How to Deal With SSAT Nerves

When a private school you want to attend requires the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), taking it can be more than just uncomfortable. Pre-test jitters are as common as testing itself, and when you take a big test like the SSAT, you can have more than your fair share of nerves. Minimize these nerves by taking a few simple steps to prepare for the big day.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Make sure you get enough rest. You might think it will help to stay up all night before taking the test to cram in all those extra facts and figures, but it doesn’t. You will either be foggy-headed, unable to recall information or your nerves will be jittery from the chocolate bar you had for breakfast.
2. Prepare before taking the test. Know how to get to the testing site and what items you will need during the test. The SSAT website can help with example questions, testing locations and times, when you're allowed to take breaks and other SSAT policies and procedures.
3. Focus on the positive. Take time to study the sections you'll have the most trouble with and brush up on the areas in which you are gifted. If you just can’t get something, let it go and concentrate on what you do know.
4. Eat a healthy meal. Did you ever hear that fish is brain food? It’s true. Your brain is made up of mostly fat and if you eat the good fats in foods like fish and olive oil it makes your brain function better.
5. Put things in perspective. You really want to get a great score on this test to get into your school of choice, but in the grand scheme of things it might not really matter. There are many opportunities out there and if you miss this one, just keep in mind that lots of successful people don't test well either.