Learn strategies to effectively use the 10-minute break in the digital SAT to enhance your performance.
In the Digital SAT exam, there is a single 10-minute break between the Reading and Writing and Math sections, making the entire exam 2 hours and 24 minutes long in total.
The break is designed to help students reduce mental stress and allow them to use restroom facilities to get prepared for the second half of the test, but these 10 minutes can be used much more effectively.
Without a break in between sections, the SAT would arguably be a very different test. Context switching between English and Math without a pause would be much more difficult, and being able to focus for over 2 hours in one sitting would be much more demanding.
Fortunately, College Board is not so inhumane and does allow SAT test-takers a break. Students can use bathroom facilities, stretch their legs, clear their minds and prepare for the upcoming math section.
Physical activity during the break is vital. After spending hours seated, the act of standing up and engaging in light exercise can invigorate the body and stimulate the mind.
Simple activities like stretching, walking around the room, or even doing some quick jumping jacks can increase blood flow, particularly to the brain, enhancing alertness and concentration.
Physical movement also helps to reduce stiffness and discomfort associated with prolonged sitting, which can be particularly distracting during an exam. With a few simple movements, students can return to their desks with a greater ability to focus on the questions without being sidetracked by physical pain or discomfort.
It’s also an excellent opportunity to relax the eyes, reducing strain from staring at the screen. Looking away from digital devices and focusing on distant objects can help in preventing eye fatigue, a common issue in today’s digital testing environments.
This one is pretty self-explanatory and mandatory: use bathroom facilities during the break. Don't try to hold anything in until after the entire exam is over.
As mentioned in our Test Day Tips, we do not recommend altering any daily routines including diet for test day as it can introduce unexpected issues that affect test day performance.
While it’s essential not to overburden your mind during the break, spending a minute or two mentally preparing for the upcoming math section can be helpful.
Prior to the exam, try to remember a short list of important formulas or concepts that you’ve previously identified as challenging. A quick review of these can help keep them fresh in your mind, ready to be applied on the test.
Do NOT try to use your phone or other devices to look up material - this is against the exam policy and your test will be invalidated.
Ensure this review is quick and focused. The goal is to prime your brain for upcoming tasks, not to delve into intensive study, which might lead to increased stress or mental fatigue.
Practicing Relaxation techniques during the break can significantly reduce test-related stress and anxiety. Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or even a few moments of meditation can help calm the mind and reduce nervousness.
These practices help in centering your thoughts and bringing your mental focus back to a state of equilibrium. Effective relaxation not only alleviates anxiety but also enhances cognitive function, making it easier to process and retrieve information during the test.