Your Complete ACT & SAT Test Day Game Plan: What to Pack, Eat, and Avoid

Episode #38 – Test Prep+ Podcast with Aimee Urdiales

Are you test-day ready—or just hoping for the best?

You’ve spent weeks (or months!) preparing for the ACT, SAT, or PSAT. You’ve taken practice tests, reviewed your weakest sections, and worked on timing strategies. But now you’re facing something just as important:

📅 Test Day Logistics.

In this episode of the Test Prep+ Podcast, we break down exactly what to do the night before and the morning of your exam to walk in calm, confident, and fully prepared. And yes—we’ve got a few bonus tips just for parents, too.

👉 If you want to listen instead of read, scroll down for links to Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!

🛌 The Night Before the Test: Set Yourself Up for Success

The key word here? Calm.

You’re not cramming anymore. You’re prepping your environment, your brain, and your body to show up strong. Here’s your checklist:

✅ 1. Pack Your Test Bag

You don’t want to scramble in the morning looking for batteries or your admission ticket. Pack these essentials the night before:

• 📄 Printed admission ticket

• 🪪 Valid photo ID (Make sure it’s not expired!)

• ✏️ At least two #2 pencils (sharpened—mechanical pencils not allowed)

• 🔋 Approved calculator (TI-84 or similar) with fresh batteries

• 🥪 Healthy snack (granola bar, fruit, crackers) and a water bottle

• 🕒 Watch or silent timer (if your test center allows it)

• 🧥 Layers (hoodie or light jacket—test rooms can be unpredictable)

🔁 Pro tip: Lay it all out by your door or in your backpack so nothing gets forgotten during the morning rush.

✅ 2. Know Where You’re Going

Don’t just plug the address in the GPS 15 minutes before you leave.

• Look up directions the night before.

• Check for road closures or construction.

• Plan to arrive 30–45 minutes early.

Being early gives you time to breathe, find the bathroom, and not freak out if the parking lot is full.

✅ 3. Eat a Balanced Dinner

Stick to foods your body knows—this is not the time for spicy new takeout or skipping meals because you’re nervous.

Ideal dinner combos:

• Grilled chicken, rice, and steamed veggies

• Pasta with protein (chicken or beans)

• Turkey sandwich with fruit on the side

Avoid greasy, heavy foods or big sugar spikes—you want sustained energy, not a crash.

✅ 4. Review Lightly (But Don’t Cram!)

A short review of flashcards or a few questions from a familiar section? Sure.

But avoid:

• Doing full-length practice tests

• Trying to learn new content

• Comparing notes with friends (this often triggers stress)

✅ Trust your prep. You are ready.

✅ 5. Get a Full Night’s Sleep

Sleep is performance fuel.
Aim for at least 8 hours of real rest. Set two alarms (or have a parent set one, too). Put your phone on Do Not Disturb—no TikTok doomscrolling at midnight!

💡 Parent Tip:

Make sure the car has gas. Set your own alarm as backup. Be ready to help your student start the morning with a calm tone and no last-minute drama.

🌞 The Morning of the Test: Wake Up Like a Pro

The way you start your morning matters. Here's how to get into the right headspace before you even leave the house:

✅ 1. Wake Up Early (At Least 2 Hours Before Test Time)

You need time to wake up your body and brain, not roll out of bed and rush out the door.

✅ 2. Eat a Real Breakfast

This is NOT the day to skip breakfast or survive on caffeine alone.

Great options:

• Eggs and toast with fruit

• Greek yogurt with granola

• Oatmeal with peanut butter and banana

• A smoothie with protein (but skip anything new!)

Avoid sugary cereals or just coffee on an empty stomach—they can spike and crash your energy.

✅ 3. Do a Final Bag Check

Double-check:

• ID ✅

• Calculator ✅

• Pencils ✅

• Snacks ✅

• Admission Ticket ✅

Don't assume it's all still there. One quick check could save your morning.

✅ 4. Dress in Layers

Test rooms are notoriously weird in temperature. Be ready for freezing cold air conditioning or surprise heat. Comfort = better focus.

✅ 5. Bathroom Break Before You Leave

Yes, this is basic—but test nerves + no break during a section = avoidable distraction.

✅ 6. Leave with Time to Spare

Leave 30–45 minutes before you need to. Early arrival = peace of mind.

🎧 Optional: Bring Headphones

Listen to a calming playlist, motivational podcast, or whatever helps you feel grounded. Don’t study in the waiting area—just keep your mindset steady.

💡 Parent Tip:

Keep your goodbye simple and encouraging. Avoid last-minute lectures or “Don’t mess this up” jokes. Instead, say:
👉 “You’ve got this. I’m proud of you.”

❌ What NOT to Do on Test Day

Just a few reminders to avoid sabotaging your effort:

• ❌ Don’t try brand-new strategies or tools.

• ❌ Don’t stay up cramming late the night before.

• ❌ Don’t skip breakfast.

• ❌ Don’t let one bad question shake your confidence.

You’ve done the work. Stay steady, trust your plan, and keep moving forward.

📥 Download Your Free Test Day Checklist

We’ve made it easy for you—grab your printable checklist so you don’t miss a thing the week of your exam.
🖨️ Download the Checklist Here
(It’s fridge- or backpack-ready!)

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode

Want to hear all of this—and more—straight from Aimee?
🎙️ Listen to Episode 38: “Test Day Game Plan”

💬 Share Your Rituals!

Do you have a lucky pencil? A pre-test song that gets you in the zone? We want to hear it!

📲 Tag us on Instagram @UPrepTestPrep and share your best test-day rituals or tips.

Final Thought

A great test day starts with more than just studying—it’s about preparation, confidence, and calm. Whether you're a student or a parent, use this checklist to set yourself up for a smooth, stress-free morning.

You've done the work. Now it’s time to show up and shine.

For more tips and strategies, tune into the Test Prep+ podcast or explore our resources on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Let’s conquer the ACT together! 🎓

Check out all of the resources mentioned in this episode:

• ACT and SAT Last-Minute Checklists for Test Day—download them here: https://u-prep-test-prep.myflodesk.com/c230rj2lra

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Good luck on your test prep journey!

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