Here are a few good ways to keep your head straight during the SAT:
You will probably find the test either easier or harder than the tests you’ve been practicing. You should ignore these ideas! The fact is, the test is almost certainly exactly as hard (or easy) as the material you’ve been studying. Thinking it’s easier might make you get careless and give up points on “stupid” mistakes; thinking it’s harder might make you panic, rush, or give up entirely, even though you have to tools to get through it like always. Just work through it as you’ve worked through all your practice problems!
You will want to freak out when you hear the other students turn over the first page of the question booklet. You’ll think that you’re falling behind. Don’t listen to the other test takers! The first student to turn that page is rushing and will get a low score, guaranteed. Just keep an eye on the clock, like you always do during practice. Your pace is the RIGHT pace for you.
No matter what, Do NOT Give Up. Keep your cool, keep your wits, and keep to your techniques, and just get through it—you’ve come this far, there’s no sense in throwing away all your hard work now. If you think you bombed, you’re almost certainly wrong. Still if you really want to cancel your score, ask the proctor for the form but don’t fill it out yet. Give yourself a chance to compare notes with your friends, and think about your choice once the test is behind you.
Stick to your guns, work the problems methodically, keep track of time. Really great SAT scores happen on the way to getting just good scores—that is, by studying effectively and working smart on the test. Don’t rush through the test trying to belt it out of the park (this will almost guarantee a WORSE score); just work carefully and effectively like you’ve practiced. You may surprise yourself!
SAT Prep Plan: SAT Tips 
