November SAT Last-Minute Tips (2025)
- Laura (Heslin) Whitmore
- Oct 29
- 4 min read
By Laura Whitmore
The November SAT is almost here, and if you’re in cram mode, don’t worry — you can still sharpen your score in the final days. These last minute SAT tips are the exact test day hacks I use with my own students who score in the 1500s and land in the top 1%.
I’m Laura Whitmore, founder of Strategic Test Prep. After 18 years of coaching students, I’ve seen that even the smallest shortcuts can save time and add points. I’ve pulled together 20+ last-minute tips that cover everything from performance prep to English and Math strategies — all designed to help you feel calm, confident, and ready to perform your best on test day.
👉 Don't feel like reading? Watch the full video here.
🧘♀️ General Tips to Reduce Anxiety & Prep Smart
💡 Tip 1: Have a Strong Practice Before the Test
Do one final full-length practice test before Saturday.
Aim to “end on a high note” — your last practice should feel solid and confidence-boosting.
You want to walk into the test knowing you can hit your goal score.
💡 Tip 2: Pick Out Your Clothes the Night Before
Eliminate morning stress by laying everything out ahead of time.
Dress in layers — test rooms can be unpredictable (hot or freezing).
💡 Tip 3: Charge Your Device Overnight
Plug in your laptop or tablet the night before.
Outlets may not be available in the testing room, so start fully charged.
💡 Tip 4: Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Don’t suddenly try to go to sleep early if you’re a night owl — adjust your schedule earlier in the week.
One tired day mid-week = easier time falling asleep the night before the test.
💡 Tip 5: Get Up Early and Do Light Exercise
Move your body before test time!
Try yoga, stretching, or a short walk to wake up your brain and body connection.
🚀 Performance Tips for Test Day
💡 Tip 1: Do a Warm-Up Set
Warm up in the parking lot with easy English + Math questions.
This activates your brain before the test starts — just like stretching before a game.
Download the STP Warm-Up Set (linked in the video description).
💡 Tip 2: Bring a Sugary Snack for the Break
Eat a candy bar or sugary snack during the 10-minute break.
You’ll get a quick energy boost for the math modules when fatigue tends to hit.
💡 Tip 3: Bring a Caffeinated Beverage (if you already drink)
Regular caffeine drinkers: bring your usual coffee or tea.
Sip between modules for a steady alertness boost.
🚫 Don’t try caffeine for the first time on test day — it can backfire!
💡 Tip 4: Get Up and Stretch Between Modules
Avoid stiffness and fatigue by standing up and stretching after each module.
Quick tip: ask your proctor beforehand if it’s okay to stretch when you finish to avoid any potential friction.
💡 Tip 5: Scrap Paper Management
Before the test begins, fold your scrap paper into quarters to create neat boxes.
Use each box for a separate question or section.
This helps you stay organized and easily revisit flagged questions.
💡 Tip 6: Have a Deep Breathing Technique Ready
Try the 4-4-4 box breathing method: inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4.
Repeat a few times to reset your focus and calm nerves.
🚀 English Tips for the Digital SAT
💡 Tip 1: Start at # 27 and Work Backwards
Start with question 27 and move backward to focus on easier “low-hanging fruit.”
You’ll gain quick points before tackling trickier logical/graph passages at the end.
💡 Tip 2: Look for 3 Wrong Answers Instead of 1 Right
Reverse your mindset — eliminate three wrong options instead of hunting for the “right” one.
This helps avoid trap answers that sound correct but aren’t.
💡 Tip 3: Don't Read the Notes
Start with the question — often the notes/graph are distractions.
Only refer back if you’re stuck or need data verification.
💡 Tip 4: Read Only the Last Sentence
For the first few short passages (#5–10), the last sentence often contains the main claim.
Saves time and mental energy.
💡 Tip 5: Only Spend 20-30 seconds on Words In Context Questions
Either you know it or you don’t — don’t waste 2–3 minutes debating synonyms.
Pick the best option and move on to protect your pacing.
💡 Tip 6: Annotate When You're Getting Lost
Use T-charts, arrows, or timelines on your scrap paper to track arguments or events.
This keeps you from zoning out on dense passages.
💡 Tip 7: For “Weaken the Claim” Questions, Write the Opposite
Find the author’s claim, write the opposite on scrap paper, then look for evidence that supports that opposite.
This sharpens your logic and prevents confusion.
🚀 Math Tips to Maximize your Score
💡 Tip 1: Write Out All Your Work
Draw figures and label them — especially for geometry and algebra.
Doing it on paper reduces careless mistakes.
💡 Tip 2: Save Geometry for Last
Geometry questions take longer; leave them for the end of Module 2.
Prioritize faster algebra/data questions first.
💡 Tip 3: Use Desmos for Problems with Constants
Desmos shines on problems with constants — set sliders or run regressions.
Learn when to use it strategically (covered in our Math Self-Paced Course — use promo code 50OFF at checkout!).
💡 Tip 4: If Time Allows, Recheck Every Module 1 Question
Module 1 tends to feel “too easy,” which leads to autopilot errors.
Redo questions actively — if your second answer differs, investigate.
💡 FINAL BONUS Tip: Use Albert.io’s Digital SAT Score Calculator
Plug in how many English and Math questions you think you missed.
Get a realistic idea of your projected score right after the test.
⏰ Final Thoughts
You don’t need an all-night cram session to raise your score - quite the opposite - you just need smart strategies! These 20+ last minute SAT tips are quick, practical, and proven to work.
I’ll be cheering you on during the November SAT!
And if you want expert guidance to make sure you’re ready, our team of tutors is here to help. We’ve helped hundreds of students boost their scores, and we’d love to do the same for you. Book a consultation here.
👉 Get extra SAT practice anytime with the Preptly app. It’s packed with 1,500+ unique SAT questions, including hundreds of new ones for 2025, and has built-in features to track your progress.
Good luck—you’ve got this! 💪
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