THE NIGHT BEFORE THE EXAM

Have a plan in place for what to do the night before your test. You want to take your exam feeling refreshed, not burnt out. Regardless of how hard you worked to prepare, simple mistakes the night before a final exam or exam for credit can impact your performance when it truly counts. Make sure you do not make any of these mistakes the night before a big test. 

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MISTAKE 1 - Cramming

Cramming is a stressful and (for many students) ineffective study tactic. In fact, most students do not retain much when they try to cram new material at the last minute. These short, hectic study sessions do not allow your brain enough time to move information from your short-term memory bank to your long-term one - the memory responsible for accessing and retrieving information for later use. 

 

MISTAKE 2 - Changing Your Diet

Your diet affects more than weight. If you drastically change what you normally eat in the days or night before your exam, you could impact your ability to focus.  Eat healthy, but within the parameters of your usual diet. Try brain foods known to keep you alert and promote brain function.

 

MISTAKE 3 - Pulling an All-nighter

A good night’s sleep isn’t just necessary before the day of your test; it’s crucial that you get enough sleep in the days prior. Fatigue can set in after missing one night of sleep, impairing your short-term memory and leaving you unable to focus. Whether you are studying the next day or taking the test, an all-nighter can put you at a serious disadvantage. Instead, improve your learning ability and memory by maintaining a regular sleep schedule that meets your studying needs.

 

MISTAKE 4 - Going in Unprepared

There is more to proper test preparation than studying, and that includes having the right items on hand. Find out what you need to bring or have ready during your exam. Perhaps you need a calculator for a math exam, or you are allowed a textbook for another text. Stay on top of your exam requirements so you do not encounter any surprises.

 

MISTAKE 5 - Panicking

How many times have you made a good decision in a panic? Most likely, slim to none. Anxiety can cause a restless night’s sleep, distressing you enough come exam time to confuse questions and make poor choices. Erase your fears the night before with a short study session, or take the time to relax to feel refreshed and calm on exam day.

 

MISTAKE 6 - Caffeine Overload

There is a big difference between one cup of coffee and five - or more. Too much caffeine will increase your adrenaline levels, only adding additional stress and disrupting your focus. Even better, water is a safe and always reliable alternative to stay awake.