Do utilize all of you resources. Take full advantage of as many of the practice exams you can find as well as the lists of sample test questions as you can find. Also, when studying specific areas that you may be having trouble with, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it be from a fellow classmate, a teacher, or a family member, utilize as many sources of information as you can.
Don’t skip breakfast. While this may seem like a minor tip to mention, it can actually make a world of difference when it comes to your test taking ability on exam day. Skipping breakfast can not only affect your sugar levels, increasing anxiety and stress levels, it can also decrease your brain’s ability to focus and process information. A full stomach helps to increase concentration levels while also decreasing anxiety due to low blood sugar.
Do start the day off right. Make sure you’ve gotten at least eight hours of sleep the night before and are well rested come exam day. Make sure to set your alarm to give you plenty of time to get ready in the morning, without having to rush which could lead to increased anxiety levels. In fact, set a back up alarm, just in case.
Don’t try to cram. Studies have shown that cramming the day or night before a test actually does little good. In fact, it can sometimes be detrimental to any long term preparations you have been doing. Cramming information at the last minute not only tends to confuse the information already in your head, its chances of actually being retained are poor. The best thing to do the day before the exam is simply review some basics points for the exam and, for the most part, just relax as much as possible.
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