You actually did it! You got there and survived the SAT exam. Whether you stomped down on it with your smarts, or you came down under the weight of its pressure, do know this:
It’s over.
Now what?
Before you start hitting the “refresh” button on your College Board account 100 times a day, waiting for your scores, take a deep breath, and think of a few better ways to spend the day after your SAT exam.
1. Rest – You’ve Earned It!
Yes, you need that. You have just ended up spending hours doing high-stakes mental gymnastics. It is completely justified to give your brain a break.
Sleep, watch a comfortable show, or take a walk with no destination. Do whatever your heart says, something that gives you joy, without stressing about the productivity of the work. It’s not lazy—it’s a much-needed recovery that will help you recharge for whatever comes next.
2. Journal: How You Felt About the Test
Before the details fade, take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts:
- Which sections do you find the easiest?
- Which ones threw you off?
- Were you surprised by the format or question style?
- How was your flow?
This quick reflection helps you:
- Process the experience, and mark your mistakes (especially if you want to retake it)
- Spot patterns where your strength lies and where you have to struggle more to improve.
- Clear your mind, throw the thoughts out of your head, and feel the Closure.
You don’t need to overanalyze—just capture what’s fresh.
3. Reanalyse Your Test Prep Plan (…Eventually)
Not right after the exam — but maybe the day after the day after.
If this SAT exam was your first attempt and you’re considering a retake, think about:
- What worked out in your prep routine?
- What didn’t?
- Which topics or skills strengths and which are your weaknesses? Which topics do you need to revisit?
The best part is – If you’ve taken the test once, your next round will feel way more familiar.
If this was your final SAT exam? Congrats—you can move ahead towards the college apps or APs knowing you’ve checked off a big milestone.
4. Pivot Your Focus to What’s Next
SAT is done – now it’s time to move to the next step.
Depending on where you are in your academic career, your next steps may be:
- Starting with your college application essays, or reading them again if you have completed them all.
- Searching for scholarships and financial aid.
- Moving on to ACT Prep, AP Exams, or subject-based tutoring.
- Creating a game plan for college visits and virtual tours.
Finishing the SAT exam is a great feeling—but it’s also a green light to take your next steps with more clarity and focus.
5. Reflect on Your Growth (Not Just Your Score)
Whether or not you end up with your dream number, remember this: you showed up for a big challenge. That says a lot about you.
Take a moment to recognize:
- You have been learning since you started studying.
- The self-discipline you’ve built along the way
The test scores don’t define your potential or your future
Growth isn’t always about numbers. Celebrate the progress, not just the performance.
Bonus: Do Something Completely Un-SAT Related
Yes, you can! And you should do something that has nothing to do with school, testing, or college apps. Taking a break from your regular stressful life is not a sin.
Bake something. Go to the movies. Call a friend. Try something new just because you are willing to do it. Life isn’t just a countdown to results—it’s made of moments like this.
Summary: What to Do the Day After Your SAT Exam
- Give Rest to your brain and body.
- Think of how the test felt
- Plan if a retake is possible
- Focus on college apps, APs, or scholarships
- Celebrate your effort, not just your expected score
No matter how you feel post-SAT, what’s important is that you made it through, and you’re further along your path.
Your future’s still wide open. Enjoy the pause—you’ve earned it.
Need help planning your next steps?
Check out our website, SAT prep courses and free college planning resources. We’re here to help you stay ahead, without the stress.
How The Princeton Review Can Assist You In Understanding What To Do The Day After Your SAT Exam
Uncertain if you are feeling relieved, excited, or worried about what is going to happen the day after your SAT exam? Most people are checking to see if scores have been posted, but there are lots of other productive and worthwhile ways to spend your time the day after your SAT exam. Below are some ideas as to how The Princeton Review can help you make the most out of this day:
1. Reflect on the Test Experience
- Analyze your Test Strategy: The Princeton Review emphasizes the importance of reviewing test-taking strategies. After the SAT exam, think about how you handled different sections. Did you stick to your pacing strategy? Were there any sections you felt you could have approached differently?
- Post-Exam Reflection: It’s natural to second-guess your performance, but instead of getting caught up in worry, use this time to reflect on your approach. The Princeton Review offers test review sessions and personalized feedback, which can help you identify areas to improve for future exams (like the ACT, if that’s a plan).
2. Start Preparing for Your Next Steps
- It’s the right time: If you haven’t done so yet, start researching colleges. Princeton Review will be your best friend in guiding you and providing ways to narrow down the list of schools based on major, location, campus atmosphere, and financial aid availability. Starting your research earlier will clear your path.
- Application Strategy: Application Essays, Recommendations, and other application requirements are an important part of college applications, and the day after your SAT exam is the perfect opportunity to start thinking about these important points. The Princeton Review offers guidance on writing standout essays, making sure that your application reflects your strengths.
3. Reassess Your College Plan
- SAT Scores Aren’t Everything: Your SAT exam scores don’t tell the whole story; they are a piece of the puzzle, and there are a lot of pieces. Colleges are evaluating your overall application, which the Princeton Review indicates will include factors such as extracurriculars, essays, and letters of recommendation. Now is a good time to put your SAT score in the context of the larger picture of your admissions application.
- Prep for Your Next Test: Perhaps your SAT exam didn’t go well, and you are thinking of taking it again, or maybe thinking about changing your focus to the ACT. The Princeton Review provides customized test prep services to help you sharpen your concepts before you take another exam.
4. Explore Your Interests Further
- Discover Majors & Careers: It’s obvious to think about your future career, and the day after your exam could be an excellent time to explore what majors might align with your interests. Princeton Review’s tools for career assessment and college major exploration can help you find pathways you might not have considered.
- Participate in Free Webinars or Workshops: If you’re also confused about how to start SAT exam prep and from whom you should take advice. The Princeton Review emphasizes the importance of guidance and hence hosts workshops and webinars for SAT prep, college admissions advice, and even tips for staying organized during the application process. You can take advantage of these free resources to stay ahead.
5. Strategize for Financial Aid
- Advance Yourself with Scholarships: Scholarships can be very helpful, and it takes some time to search for one and then apply for one, so you can spend this time considering scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. The Princeton Review has plenty of resources to find scholarships that you qualify for, so be sure you’re aware of requirements and deadlines.
6. Plan Your Study Schedule for the Future
- Future Test Prep: If you are planning to take the SAT again or preparing for the ACT, this is the perfect time to think about your next steps. You must be seeking to explore additional SAT prep packages, private tutoring, or group review sessions, and The Princeton Review exactly fulfills your needs and offers to target specific weaknesses.
- Other Test Prep: If you’ve been eyeing other tests like AP exams or the GRE for college or future graduate work, it’s a good time to plan out your study schedule, balancing those with any extracurriculars.
Final Thoughts:
The day after taking your SAT doesn’t have to be filled with stress and obsessively thinking about what that score might be. Think of it as a day to reflect, recharge, and focus on the future. The Princeton Review offers services that deal with more than just test prep, but about managing your total college admissions process. By utilizing their tools and advice, you can continue to develop a great application, find balance, and relieve stress during this important time in your life.