You’ve studied, taken practice tests, and reviewed mistakes. But test day is different. Even well-prepared students can lose points because of stress, poor pacing, or simple strategic mistakes. Knowing the right SAT test day tips can make the difference between performing at your level and underperforming.

This guide covers what to do before and during the exam — including a key skill many students overlook: when to skip questions on the SAT and how to come back to them efficiently.

The Night Before the SAT: What Actually Helps

Students often try to “cram” the night before. That rarely improves scores.

Instead, focus on:

• Light review of formulas or grammar rules

• Looking over common mistake types

• Organizing materials (ID, calculator, ticket)

• Getting enough sleep

Your goal is mental clarity, not last-minute learning. Strong performance comes from what you’ve built over time, not a late-night study sprint.

Morning of the Test: Your SAT Test Day Checklist

A calm morning helps reduce stress and improve focus.

SAT test day checklist:

• Eat a balanced breakfast

• Bring approved calculator

• Carry extra pencils

• Arrive early

• Take a few deep breaths before starting

Small routines create a sense of control, which supports concentration.

SAT Test Day Tips That Actually Matter

On test day, strategy matters just as much as knowledge.

Key SAT test day tips include:

• Read questions carefully, especially wording like “least,” “except,” or “not”

• Don’t rush early questions thinking they are easy

• Keep an eye on time without obsessing

• Stay mentally flexible — one hard question doesn’t mean the whole test is hard

Your job is to make steady, controlled decisions across sections.

How to Pace Yourself on the SAT

Pacing is one of the biggest challenges students face.

General pacing guidance:

• Don’t spend too long on one question

• Maintain a steady rhythm

• Check time periodically

Strong SAT time management tips include practicing pacing before test day so the timing feels familiar.

When to Skip Questions on the SAT

This is one of the most important SAT pacing strategy skills.

Skip a question when:

• You don’t know how to start after ~20 seconds

• The question looks unusually complex

• You feel stuck or confused

• Time pressure is building

Staying too long on one question can cost multiple later questions.

Skipping is not giving up — it’s protecting your time.

How to Come Back to Skipped Questions

Mark skipped questions clearly and move on calmly.

When you return:

• Re-read carefully

• Use elimination

• Make an educated guess if needed

This helps you avoid running out of time on the SAT while still maximizing points.

Common SAT Test Day Mistakes to Avoid

Students often lose points through avoidable habits:

• Spending too long on early questions

• Rushing near the end

• Changing answers without reason

• Panicking after one hard question

Staying steady and strategic prevents these issues.

Staying Calm and Focused During the SAT

Stress is normal. The key is managing it.

Helpful SAT anxiety tips:

• Slow breathing for a few seconds

• Focus only on the current question

• Remind yourself that one question does not define the section

Mental control supports accuracy and timing.

The Big Idea: Strategy Protects Your Score

On test day, your goal is not perfection — it’s consistency.

Knowing when to skip questions on the SAT, managing time, and staying calm help ensure your preparation shows in your score.

Smart strategy doesn’t replace studying — it protects the work you’ve already done.