As the Dakota campus is excited for the upcoming Spring Break, DHS Juniors are beginning to stress about the SAT. Juniors take the SAT just a few days after students return from break! Testing is coming up fast, so instead of letting your nerves get the best of you, get prepared!

Here are some simple tips and tricks you should know before taking your upcoming test:

1. Get some sleep! Even though everyone tells you this, it is very important and worth reinforcing. It is actually scientifically proven that sleep-deprived students processes and encode information in the brain slower. When taking a standardized test, it is important to be on your A game and to be able to process information diligently and quickly!
2. Don’t be afraid to use childhood elementary tactics! On the SAT, don’t be afraid to break out POE – process of elimination. Only one answer is right, so knock out the wrong answers to narrow down your choices.
3. Write on the testing booklet! Though you may be used to not writing on test booklets at school, make sure to write on the SAT test booklet. While this may seem like an odd request, it keeps your mind active, and it really does help to underline key parts of the question.
4. Read the directions! Although you might be eager to just get the test over with, make sure to read all the directions that come along with the test. Some wording might be unfamiliar, so if you are unsure of what to do, calmly read it over again.
5. And lastly, stay calm! Just do your best. The less frantic you are, the easier your body can take in information and make educated decisions. Remember that you can do it, plus, you get to go home after!

Good luck to all Dakota Juniors taking the SAT – we know you’ll do amazing!