Surviving the Tests: Food

Eating for the SAT, ACT or any other long exam*

Taking the SAT or the ACT exam is the mental equivalent of running a marathon. It makes sense to prepare for them in a way that is similar to how marathon runners prepare for a race.

• The night before a race runners eat a large pasta dinner. The complex carbohydrates in the pasta, which take time to break down into energy, provide energy for the next day’s event.
• The day of the test it is good to have a breakfast of protein (meat, eggs tofu, beans) as proteins are quickly converted by the body into energy that you can use that day.
• It is always a plus to be well hydrated for a test. Drink lots of water or fruit juice. Avoid caffeine as it can dehydrate you and even if you feel more alert at first, there is a rebound effect that will leave you feeling sluggish later, perhaps while you are still taking the exam.

*These tips can help with regular classroom tests, as well.

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