SAT/ACT Test Day Tips: How to Use Dead Time

, Anyone who takes the real SAT will tell you that the actual test ends up being 4.5 to 5 hours total in duration. While the actual test 3 hours for no essay (3h 50mins with), there are a lot of pauses in between.

The savvy test taker uses these periods to rejuvenate. The freedom from cell phones, social media, hustle and bustle of daily life, can all make these moments of dead silence gold for an otherwise relentless day.

These opportunities arise before you get seated, after seating but before you start filling out anything, and while the proctor reads to you information you should already know. My suggestions include:

• Close your eyes
• Meditate on your breath or whatever helps you focus
• Take a few deep breaths
• Stay away for second-guessing previous sections, anticipating what may come, or worrying about anything outside your control

As this crazy as this might sound, I have successfully used this even during sections, particularly during the 65-minute Reading seand the 55-minute Math with calculator sections. Closing your eyes, recollecting your thoughts, taking deep breaths, and giving your brain a 30-second to 1 minute break will do wonders to restore your focus. If you’ve done enough realistic practice tests, you won’t be as nervous about running out of time, and you’ll realize this is time you can easily afford that pays great dividends. 

Takeaways:

Use dead time to your advantage by practicing a light form of meditation. Consider taking small breaks in the middle of the two longer sections. You will find that it’ll reduce your stress and help get you back in focus.