SMO test day tips for SASMO and olympiad school sittings
SMO test day checklist: confirm organiser instructions, pack calmly and execute pacing rules from timed mocks.
SMO test day (and SASMO morning) is for practised routines — not new clever shortcuts.
Before arrival
- Confirm paper, start time, venue and ID with the school or organiser.
- Bring only permitted materials; follow calculator rules for that paper.
- Keep meals and sleep ordinary.
During the SMO or SASMO sit
- Note length and format (multiple-choice versus short answer).
- Hit time checkpoints; flag without drama.
- For short answers, leave a clear value and a quick check.
- Use remaining minutes on high-value flags and verification.
Afterwards
Record two process wins while memory is fresh. Official results follow society processes — practice percentages stay diagnostic.