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Exam Day Tips

• Get plenty of rest and sleep the night before the exam.

• Don’t forget to eat the day of the exam, preferably something nutritious.

• Plan your arrival so that you have plenty of time. Be certain you know how to get to the testing center and check on parking options ahead of time.

• Avoid discussing the exam with others while you are waiting for the exam. The anxiety of others can “rub off” and suddenly you begin to doubt yourself. Review tips to manage test anxiety.

• Don’t forget to breathe! Take deep breaths to help you relax, and while you are taking deep breaths, replace any negative thoughts with positive thoughts.

• Don’t get bogged down and worry about questions you don’t know, move on. Later, the answer may come to you or you may get clues from other exam questions.

• Read all directions. Pay special attention to key words in the directions that give indication as to how your answers are to be recorded and how they should be worded.

• Budget your time. Survey the test to determine the type and number of questions to be answered. Determine where you will start on the test. Check yourself at 15 or 20 minute intervals to determine if you are progressing at an acceptable rate.

• Be aware that you may have problems remembering from time to time. If you find yourself blocking, move on to the next question.

• Be aware of any negative statements you are telling yourself about the test such as “I’m failing,” “I didn’t study for this,” or “The test is too hard for me,” are sure ways of increasing anxiety.

• Do not be concerned with what the other students are doing.

• Reward yourself when you are finished with the exam.