The SAT is a major deciding factor in college admissions and a major area of focus for most high school juniors and seniors. With so much emphasis on one test, it is no wonder that students get nervous and make small, easily avoidable mistakes that can cost them greatly.

Here are some easily avoidable mistakes that can greatly affect your overall SAT score.

• Getting lost on your way to the SAT testing center

I can’t think of a more frustrating reason for failing the SAT. Therefore, be sure to print out directions to the SAT test center the day before your test and give yourself plenty of driving time to accommodate for traffic or getting lost.

• Dead calculator batteries

Make sure to put fresh batteries in your calculator and bring a couple new batteries with you for back-up.

• Filling in bubbles out of order

Be very careful to fill in the correct bubble in the correct row. Also, if you skip a question, be sure to circle it and make sure that you do not bubble-in your next answer in the skipped question’s place.

• Skipping breakfast

Do not skip breakfast. Skipping breakfast will zap your energy and interfere with your concentration. On the other hand, eating too much for breakfast can also be detrimental, as feeling sick or nauseous will also affect your concentration.

• Losing track of time

The SAT is timed and once the time is up, you must put your pencil down and close the test. Therefore, make sure to closely monitor your time and make sure that you can get through all the questions.

• Waking up early and cramming

If you begin studying for the SAT in advance, there is no need to cram on the morning of the test. Waking up early and putting in a last minute cram session may add more stress and cause you to burn out of energy during the test.

• Writing personal information incorrectly

This happens more than you would think and you get points for completing your name and personal information correctly.

Most of the above mistakes can be easily avoided with preparation. The best way to remain calm and confident during the SAT is to come prepared. I suggest connecting with an SAT tutor for a few hours of tutoring each week leading up to the SAT. And, since all the tutoring takes place online with GlobalScholar, you can tutor at your convenience from the comfort of home.