Here are some of our test day preparation tips:
The Week Before the Test
- If you are in the habit of staying up very late, use a few days to transition to an earlier bedtime. It helps if you don’t eat anything after 8 p.m., and if you don’t use electronics during the hour before bedtime.
- Finish your homework by Thursday night and put off as much as you can until after the test.
- Eat healthy, balanced meals.
The Day Before the Test
- For today only, do as little studying as possible.
- Relax and do fun things. Watch a comedy, read a book, or do whatever helps you unwind.
- A light workout can be a good idea, but a grueling one is not.
- Gather your test day necessities
- Get another good night’s sleep.
On Test Day
- Get up at least two hours before the test so that your brain has time to wake up.
- Do something active for 10 minutes – a light run or stretching exercises – to wake up your body. Take a refreshing shower to wake up your mind.
- Eat a medium-sized, healthy breakfast. Drink tea or coffee only if they are part of your normal routine.
- Try a few easy practice problems to warm-up your testing techniques. Don’t worry about checking your answers.
- Listen to your favorite music to help you get into a relaxed but alert mood.
- Get to the testing site early, so you are not stressed about finding your testing room.
- Locate the restroom. Don’t get lost during your 5-minute break looking for the restroom.
Final Reminders
- NO CELL PHONES. Not on silent. Not on vibrate. Not on breaks. They need to be off the entire time. If a proctor sees your phone, she can cancel your test and send you home.
- KNOW YOUR TIME. Make sure the proctor clarifies what she is using to keep track of time: is it her watch or the clock in the room? Note: Proctors are NOT required to give you 5-minute warnings, so don’t expect them.
- Be Patient. Expect a lengthy pre-test process to get everyone checked in and situated. You’ll also fill out forms before the test begins.