Quick Tips for the Days Just Before the Exam

DRESS FOR SUCCESS

On the day of the test, wear loose layers. That way, you’ll be prepared no matter what the temperature of the room is. (An

uncomfortable temperature will just distract you from the job at hand.)

And, if you have an item of clothing that you tend to feel “lucky” or confident in—a shirt, a pair of jeans, whatever—wear it.

A little totem couldn’t hurt.

The best test takers do less and less as the test approaches. Taper off your study schedule and take it easy on yourself. You want

to be relaxed and ready on the day of the test. Give yourself time off, especially the evening before the exam. By then, if you’ve

studied well, everything you need to know is firmly stored in your memory banks.

Positive self-talk can be extremely liberating and invigorating, especially as the test looms closer. Tell yourself things such as “I

choose to take this test,” rather than “I have to”; “I will do well,” rather than “I hope things go well”; “I can,” rather than “I

cannot.” Be aware of negative, self-defeating thoughts and images and immediately counter any you become aware of. Replace

them with affirming statements that encourage your self-esteem and confidence. Create and practice visualizations that build on

your positive statements.

Get your act together sooner rather than later. Have everything (including choice of clothing) laid out days in advance. Most

important, know where the test will be held and the easiest, quickest way to get there. You will gain great peace of mind if you

know that all the little details—gas in the car, directions, etc.—are firmly in your control before the day of the test.

Experience the test site a few days in advance. This is very helpful if you are especially anxious. If at all possible, find out what

room your part of the alphabet is assigned to and try to sit there (by yourself) for a while. Better yet, bring some practice material

and do at least a section or two, if not an entire practice test, in that room. In this situation, familiarity doesn’t breed contempt; it

generates comfort and confidence.

Forego any practice on the day before the test. It’s in your best interest to marshal your physical and psychological resources for

24 hours or so. Even race horses are kept in the paddock and treated like royalty the day before a race. Keep the upcoming test

out of your consciousness; go to a movie, take a pleasant hike, or just relax. Don’t eat junk food or tons of sugar. And—of course

—get plenty of rest the night before. Just don’t go to bed too early. It’s hard to fall asleep earlier than you’re used to, and you

don’t want to lie there thinking about the test.