5 Techniques for Letting Go During the SAT and ACT Process

Last Saturday, the ACT administered its final test of the 2013-2014 school year, and with that we concluded another year of test prep.

Part of you probably wants to take a good, long nap (a feeling I can totally relate to). But, you might also be wondering where to go from here.

This time of year more than any other, test takers are left in limbo. 

On one hand, you won't be able to take another test until September. On the other (as we discussed last week), summer is a prime time to commit to test prep because most students' lives are simplified without the demands of the academic school year. Further heightening the in-between experience, you won't find out your scores for a few weeks. What's a well-intentioned student to do?

The first step is letting go. 

Once you've let go of the past, you can discover where you want to go in the future. {Tweet It}


Here are a few activities I do to let go of stressful situations and to feel more present, clear, and centered.

1. Go for a run

There's something about the feeling of my feet hitting the pavement that allows me to release tension and anxiety. I also get a lot of creative ideas while running. It's like the movement shakes loose interesting thoughts that have gotten stuck in the crevices of my brain. Afterwards, I think clearly and do fun things like write my weekly blog :)  (in fact, I ran this morning!).  Feel free to swap out another physical activity that you enjoy like tennis, dance, or a class at your gym.

2. Do yoga

Another physical activity I love. Many yoga classes are all about "going with the flow," so what a great way to encourage "going with the flow" of life!

3. Free write

This is a great way to externalize all of the thoughts and feelings that might be bouncing around in your head around the test prep and college admissions processes. Give yourself fifteen minutes to write whatever thoughts cross your mind. For example, you can write about what your test prep has been like up until this point and what the test-taking experience was like on your most recent SAT or ACT.

4. Soak up the sun

Regardless of whether you are running or reclining, breathing fresh air and relaxing outside can be incredibly rejuvenating. (Don't forget a hat and some SPF!)

5. Develop a plan, and start acting on it

Once you've done some of the other suggestions, the best way to avoid dwelling on the past is to focus on an action in the present. Through another free-writing activity or in conversation with someone who supports your efforts—parent, tutor, coach, friend—figure out what you can do now to help you to feel like you are taking positive steps forward. What are the small, right actions that you can start doing today to invest in your future? How do you want your test-taking experience to feel? How can you adjust your prep to create that experience in the future?


These are my mainstays. What are yours? 

What will you do to let go of the previous school year and test-taking experiences so that you can powerfully, purposefully move forward?

Great job this year. I'm so proud of you.  Keep up the good work  :)


Once you're ready to restart...

 My Organize Your Test Prep series incorporates the quickest, easiest steps to jump-start your test prep.

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