that needs to be plugged in or that makes noise.  If you're the type of person who wears both suspenders and a belt,  just in case one falls, bring a back-up calculator and extra batteries.
• Watch: In case the wall clock is missing, broken, or out of your line of vision, a watch is crucial.  Don't bring one that beeps, because the proctor may take it away if it disturbs other test-takers.

After you arrive at the test center, take out what you need and stow the rest of the stuff in a backpack under your seat. Don't forget to turn off your cell phone or beeper, if you have one.

The test proctor doesn't allow scrap paper, books, and other school supplies (rulers, compasses, highlighters, and son on) in the test room, so be sure to leave these items behind.  Also, no iPods or other musical devices.  Yu have to swing along to the tune inside your head.

Handling Test Tension

Unless you resemble Data, the emotionless android from the Star Trek television series (the one with the bald captain), you're probably nervous when you arrive at the test center.  Try a couple of stretches and head shakes to dispel (chase away) tension. During the exam, wriggle your feet and move your shoulders up and down whenevr you feel yourself tightening up.  Some people like neck rolls (pretend that your neck is made of spaghetti and let your head droop in a big circle).  If you roll your neck or move your head to either side, however, be sure to close your eyes.  Don't risk a charge of cheating.  Just like an Olympic diver preparing to go off the board, take a few deep breaths before you begin the test and anytime during the test when you feel nervous our out-of-control.