Direct Hits Blog

Students, it’s here– the January SAT! But don’t let TREPIDATION (fear) STYMIE (thwart) you.  If you’re DISQUIETED (worried) about how you should be spending the last few days before the test, fear not! Direct Hits is here to PLACATE (calm) your ANGUISH (torment) with this helpful and ENLIGHTENING (informative) advice.

Of course, it is important that you study these last few days. This is your last chance to review, so you need to spend your time wisely. We EXHORT (encourage) you to review your most challenging vocabulary words.  Review your favorite literary works and historical figures in case they might be useful examples in writing the essay.  You want to be able to produce a SCINTILLATING (sparkling) two-page essay rather than a PEDESTRIAN (ordinary) one.  Maybe rework those PERPLEXING (confusing) math problems that always CONFOUND (puzzle) you.  If you’re already successful on one part of the SAT, spend more time reviewing your weaker areas.

However, we ADMONISH (warn) you not to cram for the SAT.  PARADOXICALLY (in a contradictory but true way), cramming can in fact have a NOXIOUS (harmful) effect.  Last minute cramming can EXACERBATE (make worse) your stress. Rather than frantically trying to review everything all at once, pick a couple of things to review tonight and tomorrow.

To be an ADEPT (very skillful) test-taker, you also need time to rest and relax.  Study breaks will keep your focus and energy from FLAGGING (becoming weak) and your reviewing from becoming PERFUNCTORY (spiritless and mechanical).  Exercise can help you clear your head and de-stress, so it would be PRUDENT (sensible) to take a HIATUS (break) from your work. After exercising, you will return to your studying with greater FERVOR (enthusiasm) and better focus. Additionally, it is IMPERATIVE (absolutely necessary) that you get enough sleep.  If you sleep well throughout the week, you’ll have the stamina to survive the nearly five-hour test.

On the day before the test, if you have a PREDILECTION (strong inclination) for study, CHECK (restrain) yourself and only study a little bit.  Instead, focus on getting ready for the next day. Make sure you know where your test center is, how long it takes to get there and where you need to park if you are driving yourself. Pack your bag of test-day essentials. You’ll need your SAT admission ticket, a photo ID, several sharpened No. 2 pencils (not mechanical pencils) with good erasers (you will use up at least one pencil writing the essay), your calculator, a watch (it cannot make any noise), a snack and water or Gatorade for the breaks, and extra batteries. It would be DELETERIOUS (injurious) to your math score if your calculator died during the test, so make sure you start with fresh batteries and have back-up batteries just in case you need them. Eat a good dinner, relax, and go to bed early.

On test day, wake up early and eat a solid breakfast.  Eggs are supposedly good for the memory!  Make sure that you leave plenty of time to get checked in at the test center and that you take your bag of SAT essentials with you. By being so well prepared, you can face the SAT with FORTITUDE (strength of mind), TENACITY (persistence, toughness), APLOMB (self-assurance), and EQUANIMITY (composure, poise).  Good Luck!!