The Perfect ‘Morning Of’ Schedule

What Time Should I Get Up?

Aim to wake up no later than 6:30 AM. This remains a good target. It provides ample time to get ready, eat a good breakfast, and travel to the test center. Even though the digital test itself is shorter, you still want to be fully awake and clear-headed. If you're someone who needs a little longer to feel fully awake, consider getting up closer to 6:00 AM.

What Should I Eat?

Focus on a meal that provides sustained energy without causing a sugar crash. Complex carbohydrates, protein, and some healthy fats are your allies.

Good Options:

• Oatmeal with fruit and nuts: Provides fiber for sustained energy, natural sweetness from fruit, and healthy fats/protein from nuts.

• Whole-wheat toast with avocado and an egg: Good fats, protein, and complex carbs.

• Yogurt with granola and berries: Protein, fiber, and antioxidants.

• Scrambled eggs with a side of whole-wheat toast: Protein-rich and satisfying.

Avoid:

• Sugary cereals, donuts, or pastries (will lead to an energy crash).

• Greasy foods like bacon or sausage (can make you feel sluggish).

• Anything you're not used to eating for breakfast, as it might upset your stomach.

And remember to drink water! Stay hydrated, but don't overdo it right before the test.

How Can I Calm Myself and Focus for the Work Ahead?

Many of the calming strategies are universal, but some have a digital-specific twist:

• Deep Breathing Exercises: Still highly effective. Before you even leave the house, take a few minutes to practice deep breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.

• Light Stretching: A few gentle stretches can help release tension.

• Positive Affirmations & Visualization: Remind yourself of your preparation and visualize yourself calmly navigating the Bluebook™ app and answering questions confidently.

• Avoid Last-Minute Cramming: Trust your preparation with MightyPrep and official practice tests. Trying to cram new information will only increase anxiety.

• Arrive Early: Rushing adds stress. Give yourself plenty of time.

• Bathroom Break: Use the restroom before you check in.

• Limit Distractions: Once you're at the test center, focus on yourself. Avoid stressful conversations with other test-takers.

What Time Should I Get There?

The College Board specifies arrival times for the Digital SAT:

• If you are borrowing a device from College Board: Arrive by 7:15 AM. This allows extra time to pick up your device, sign in to Bluebook™, and set up your test.

• If you are bringing your own device: Plan to arrive by 7:45 AM. This is when test center doors typically open to students.

Being early is always better to ensure you have enough time to:

• Find parking (if applicable).

• Locate the entrance and your testing room.

• Use the restroom.

• Settle in and get comfortable before check-in officially begins.

Crucially, do NOT be late! If you arrive after the doors close or after testing has officially begun, you will likely not be admitted and will forfeit your test fee.

Morning-of Itinerary (Digital SAT)

Here’s a sample itinerary for the morning of the Digital SAT:

• 6:00 AM - 6:30 AM: Wake Up. Get out of bed, stretch lightly, and start your day calmly.

• 6:30 AM - 7:00 AM: Breakfast. Eat a balanced and energizing breakfast. Drink a glass of water.

• 7:00 AM - 7:15 AM: Final Tech Check & Gather Materials.

  • Crucial: Ensure your testing device (laptop, tablet, or school-managed Chromebook) is fully charged.

  • Confirm the Bluebook™ application is installed and exam setup is complete (this is usually done 1-5 days before the test and generates your admission ticket).

  • Print your Digital SAT Admission Ticket. While you can show it on your phone, having a printout is a good backup.

  • Acceptable Photo ID (matching your admission ticket name).

  • Pencils or pens for scratch work (scratch paper will be provided at the test center).

  • Approved calculator (there's an embedded one in Bluebook™, but you can bring your own if you prefer).

  • A watch (analog preferred, no smartwatches) – Bluebook™ has a timer, but a watch can help you manage breaks.

  • Charging cable or portable charger for your device (you may not have access to an outlet).

  • Snack and water for breaks (optional, but highly recommended).

  • Sweater or sweatshirt (test rooms can be chilly).

• 7:15 AM (if borrowing device) / 7:30 AM (if bringing own device): Depart for Test Center. Allow for traffic and unexpected delays.

• 7:15 AM - 7:45 AM: Arrive at Test Center. Find parking, locate the entrance and your testing room. Use the restroom now.

• 7:45 AM - 8:00 AM: Check-in and Settle In. Present your ID and admission ticket. Find your assigned seat. You'll sign in to Bluebook™ on your device. Put away all prohibited items.

• 8:00 AM - 8:30 AM (approx.): Pre-test Instructions and Start Code. Test administrators will read instructions and provide a start code for Bluebook™. Listen carefully!

• 8:30 AM (approx.): Testing Begins.

By following this updated plan, you'll be well-prepared, calm, and ready to tackle the Digital SAT with confidence.