Test-Taking — Just before the exam

Make sure that your physical and emotional state are in good shape:

• Get a good night’s sleep! All-nighters are a last resort.
• Eat for maximum performance—don’t go in to the exam too hungry or uncomfortably full.
• Maintain a positive attitude: you can do this—you’ve been proving it to yourself as you’ve studied all this time!

Do a brief final review:

• Go quickly over the big picture—don’t get mired in detail.
• Refresh your memory on difficult concepts.
• Do NOT give in to anxious thoughts: if your review creates anxiety, cut it short.

Get to class early enough to settle in—do your warm-ups!

• Find a “good seat”, whatever that means to you.
• Have your materials ready to go.

Loosen up—address pre-test tension:

• Slow breathing (breathe in through nose for 7 counts—hold for 4 counts—breathe out through mouth for 8 counts; repeat 3-4 times).
• Give yourself a pep talk.
• Exaggerate areas of physical tension, then release (Tight shoulders? Tighten them MORE—up to your earlobes—and let go).