The Night Before the PSAT: What to Do & What to Avoid
The night before the PSAT can feel like the final countdown. Your mind might be racing with math formulas, grammar rules, and test-taking strategies. But here is a secret that top PSAT scorers know: The night before the test isn’t about learning new material; it’s about protecting the progress you’ve already made. Your only job the night before test day is to prime your brain and body so you can walk into that testing room feeling calm, sharp, and confident. Here is your guide on what to do (and exactly what to avoid) the night before the PSAT.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
- What to Do the Night Before the PSAT
- What Not to Do the Night Before the PSAT
- What to Do the Morning of the PSAT
- PSAT Checklist: What to Bring for Test Day
- Last-Minute PSAT Tips
What to Do the Night Before the PSAT
Here are some tips to help you maximize your score, starting the night before the PSAT:
What Not to Do the Night Before the PSAT
Knowing what to avoid is as important as knowing what to do. Steering clear of these traps will prevent mental fatigue and test-day anxiety. Remember: The night before the PSAT is about maintenance, not improvement.
What to Do the Morning of the PSAT
Set yourself up for success on test day by making the most of your morning. Dress comfortably and in layers. Eat a filling breakfast, but don’t stray too far from your usual routine. If you normally aren’t a breakfast eater, don’t eat a huge meal, but make sure you have something substantial. We also recommend reading something over breakfast. You need to warm up your brain so you don’t go into the test cold. Read a few pages of a newspaper, magazine, or favorite novel.
If bringing your own computer, make sure to pack your fully charged laptop or tablet and your power cord.Get to your test site early. There is likely to be some confusion about where to go and how to sign in, so allow yourself plenty of time, even if you are taking the test at your own school. While you’re waiting to sign in or be seated, read more of what you read over breakfast to stay in reading mode.
PSAT Checklist: What to Bring for Test Day
Bring any items recommended by the testing application or your school. Consider packing your backpack or bag with the following:
- Laptop or tablet case (or another way to help you remember to pack your device and power cord for the exam)
- Photo ID
- Directions to your test site location
- Several pens or sharpened pencils with erasers (no mechanical pencils or pens that make a clicking noise)
- Approved calculator and extra batteries, if planning to use your own rather than the built-in graphing calculator
- Non-prohibited timepiece, if desired
- Tissues
- Prepackaged snacks, like granola bars
- Bottled water, juice, or sports drink
- Sweatshirt, sweater, or jacket
Last-Minute PSAT Tips
Use these last-minute PSAT tips from Kaplan experts to maximize your performance on test day.
PSAT Tip #1: Take it one section at a time.
Remember that while the PSAT is a marathon that lasts more than two hours, it is also a series of shorter sections. Focus on the section you’re working on at that moment; don’t think about previous or upcoming sections.
PSAT Tip #2: Use your time wisely.
Don’t linger too long on any one question. Mark it and come back to it later. Can’t figure out an answer? Try to eliminate some choices and take a strategic guess. Remember, there is no penalty for an incorrect answer, so even if you can’t eliminate any choices, you should take a guess. There will be plenty of questions you can answer, so spend your time on those first.
PSAT Tip #3: Stop and reset as needed.
Maintain good posture throughout the test. It will help you stay alert. If you find yourself losing concentration, getting frustrated, or stressing about the time, stop for 30 seconds. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and relax your shoulders. You’ll be much more productive after taking a few moments to relax.
PSAT Tip #4: Use your break effectively.
During the break, go to the restroom, eat your snacks, and get your energy up for the next section.
PSAT Tip #5: Be calm and confident.
You’re ready to tackle the PSAT! Good luck on your exam.
Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Melissa McLaughlin, Pre-College Content Developer and Heather Waite, Director of Content and Curriculum, Pre-College at Kaplan North America.
