Test anxiety is more common than you might think, especially when it comes to high-stakes exams like the SAT and ACT. Even students who are well-prepared can feel their nerves get the best of them on test day. Learning how to manage these feelings can make a huge difference — not just in scores, but in overall confidence and performance. If you’re preparing for the SAT or ACT, here are some practical ways to stay calm, stay focused, and show what you truly know.
Understand What Triggers Your Anxiety
One of the best ways to control test anxiety is to first understand what’s causing it. For some students, it’s fear of the unknown. For others, it’s pressure to achieve a certain score. Recognizing your personal triggers helps you tackle them head-on. Instead of trying to push anxiety aside, acknowledge it and create a plan to manage it. Preparation, realistic expectations, and positive thinking all start with knowing where the worry comes from.
Practice Like It’s the Real Thing
One powerful method for beating test anxiety is to simulate testing conditions before the actual exam. Take full-length practice tests in a quiet environment, timing yourself strictly according to the real SAT or ACT rules. Get used to the feeling of working under a time limit. The more familiar you are with the experience, the less intimidating it will feel on the real test day. Treating practice seriously can transform nervous energy into confident focus.
College Tutors Michigan actually provides practice ACT and SAT tests! Reach out if you’d like to participate.
Focus on Breathing and Simple Mindfulness Techniques
Simple mindfulness strategies can have a big impact too. Practice deep breathing exercises before and during the exam to help slow your heart rate and clear your mind. You can also try quick body scans — mentally checking in with your muscles and relaxing any tension you notice. Even a thirty-second breathing break during a tough section can help reset your focus and keep you grounded.
Build a Healthy Routine Leading Up to Test Day
Managing test anxiety doesn’t just happen the night before. It starts with taking care of yourself well in advance. Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and physical activity during the weeks leading up to your SAT or ACT. A healthy body supports a calm and focused mind. Avoid cramming at the last minute, as this often fuels anxiety instead of helping. Aim for consistency in your study habits and daily routine to create a sense of stability and confidence.
Control What You Can on Test Day
There are small but important steps you can take on test day to lower stress. Pack your bag the night before with everything you’ll need — admission ticket, photo ID, approved calculator, snacks, and water. Arrive at the testing site early to avoid feeling rushed. Dress comfortably and in layers so you can adjust if the room temperature changes. Having these little details under control will free up more mental space for the test itself.
Mastering test anxiety is just as important as mastering the material itself. By building healthy routines, practicing under real test conditions, and using simple mindfulness techniques, students can walk into the SAT or ACT with more control and confidence. Remember, the goal isn’t to eliminate all nerves — it’s to manage them in a way that allows you to perform at your best when it matters most.
