Late for your exam?


Publisert: 26.11.2019
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For most people, success is the result of working steadily toward a goal. For college-bound students, the college application process begins early on. Here are seven last-minute tips that can help you finish your prep strong and perform at your peak:

1. Sleep

This piece of advice is listed first because it is one of the most important andmost frequently overlooked strategies. Our brains are at their best when they are rested. If you sit for an exam while exhausted, you will have a much harder time recalling the information you need to earn a high score. You can study an hour or so a day to keep yourself focused and on-topic, but avoid working late into the evening.

2. Rest your hands

It may seem strange to think about, but tired hands are one factor that can affect your performance. However, there are ways to minimize the likelihood of aching fingers. On the day of your exam, bring a stress ball or other stress relief toy that will help your hands relax from their pencil-clutch posture. You can even bring a small tube of moisturizer or Tiger Balm to rub into your fingers. (Note that these items may only be used during breaks between tests – not in the exam room.)

3. Use your downtime wisely

Make time, too, for an activity that is fun and relaxing. Go for a walk, play a favorite video game, or invite your friends over. The specifics of what you do matter less than ensuring that you do not spend the week before your exams tense and anxious.

4. Review class content, but do so selectively

As mentioned above, avoid entirely abandoning your test prep. Taking a high-stakes exam “cold” is guaranteed to leave you stressed come test day. Instead of broadly reviewing, however, study several points that are essential to earning your intended score.

5. Practice your editing

As you study for your exams, include a bit of practice with editing essays. Before you take your first exam, locate several essays that you have written for class and edit them for clarity. On test day, you will not have time for extensive rewrites of your free response answers, so it is well worth knowing where to focus your energies. Include this practice in your daily study hour. While you cannot add much information to your store of knowledge at this point, you can improve your test-taking process.

6. Schedule recovery time

If you have multiple tests on multiple days, do your best to clear your schedule in the evenings. You will need to relax and sleep in order for your brain to recharge, and a busy night can interfere with this process. Do indulge in light exercise (you will be amazed at how effectively it can reset your mind) or a favorite activity. Continue to eat well, and – as has been mentioned many times – get your rest! You will be well on your way to success if you do.