Changing just a few things in your daily routine can make a huge difference come test day. Here's a list of things to keep in mind in the final approach to Test Day.
Thursday: Sleep, Hydrate, and Review
Have you ever noticed after staying up super late that you can function okay the next day, but the day after that you are dead to the world? We don't want that happening the day of the test, so make sure you get a good night's sleep tonight!
Hydrating is particularly important for brain function. This is the day to cut the caffeine and make sure you get enough water so that your body can function properly and your brain can focus.
This is the last day for hard core studying. This is the last day to push those flashcards through your brain, have that last tutoring session, make that last review sheet, or learn those last few words. You need some time for the new information to sink in.
Friday: Rest, Rejuvenate, Review, Get Ready
Take it easy on Friday! Have a quiet evening and don't stay up late. Remember, you have to get up early Saturday to take your test!
Make sure you replenish yourself. Eat a healthy dinner full of brain food for the next morning. Keep hydrating! It's so important for focus and alertness.
Review your flashcards (no new ones!) one last time. Look over your review sheet of things to remember. Do a few more practice problems of your trouble areas. Keep the material fresh in your brain but don't wear yourself out!
Get ready for tomorrow by laying out your snacks, pencils, erasers, watch, calculator (with fresh batteries), Photo ID, admission ticket, and water (put it in the fridge!) for the next day. You don't want to have to think about it as you get ready in the morning. See Test Day Packing List below.
Saturday: Focus Focus Focus
Everything you do today is contributing to your focus and alertness during the test.
Morning:
- Wake up early so you aren't in a hurry.
- Get some fresh air, whether you go for a run, or just sit outside with your breakfast.
- Eat a great breakfast. You want something with tons of protein and some complex carbs to carry you through the day. Eggs, oatmeal, and protein shakes are all good starting points.
- Kickstart your brain by reading the news. Wake up your thinking cap and get some current events material for those essays!
- If you have some time, look over those equations one last time, but don't try to learn anything new.
At the Test Center:
- Get to the test center with time to spare. You don't want to be rushing there!
- When you get to the test center, keep to yourself. You will see lots of people you know at the test, but don't get wrapped up in the nervousness. Everyone will be talking about the test and how nervous they are. Stay away from this as you are likely to become nervous too!
During the Test:
- Sit where you can see the clock so you can keep track of time.
- When given a break, get up and stretch or walk around. Sitting down for a long time reduces blood flow, which is very important for brain function.
- When you feel yourself loose focus, take a deep breath, a sip of water, and dive back in. You can get through it!
Test Day Packing List
- #2 Pencils (3 or 4 regular, or 2 mechanical with - extra #2 lead)
- Calculator with FRESH batteries
- Eraser
- Watch
- Admission Ticket
- Photo ID
- Cold Water (Cold water will help wake you up and keep you focused)
- Protein and Sugar Snack: Snickers or Payday bars make great test day snacks because they give you a jolt of sugar energy, but have enough protein to keep you from crashing.
- Kleenex
- NO Cell Phones: Leave your cell phone at home! See the college board's policy here.
Remember: YOU CAN DO IT! You have prepared for months, and you are ready!
Thursday: Sleep, Hydrate, and Review
Have you ever noticed after staying up super late that you can function okay the next day, but the day after that you are dead to the world? We don't want that happening the day of the test, so make sure you get a good night's sleep tonight!
Hydrating is particularly important for brain function. This is the day to cut the caffeine and make sure you get enough water so that your body can function properly and your brain can focus.
This is the last day for hard core studying. This is the last day to push those flashcards through your brain, have that last tutoring session, make that last review sheet, or learn those last few words. You need some time for the new information to sink in.
Friday: Rest, Rejuvenate, Review, Get Ready
Take it easy on Friday! Have a quiet evening and don't stay up late. Remember, you have to get up early Saturday to take your test!
Make sure you replenish yourself. Eat a healthy dinner full of brain food for the next morning. Keep hydrating! It's so important for focus and alertness.
Review your flashcards (no new ones!) one last time. Look over your review sheet of things to remember. Do a few more practice problems of your trouble areas. Keep the material fresh in your brain but don't wear yourself out!
Get ready for tomorrow by laying out your snacks, pencils, erasers, watch, calculator (with fresh batteries), Photo ID, admission ticket, and water (put it in the fridge!) for the next day. You don't want to have to think about it as you get ready in the morning. See Test Day Packing List below.
Saturday: Focus Focus Focus
Everything you do today is contributing to your focus and alertness during the test.
Morning:
- Wake up early so you aren't in a hurry.
- Get some fresh air, whether you go for a run, or just sit outside with your breakfast.
- Eat a great breakfast. You want something with tons of protein and some complex carbs to carry you through the day. Eggs, oatmeal, and protein shakes are all good starting points.
- Kickstart your brain by reading the news. Wake up your thinking cap and get some current events material for those essays!
- If you have some time, look over those equations one last time, but don't try to learn anything new.
At the Test Center:
- Get to the test center with time to spare. You don't want to be rushing there!
- When you get to the test center, keep to yourself. You will see lots of people you know at the test, but don't get wrapped up in the nervousness. Everyone will be talking about the test and how nervous they are. Stay away from this as you are likely to become nervous too!
During the Test:
- Sit where you can see the clock so you can keep track of time.
- When given a break, get up and stretch or walk around. Sitting down for a long time reduces blood flow, which is very important for brain function.
- When you feel yourself loose focus, take a deep breath, a sip of water, and dive back in. You can get through it!
Test Day Packing List
- #2 Pencils (3 or 4 regular, or 2 mechanical with - extra #2 lead)
- Calculator with FRESH batteries
- Eraser
- Watch
- Admission Ticket
- Photo ID
- Cold Water (Cold water will help wake you up and keep you focused)
- Protein and Sugar Snack: Snickers or Payday bars make great test day snacks because they give you a jolt of sugar energy, but have enough protein to keep you from crashing.
- Kleenex
- NO Cell Phones: Leave your cell phone at home! See the college board's policy here.
Remember: YOU CAN DO IT! You have prepared for months, and you are ready!