An ACT State of Mind...

Okay, so the big bad ACT is coming up on Saturday. You're still trying to get back into the swing of things after winter break, and it's hard to prepare for the test when you're busy acclimating yourself to a new semester: new schedule, new classes, new teachers, new groups, new rehearsal times, new crush, new everything.

With just a couple of days to go before the big test day, it's time for a little status check. Here are some last minute relax-and-don't-study-before-the-test tips to get you geared up for this Saturday's test:

* Make sure you've got all your stuff together: pencils, ID, registration ticket, watch, calculator, snacks, sweater/jacket (in case the test room's cold).
* Eat a balanced, nutritious breakfast the morning of the test: Fruit, yogurt, granola. Eggs, bacon. Whatever you know will give you energy and feel good in your belly.
* Don't let your parents/siblings/friends get on your nerves or upset you the day and night before the test. Try to avoid any discussion that involve serious future or college planning. Keep it a chill evening. Watch your favorite movie, and escape the world around you.
* Don't eat an extremely heavy or very late dinner, especially not just before you go to sleep. If your body is busy with the digestive process all night, you may not get the undisturbed rest that you need.
* If you've been studying regularly for several months now and have taken a practice test or two, then you know what to expect. The actual test should not be much different. Know that there's nothing else you need to do now. Don't stay up late with lots of coffee trying to cram, because you can't really cram for this kind of test anyhow. If you feel you need to review a few things, do it early in the afternoon or evening; leave your night open. Just be content with the preparation you've done up to this point.
* BUT don't flip out if you haven't studied as much as you think you should have. There's no point in worrying about it now. You need to focus on what you CAN control, namely being cool and calm and alert on the morning of the test. You never know—you might be an ACT natural. And if you're not, and you don't do as well as you'd have liked, you can always take the test again in April.

Keep calm and tell yourself that you'll just have to do your best. And you will. Good luck!

Taking the ACT this weekend? Got any last-minute advice for those Sparklers who are?

Related Post: Last Minute ACT Checklist