As thousands of Indian students gear up for the SAT this month, one question rises above the rest: How can I be sure I’m truly ready? The SAT is not just another exam; it’s a globally recognised credential
that reflects a student’s academic readiness and problem-solving ability. But equally important is how you prepare, especially in the final days.
At the College Board, we’ve seen that success is less about last-minute cramming and more about composure, strategic thinking, and informed choices. If you’re heading into the test this week, here are the preparations and best strategies to keep in mind while taking the SAT exam based on what works, what matters, and what reflects real readiness.
Don’t cram, calibrate: This is the time to refine what you already know, not attempt to learn new material from scratch. Focus on revisiting the problem types that have consistently challenged you in practice, be it transitions in reading passages or multi-step algebra problems. Spend 30-45 minutes a day targeting specific weak areas and reviewing the logic behind your past mistakes. This is not about volume but precision. A few clear, focused corrections can yield more benefit than rereading multiple chapters under pressure.
One full-length practice test is enough: The value of practice tests comes not from repetition but from reflection. Use the Bluebook™ app to take one full-length digital SAT test this week, preferably early in the week. Then spend time analysing every incorrect response: was it a time issue, a conceptual misunderstanding, or simply a misread question? This kind of diagnostic review can help you avoid repeating the same error. If you feel the need for one more short practice test for comfort, aim to do that midweek, not the night before the exam.
Your routine shapes performance: Sleep, nutrition, and timing have a direct impact on how your brain functions during the test. Begin adjusting your schedule now to reflect the exam day. If your SAT starts at 8:30 AM, practise waking up at the same time and beginning your day with a balanced breakfast. Avoid staying up late, and don’t skip meals. A well-rested and nourished brain processes information more clearly, sustains attention longer, and manages stress better. The test rewards clarity, and that starts with your body clock.
Practise logistics: Test-day anxiety often comes from uncertainty, not lack of preparation. That’s why it’s essential to mentally and practically rehearse the logistics. Ensure you’ve downloaded the Bluebook™ app, completed all technical checks, and are familiar with its features, such as marking for review, using the digital calculator, and striking through answer options. Know how you’ll reach the test centre, what ID you need to carry, and how early to arrive. The fewer unknowns on test day, the more mental space you’ll have for problem-solving.
A calm, consistent final-week plan
Monday to Wednesday: Revise past mistakes, revisit tricky concepts, and take one full-length practice test.
Thursday and Friday: Focus on light review with flashcards, short videos, and visualisation of the test experience.
Saturday: Keep the morning relaxed, do a quick mental walkthrough, and avoid late-night reading.
Overall tip: Follow a calm, predictable schedule to reduce stress and enter the SAT feeling prepared, not crammed.
Use the Digital tools smartly: The digital SAT includes built-in tools that support a good test-taking strategy if you know how to use them. When faced with a difficult question, use the “mark for review” function and return to it later instead of losing time. Strike through clearly wrong answer choices to focus your thinking. Use the digital calculator for complex math steps, but don’t over-rely on it for simple calculations. Familiarity with these tools can increase both your speed and your confidence during the exam.
Trust the work you’ve already done: By the time you sit for the SAT, the most important preparation is already behind you. You’ve studied, reflected, and practised. Now it’s about trusting that process. Even if a few questions feel unfamiliar, remember that the SAT is designed to challenge you. Stay composed, move forward, and don’t let one difficult item derail your momentum. The SAT rewards problem-solving, calm decision-making, and resilience–qualities you’ve already been building throughout your preparation.
Confidence on test day: When we talk about the preparations and best strategies to keep in mind while giving the SAT exam, we’re really talking about readiness in its full sense: academic, logistical, and emotional. The most confident test-takers are not those who aim for perfection but those who feel in control: of their time, their tools, and their mindset.
The author is the Senior Director, South and Central Asia, of the College Board
