What to Do the Week Before the SAT
This post is for students who have been preparing for the SAT and are one week away from the test.
Haven’t started studying yet? Here’s what to do if you only have one week left.
Trust the Work You’ve Already Done
You might feel pressure to do more in the final week. But if you’ve been preparing consistently, you don’t need to ramp up the pace. You’ve already put in the work.
Look back at your practice tests and progress so far. Remind yourself where you started and how far you’ve come. Identify one or two areas that are still costing you points and focus exclusively on them.
Lighten Up Your Study Schedule
Elite athletes often train less hard before a major competition to ensure they are well-rested and fresh. The final week of SAT preparation should look more like tapering before a competition than intensive training.
It’s normal to feel nervous, but avoid the temptation to dramatically increase your workload. Cramming in four full practice tests and completely reworking your pacing strategy is more likely to lead to burnout than real progress.
Instead, use this week for light, targeted review on the specific question types or content areas that still trip you up.
If it helps alleviate stress, take one more practice test early in the week. As you know by now, practice tests are the key to preparation, but they are also mentally draining. Avoid taking a practice test within 48 hours of test day so you feel energized and sharp.
Don’t panic if your score fluctuates. Small score differences between practice tests are common. This is especially true if you’re switching platforms, because each system is a little different. For example, if you take your first Test Innovators practice this week and it feels harder than the Bluebook practice tests, that’s intentional. Our practice tests are designed to push your skills a little further so that the real SAT feels more manageable.
Don’t Study the Night Before the SAT
The SAT rewards long-term studying and skill development. You’ve already done that work. Your job now is to rest so you’re ready to focus and show what you know.
Instead of cramming the night before, get ready for the next day. Pack everything you need for the test center, charge your testing device, and make sure you know where you’re going and how long it will take to get there. Then, relax. Watch a movie, read a book, or spend time with friends. Be sure to go to bed early and get a good night’s sleep.
A Few Resources for the Final Week
SAT Practice Materials
If you need a final set of high-quality problems to sharpen your skills, Test Innovators has 1,700+ targeted practice questions, along with full-length practice tests.
Sara Laszlo
Sara Laszlo has nearly ten years of experience in private tutoring. An opera singer by training, Sara is especially interested in exploring better ways to practice and improve skills, whether musical or test-related. She holds a B.A. in Classical Civilization from Duke University and a Certificate of Merit in Voice from the New England Conservatory of Music.
