Jul 18, 2025
10 Biggest SAT Test Day Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)
10 Biggest SAT Test Day Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them)
By Andrya DavisSATStrategies
In this article
You’ve studied for months, mastered countless practice problems, and sacrificed weekends for prep. Test day is finally here, and you’re ready to conquer the Digital SAT. But even the most prepared students can fall victim to common pitfalls that can derail their scores. As an experienced test taker and educator, I’ve seen it all—from students arriving without ID to getting bogged down on a single question. These seemingly small mistakes can add up, costing you precious points and unnecessary stress.
This guide isn’t just a list of what not to do; it’s your proactive strategy to ensure a smooth, confident, and successful SAT experience. We’ll cover the 10 biggest test day mistakes and, more importantly, equip you with actionable advice to avoid them. Let’s make sure your hard work pays off!
1. Not Doing a Dry Run to Your Test Center
This might seem minor, but test day jitters are real. The last thing you need is to be frantically searching for your test center or a parking spot minutes before the doors close. Unexpected traffic, confusing directions, or a packed parking lot can quickly turn a calm morning into a stressful dash.
A week or two before the test, drive (or take public transport) to your test center at the exact time you’d leave on test day. Note traffic patterns, identify parking, and locate the exact entrance. Knowing your route will calm your nerves and ensure you arrive relaxed and on time.
2. Forgetting Essential Items (or Bringing Prohibited Ones)
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many students show up missing their admission ticket or a valid ID, which are absolutely non-negotiable. Conversely, bringing prohibited items like smartwatches or unauthorized calculators can lead to dismissal.
Pro Tip
The night before, pack a clear bag with: admission ticket, valid photo ID, two #2 pencils with erasers, a water bottle, and a light snack. Double-check the College Board’s list of permitted and prohibited items. Leave your phone and smartwatch in your car or at home.
3. Skimping on Sleep the Night Before
Pulling an all-nighter to cram last-minute information is a common mistake that backfires. Your brain needs rest to function optimally. Lack of sleep impairs concentration, memory, and problem-solving abilities—all crucial for the SAT.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep for at least two nights leading up to the SAT. Don't try to learn new material the night before. Instead, review key concepts lightly, then relax. Your consistent effort over weeks and months is what counts, not a last-minute cram session.
4. Skipping Breakfast (or Eating a Sugar Crash Meal)
Your brain runs on fuel! Skipping breakfast means you’ll be running on empty by the second section. On the flip side, a sugary donut might give you an initial boost but will lead to an inevitable crash, leaving you sluggish and unfocused.
Eat a balanced breakfast rich in protein and complex carbohydrates, like oatmeal with fruit and nuts, eggs with whole-wheat toast, or Greek yogurt. This provides sustained energy without the sugar spikes and crashes.
5. Getting Bogged Down on Difficult Questions
This is a classic time-waster. Students often get stuck on a challenging question, spending disproportionate amounts of time trying to solve it, only to realize they’ve sacrificed easy points later in the section. Remember, every question is worth the same amount.
The SAT is designed to challenge you. If you encounter a tough question, don't dwell on it. **Mark it for review** and move on. You can always come back to it if you have time at the end of the section. Trust your pacing strategy.
6. Mismanaging Time Within Sections
Pacing is everything on the SAT. Running out of time on a section means leaving questions unanswered, which is a guaranteed zero for those points. Conversely, rushing through can lead to careless errors.
Pro Tip
Practice under timed conditions repeatedly. Know how much time you have per question for each section. For Reading, allocate time per passage. For Math, quickly identify multi-step problems that will take longer. Use your watch to keep track of time and adjust your pace as needed.
7. Not Reading Questions Carefully
Careless errors often stem from misreading instructions or missing key words in a question. For example, answering "which of the following is true" when the question asks "which of the following is NOT true" can cost you easy points.
Before you even think about the answer, read the question thoroughly. Underline or highlight key terms, negations (like NOT, EXCEPT, LEAST), and what the question is specifically asking you to find. Take an extra second to confirm your understanding.
8. Changing Answers Without Good Reason
While it's good to re-evaluate, second-guessing yourself without a concrete reason often leads to changing a correct answer to an incorrect one. Your initial instinct is frequently right.
Only change an answer if, upon re-reading the question and answer choices, you can definitively identify why your original answer was wrong and why the new one is correct. Don't change answers based on a vague feeling of doubt.
9. Letting Previous Sections Affect Current Performance
If you feel like you bombed the Reading section, it’s natural to feel discouraged. However, dwelling on a past section will only negatively impact your performance on the current one. Each section is scored independently.
Pro Tip
Adopt a "reset" mindset. Once a section is over, it's done. Take a deep breath during breaks, stretch, drink water, and clear your mind. Approach each new section with a fresh perspective and full focus.
10. Not Using The Break Effectively
The short break is crucial for recharging! Some students just sit there, or worse, discuss the previous section with peers (which is prohibited and distracting). Wasting your break means missing an opportunity to reset.
During breaks, stand up, stretch, use the restroom, and eat your pre-packed snack. Avoid talking about the test with others. Focus on hydrating and giving your brain a mental refresh. This isn't wasted time; it's a vital part of your strategy.
Conclusion: Conquer Test Day with Confidence
The Digital SAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Your preparation doesn’t end with content mastery; it extends to how you manage yourself on test day. By proactively avoiding these common mistakes, you’re not just reducing stress—you’re actively boosting your chances of achieving your target score.
Remember, you’ve put in the work. Trust your preparation, stay calm, and execute your strategy. You've got this!
