{"id":16327,"date":"2026-07-06T17:19:56","date_gmt":"2026-07-06T17:19:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/blog\/prep\/?p=16327"},"modified":"2026-07-06T17:19:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T17:19:57","slug":"how-should-you-prep-the-night-before-the-psat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/psat\/how-should-you-prep-the-night-before-the-psat\/","title":{"rendered":"The Night Before the PSAT: What to Do &#038; What to Avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>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\u2019t about learning new material; it\u2019s about protecting the progress you\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>[ READ NEXT: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.kaptest.com\/study\/psat\/whats-a-good-psat-score\/\">What&#8217;s a Good PSAT Score?<\/a> <strong>]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>TABLE OF CONTENTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"#to-do\"><strong>What to Do the Night Before the PSAT<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#not-to-do\"><strong>What Not to Do the Night Before the PSAT<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#morning-of\"><strong>What to Do the Morning of the PSAT<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#checklist\"><strong>PSAT Checklist: What to Bring for Test Day<\/strong><\/a><\/li><li><strong><a href=\"#tips\">Last-Minute PSAT Tips<\/a><\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"to-do\">What to Do the Night Before the PSAT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some tips to help you maximize your score, starting the night before the PSAT:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<div  class='avia-icon-list-container   avia-builder-el-0  el_before_av_iconlist  avia-builder-el-first '><ul class='avia-icon-list avia-icon-list-left av-iconlist-big avia_animate_when_almost_visible avia-iconlist-animate'><li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue812' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong>Get your device ready.<\/strong><\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure the testing software is installed on your computer, and be sure to charge it overnight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li><\/span><\/p>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue812' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong>Pack your bag.<\/strong><\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gather everything you need for test day so it\u2019s ready to go in the morning. See our list below of what to bring to the PSAT.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li><li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue812' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong>Avoid studying.<\/strong><\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yep, you read that right! At this point, any studying you do won\u2019t likely be retained and will be counterproductive in achieving your best score. The night before the PSAT, you want to focus on all the non-test-related ways you can prepare yourself to perform at your very best, both physically and mentally.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li><li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue812' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong>Relax and take your mind off the PSAT.<\/strong><\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do something relaxing that will take your mind off the test, like watching a movie or playing video games with friends.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li><li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue812' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong>Eat a balanced, brain-boosting dinner.<\/strong><\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do something relaxing that will take your mind off the test, like watching a movie or playing video games with friends.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li><li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue812' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong>Set your alarms.<\/strong><\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do something relaxing that will take your mind off the test, like watching a movie or playing video games with friends.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li><li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue812' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong>Go to bed early.<\/strong><\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Go to bed early, but not too much earlier than you usually do. You want to fall asleep quickly, not spend hours tossing and turning.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"not-to-do\">What Not to Do the Night Before the PSAT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n<div  class='avia-icon-list-container   avia-builder-el-1  el_after_av_iconlist  avia-builder-el-last '><ul class='avia-icon-list avia-icon-list-left av-iconlist-big avia_animate_when_almost_visible avia-iconlist-animate'><li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue813' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong>Do NOT cram the night before the PSAT.<\/strong><\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Make sure the testing software is installed on your computer, and be sure to charge it overnight.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li><\/span><\/p>\n<li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue813' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong>Do NOT change your sleep or diet.<\/strong><\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gather everything you need for test day so it\u2019s ready to go in the morning. See our list below of what to bring to the PSAT.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li><li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue813' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong>Do NOT consume excess sugar or caffeine.<\/strong><\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yep, you read that right! At this point, any studying you do won\u2019t likely be retained and will be counterproductive in achieving your best score. The night before the PSAT, you want to focus on all the non-test-related ways you can prepare yourself to perform at your very best, both physically and mentally.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li><li><div  class='iconlist_icon  avia-font-entypo-fontello'><span class='iconlist-char ' aria-hidden='true' data-av_icon='\ue813' data-av_iconfont='entypo-fontello'><\/span><\/div><article class=\"article-icon-entry \"  itemscope=\"itemscope\" itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/BlogPosting\" itemprop=\"blogPost\" ><div class='iconlist_content_wrap'><header class=\"entry-content-header\"><h4 class='av_iconlist_title iconlist_title   '  itemprop=\"headline\"  ><strong>Do NOT stay up late scrolling on your phone.<\/strong><\/h4><\/header><div class='iconlist_content  '  itemprop=\"text\"  ><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do something relaxing that will take your mind off the test, like watching a movie or playing video games with friends.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><footer class=\"entry-footer\"><\/footer><\/article><div class='iconlist-timeline'><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"morning-of\">What to Do the Morning of the PSAT&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019t stray too far from your usual routine. If you normally aren\u2019t a breakfast eater, don\u2019t 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\u2019t go into the test cold. Read a few pages of a newspaper, magazine, or favorite novel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019re waiting to sign in or be seated, read more of what you read over breakfast to stay in reading mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"checklist\">PSAT Checklist: What to Bring for Test Day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Bring any items recommended by the testing application or your school. Consider packing your backpack or bag with the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Laptop or tablet case (or another way to help you remember to pack your device and power cord for the exam)<\/li><li>Photo ID<\/li><li>Directions to your test site location<\/li><li>Several pens or sharpened pencils with erasers (no mechanical pencils or pens that make a clicking noise)<\/li><li>Approved calculator and extra batteries, if planning to use your own rather than the built-in graphing calculator<\/li><li>Non-prohibited timepiece, if desired<\/li><li>Tissues<\/li><li>Prepackaged snacks, like granola bars<\/li><li>Bottled water, juice, or sports drink<\/li><li>Sweatshirt, sweater, or jacket<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"tips\">Last-Minute PSAT Tips<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Use these last-minute PSAT tips from Kaplan experts to maximize your performance on test day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>PSAT Tip #1: Take it one section at a time.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019re working on at that moment; don\u2019t think about previous or upcoming sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>PSAT Tip #2: Use your time wisely.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t linger too long on any one question. Mark it and come back to it later. Can\u2019t 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\u2019t eliminate any choices, you should take a guess. There will be plenty of questions you <em>can<\/em> answer, so spend your time on those first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>PSAT Tip #3: Stop and reset as needed.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019ll be much more productive after taking a few moments to relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>PSAT Tip #4: Use your break effectively.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>During the break, go to the restroom, eat your snacks, and get your energy up for the next section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4><strong>PSAT Tip #5: Be calm and confident.\u00a0<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019re ready to tackle the PSAT! Good luck on your exam.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><em><em>Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Melissa McLaughlin, Pre-College Content Developer and Heather Waite, Director of Content and Curriculum, Pre-College\u00a0at Kaplan North America.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019t about learning new material; it\u2019s about protecting the progress you\u2019ve already made. Your only job [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":49798,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[240],"tags":[195],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16327"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16327"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16327\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":49799,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16327\/revisions\/49799"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/49798"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16327"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16327"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wpapp.kaptest.com\/study\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16327"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}