It was our best performance. When pitching, the strike zone seemed bigger. Our thoughts were crystal clear when taking that test. On stage, we hit every emotion-filled note.
We’ve all experienced a flow state. It is when we are completely immersed in a task. Students in flow think more clearly, make fewer careless mistakes and feel less anxious. This state can be developed intentionally when preparing for the SAT.
To experience flow, students must practice consistently. Last-minute crams are not effective. When studying, the environment must be free of distraction—no TV. No phone.
Choice of material can also be important. Material should be challenging—slightly over the student’s ability. More than that could be overwhelming and counterproductive. Timed sections (and tests) are needed for pacing. Mock tests will simulate testing conditions best. One of the biggest mistakes that students make, though, is continually taking tests without learning from their mistakes. After each test, students should review—know exactly why they had each question wrong and exactly what the fix is. Practicing this repeatedly will make solving SAT questions automatic.
On test day, students should be calm, focused, and confident. Deep breaths and positive self-talk help. 100% focus should be given to the question at hand. Not the clock. Not the last question. Not even your score. It is important to maintain momentum. The SAT is difficult. Students will get stuck. It is crucial to pick the best answer and keep moving. Each question is an individual challenge, and students should think of it as such, not as a long exam. Trust preparation. Don’t second guess.
Flow isn’t achieved by luck. It is the result of proper preparation and mindset. The SAT rewards sustained concentration, not perfection. When a student is fully engaged with one question at a time, peak performance naturally flows.
Interested in flowing? Book a free consultation with me here: https://www.ivymasters.com/free-consultation