All the way through high school and into college, I’ve had a love-hate relationship with tests—that is, I love it when they’re over and hate it when they’re still looming over me! Fortunately, however, with years of exams behind me, I’ve identified a few things that help me feel prepared for those terrifying test days. If you follow these four tips, test day won’t feel nearly as intimidating!
1. Scheduled study time
This one should be a given, but sometimes we don’t schedule smart, strategic study time. For example, pulling an all-nighter to cram is a very poor strategy. Sure, some people can pull it off once in a while, but losing sleep actually makes it harder to retain info, not to mention making you grumpy and less focused on your test day. Instead, be aware of how you retain material best. For my ITS class, I found it helpful if I re-typed my programs several times a week—that was around 10–15 minutes a day. However, for my history class, I was better off if I spent several hardcore hours reviewing the study guide nearer to the test day.
If you don’t know your study style yet, I would recommend that you plan to begin reviewing notes a week or two in advance of any test. Make sure to incorporate it in your daily schedule too—if not, “study time” will turn into “Netflix time.” (Trust me.) Finally, if you find yourself struggling with the material, include tutoring or meeting with your professor during this study time. Most tests will rely on your understanding of the material, not just your memorization of it!
Related: Infographic: Find Your Learning Style and Study Smarter
2. A good night’s sleep
I know I sound like your mother, but a good night’s sleep is important! As I mentioned above, being tired on the test day is no fun. You’ll be much less focused and much moodier, and therefore you may struggle with taking the test. However, if you are well rested, you'll feel prepared and confident. (And you’ll be able to remember everything you need to bring!)
To make sure you get the sleep you need, consider giving yourself a designated bedtime, whether it’s 9:30 or 11:00. After this time, you need to be in bed, and that does not include scrolling! Some people believe that screen time can also affect how well you sleep and how quickly you fall asleep, so it could be a good idea to put away the laptop and phone up to an hour before bed. Instead, take a shower and pick up a book to help you fall asleep easier.
3. A confidence boost
This one is all about what makes you feel confident and comfortable on test day. Personally, I feel way more prepared to succeed if I’m wearing my favorite outfit—even for an 8:00 am exam. However, some people may be built up and motivated by other methods, like pep talks, a lucky charm, or quiet meditative time. Not only will you do better on an exam when you feel sure of yourself, but you will be more prepared to face the whole day!
4. The right attitude
In my humble opinion, a good attitude is the most important test-day accessory! As someone with mild test anxiety, I spent all of high school panicking over tests and placing way too much weight on my performance. It’s hard to get over anxiety, but it’s important to stay as positive as possible. Remember you’re going to try your hardest, and that’s all you can do! If you have studied, odds are you will do well, and even a mediocre score is not the end of the world.
Related: How to Conquer Your Test Anxiety
You aren’t defined by your final exam percentage, and you aren’t a better or a worse person depending on your test performance. If you keep up with studying and put your all into the test, you should be proud of yourself no matter what the final grade is!
This is just the beginning of all the tips we have to help you get ready for exams! Check out Our Best Advice for Homework, Studying, and Tests to maximize your prep time.
