Timed Math Tests are Great, and Other SAT Mantras

The word mantra derives from Sanskrit and was originally used to describe the sacred sounds employed by religious practitioners to free their minds. These days, we use mantra to describe any kind of empowering phrase one draws on for strength when trying to get through a tough experience. A tough experience like the SAT this Saturday.

For those of you who are registered for the test, or for anyone facing a tough exam or assignment, we've come up with a few mantras that will help you calm down, refocus, and push through. You might not think these statements are true, but that’s the power of mantra: If you keep telling yourself it’s true, you might believe it. Okay, now repeat after me:

• By 2 pm I'll be home taking a nap.
• I'm one step closer to (insert university of your choice).
• I studied hard. I can do this.
• I love critical reading.
• Timed math tests are great.
• I'm the best essay writer in this room.
• The SAT is way easier than (insert difficult experience of your choice).
• I get to go out to lunch after this.
• When I'm through with this test, I'm going to treat myself to whatever I want.
• I'll never have to take this stinking test again.
• I can always take the SAT again if I need to.
• It's only a test.

Good luck on Saturday, Sparklers! And for those of you who already took the test, what did you tell yourself to get through it?

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