SAT Countdown: A Complete 3-Day Checklist for Students and Parents

With the August SAT just days away, both students and parents often ask the same question: What exactly should we be doing in the final stretch?

This guide provides a step-by-step checklist from D-3 (three days before the test) through test day (D-Day) to ensure nothing important is overlooked. Each section includes a simple checklist so families can review and feel confident heading into test day.

D-3: Lock in the Basics

1. Bluebook App & Device Check

• Update the Bluebook app to the latest version.
• Log in to confirm your account matches your Admission Ticket.
• Charge your device to 100% and pack the charger.
• Confirm your calculator is allowed (Bluebook’s built-in calculator plus any College Board–approved handheld calculator).
• Prepare a backup device or portable battery if possible.

Checklist (D-3 / Device)

• Bluebook updated to latest version
• Successful login with test account
• Battery fully charged + charger packed
• Approved calculator ready
• Backup device/portable battery prepared

2. Admission Ticket, ID, and Name Verification

• Double-check that your photo, English name, and date of birth match across your Admission Ticket, ID, and College Board account.
• Look carefully for small errors (spacing, hyphens, middle names).

Checklist (D-3 / ID)

• Printed Admission Ticket (at least one copy)
• Valid photo ID (with matching name and expiration date)
• Name and DOB fully consistent

D-2: Rehearse Test Day Flow & Strategy

3. Test Center Dry Run

• Plan your departure time, factoring in weekend traffic and possible delays.
• Aim to arrive 30 minutes early as a buffer.
• Locate parking and the entrance in advance, and plan a backup route or parking option.

Checklist (D-2 / Test Center)

• Drive time calculated + 30-minute buffer
• Parking and entrance identified
• Backup route or parking plan prepared

4. Section Pacing & Adaptive Module Plan

• Stick to the “Easy → Flag → Return” rule.
• Set a maximum time per question (60–75 seconds).
• If Module 1 feels tough, stay steady—recovery is possible in Module 2.

Checklist (D-2 / Strategy)

• Easy-Flag-Return routine practiced
• Time per question limit set
• Module 2 recovery plan reviewed

5. Reading & Writing Quick Gains

• Review the 7 must-know grammar rules: commas, subject-verb agreement, pronoun consistency, parallel structure, modifier placement, verb tense/voice, and clauses/conjunctions.
• Watch for trap words (“primarily,” “most likely”).
• Always connect answers to evidence in the passage.

Checklist (D-2 / Reading & Writing)

• Memorized 7 core grammar rules
• Practiced keyword-to-evidence matching
• Reviewed list of common trap words

6. Math Formula Sheet & Error Prevention

• Compress key formulas (linear, quadratic, exponential/logarithmic, functions, statistics) onto one page.
• Follow the 4-step error check: unit, sign, decimal, scale.
• Double-check calculator entries.

Checklist (D-2 / Math)

• Formula sheet prepared
• Error-check routine practiced
• Calculator double-check habit built

D-1: Secure Sleep, Packing, and Mindset

7. Sleep · Meals · Hydration

• Avoid late nights; aim to sleep 30–60 minutes earlier than usual.
• Eat a balanced dinner (carbs + protein). No heavy meals, new foods, or caffeine.
• Stay hydrated, but not excessively (to avoid multiple bathroom trips).

Checklist (D-1 / Condition)

• Bedtime set and followed
• Familiar, balanced dinner
• Hydration managed

8. Final Packing List

• Allowed items: Admission Ticket, valid ID, test device + charger, approved calculator, extra pencils, small water bottle, quiet snack, tissues, Ziploc bag.
• Not allowed: loud wrappers, new/unfamiliar gadgets, unapproved electronics.

Checklist (D-1 / Packing)

• Admission Ticket & ID printed
• Device, charger, calculator packed
• Snack, water, tissues, Ziploc packed
• Extra pencils + approved watch (if applicable)

9. Anxiety Reset Routine (90 Seconds)

• Practice 4-7-8 breathing (inhale 4 sec, hold 7 sec, exhale 8 sec).
• Choose a focus point (desk corner, wall spot).
• Repeat self-talk: “Stick to the plan. One question won’t define me.”

Checklist (D-1 / Mental Prep)

• Breathing routine practiced
• Focus point chosen
• Self-encouragement phrases memorized

Test Day: Execution Matters

10. Break Time Strategy

• Eat a small bite, sip water, use the restroom.
• Mentally preview the first 3 questions of the next module (no new studying).

Checklist (Test Day / Breaks)

• Snack and water planned
• Bathroom used promptly
• Next module preview done

11. Setup & Time Management

• Use the first 60 seconds to adjust seat, desk, device angle, and brightness.
• Use interval timers (10/20/30 minutes) to stay on pace.
• Flag and revisit uncertain questions at the end.

Checklist (Test Day / Setup)

• Device and brightness set
• Interval timer ready
• Flagging strategy in place

12. Emergency Scenarios

• Late arrival: Call ahead if possible; follow proctor’s directions immediately.
• Device issues: Raise your hand. Say: “My device froze. May I reboot or switch?”
• Test panic: Use 4-7-8 breathing, then move to an easier question.

Proctor Phrases to Remember

• “My login isn’t working. Could you check?”
• “My device froze. Can I reboot or switch devices?”
• “Could I adjust my seat/brightness within the rules?”

Checklist (Test Day / Emergency)

• 3 key phrases memorized
• Reboot/replacement steps understood
• Breathing → easy problem routine ready

Parent Guide: Support Without Pressure

13. The Night Before & Morning

• Morning pep talk (30 seconds): “Follow your routine. Skip if unsure. Don’t forget to drink water.”
• Drive with a 30-minute buffer.
• Pack light, easy-to-digest snacks.

Checklist (Parents / D-1)

• Early arrival planned
• Snacks, water, tissues ready
• Encouraging script prepared

14. Test Day & After

• On the way: avoid test scores or comparisons; ask about comfort and routine.
• After the test, ask these 3 questions:
  1. “Did you follow your break routine?”
  2. “What’s one thing you’d like to improve for next time?”
  3. “What’s three things you did well today?”

Checklist (Parents / Test Day)

• No score-related talk
• Focus on comfort and routine
• Ask 3 reflection questions after test

Quick Recap

• D-3: Update Bluebook, confirm login, charge device, check ID/ticket.
• D-2: Dry run with 30-min buffer, Easy-Flag-Return routine, review 7 grammar rules, finalize math formula sheet.
• D-1: Sleep early, balanced dinner, pack allowed items, practice breathing routine.
• Test Day: First 60 seconds setup, interval timer, 5-minute break routine, 3 emergency phrases.
• Parents: Avoid pressure, offer encouragement, reflect after.

Final Coaching

The last three days are not for cramming new content—they’re for locking in routines. Remember: Score = Skill × Execution. With the right systems in place, even if nerves hit, your student can still perform at their best.

Thank you.

For personalized consultation:
📧 www.eliteprep.com/contact-us
📞 470.253.1004

We will provide tailored strategies based on your child’s unique situation.

Warm regards,
Andy Lee
Elite Prep Suwanee powered by Elite Open School
1291 Old Peachtree Rd, NW #127
Suwanee, GA 30024
📧 andy.lee@eliteprep.com
📱 Tel & Text: 470.253.1004
🎥 YouTube: @andyssamTV