By Vicki Wood, PowerScore SAT Instructor
Published by Family Living’s Teen

Preparing for the SAT is a lot like preparing for an athletic competition. Professional athletes and SAT experts agree that the following four tips are keys to optimal performance in the game and on the test.

1. Practice and Preparation are Essential

Before an athletic contest, athletes train and devise a game plan. Planning and practice are essential for any competition or exhibition. So why is it that hundreds of thousands of teenagers walk into SAT test centers without ever looking at an actual SAT? It’s the equivalent of taking the snap in the season’s most important football game without ever having played the sport, or walking onto the volleyball court without knowing any of the rules of the game. Just as athletes have to be prepared for major competitions, you must prepare for the most important test of your academic career.

PowerScore offers test prep for all types of learners, schedules, and budgets. We offer independent study packages, private tutoring, single-weekend courses, six-week full-length courses, and live-online courses. You’re sure to find a preparation plan that meets your needs by visiting www.powerscore.com or by calling (800) 545-1750.

2. Carbohydrates and Protein are Key

Marathon runners eat a meal containing complex carbohydrates the night before competition, because carbohydrates are stored by the athletes' bodies and used for energy the following day. But carbohydrates aren't just fuel for your muscles—they are also fuel for your brain. A well-balanced meal that is rich in complex carbohydrates the night before the SAT can help you stay sharp and focused during the test.

It’s also a proven fact that breakfast high in protein increases your concentration, mood, and memory. Eat a healthy, moderate breakfast (eating too much can make you more tired) on the morning of the SAT. Many former test takers have complained about the distraction caused by grumbling stomachs—both their own and those of other students—so save yourself any embarrassment or discomfort by eating breakfast. You may do well to take a snack to the test center, too. A granola bar or a bag of carrot sticks may help you stay focused as you test through lunch hour.

3. Rest is Required

T’was the night before test day and all through the school, not a person was studying—no, not even you.

That’s right. You should not study the day before the SAT! Professional athletes call this “tapering.” After weeks or even months of training for a competition, athletes take a day or two off before the big day to give their muscles a chance to rest and rejuvenate. Your brain works the same way. Cramming the day before the SAT can cause fatigue and poor performance on test day. So taper your “workout” the day before the SAT by giving your brain some well-deserved rest. By doing so, you can help to ensure that you will be alert and mentally prepared to tackle the ten-section test.

You should also go to bed early the night before the test. The entire SAT experience is five very LONG hours, and if you don’t get a decent night’s sleep, you are guaranteed to fade somewhere along the way. Maybe you have a commitment that you can’t get out of—like an athletic or musical event—but treat the evening like a school night and be in bed early. Skip the movie, or the school dance, or the birthday party, or you could miss out on attending some great events at the college of your choice!

4. Confidence is Crucial

The secret of all great athletes is confidence; professional athletes are trained to spend some quiet time prior to their game visualizing a perfect performance. These secrets are equally applicable to solid test performance. You must believe that you are going to have a great performance on test day. Be confident that you will achieve a great score. And as you approach test day, spend some time visualizing how quickly and confidently you will be able to work through each question and each section. As you wait at the test center, visualize yourself writing an exceptional essay and knowing the answers to all of the math, reading, and writing multiple choice questions. Your performance will be a reflection of your preparation, your expectations, and your belief in yourself. Good luck!