5 Tips for a Perfect Exam Day

‘Twas the night before your big test… Follow these five tips for a great test day! 

1. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
   Hydration supports cognitive function by improving concentration and memory. Research has even shown that drinking water can improve performance on tests. So make sure you’re well hydrated going into the exam and take water with you.
   
   
2. Pack the night before.
   Pack your things the night before so that you don’t forget anything important. Some common things to pack include a water bottle, a snack, your admissions ticket, and a few pencils. Be sure to reference your test registration information to know what to bring (and what not to).
   
   
3. Go to sleep on time.
   Getting enough sleep is crucial for memory and function.  As tempting as it may be, sleep is more beneficial than staying up to cram, so put down your study materials and get some rest!
   
   
4. Eat a nutritious breakfast.
   Your brain is a muscle that needs energy to perform at its best, and the best way to fuel your brain is with healthy foods. Even if you don’t usually eat breakfast, it’s a good idea to eat before an exam. Ideally, choose protein-rich foods, like eggs, yogurt, and cottage cheese, and whole grains like whole wheat toast and oatmeal. Avoid refined sugars and excess caffeine, as they can lead to anxiety and crashes later on during the exam.
   
   
5. Trust yourself!
   Ideally, you’ve been preparing for weeks or months at this point. However, even if you’ve only been preparing for a few days, worrying about being unprepared won’t be helpful. Regardless of how prepared you’re feeling heading into the exam, remember to trust yourself. You probably know more than you think! 

Remember that one test does not define you, and that there are often opportunities to take the test again. Be confident in yourself—you’ve got this! 

We wish you the best of luck!