How to Prepare for a Big Test Tomorrow

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There's a massive test coming up tomorrow and you're scared out of your wits, unsure of how you are going to get up and face the dreaded PSAT. If you think you are going to stay up all night just to study for it, you might want to think again. Here are some of my own tried and true tips on what you should do to prepare for a test, whether it is the PSAT, a midterm or final exam or even a short quiz. 

1. Get a good night's sleep

While it may feel like a good idea that to squeeze that extra bit of information into your already-exploding brain at 4 AM, your brain will not be functioning enough for you to actually absorb the information and remember it tomorrow. In fact, you may end up spending a lot more time trying to memorize the information than you usually would.  

Instead of using sleep time to cram, it is much better to get at least a few hours of sleep (even if it's only 3 or 4 hours). Many times you will find that you will magically remember the information after you wake up! If you pull an all-nighter, you will inevitably crash the day after (maybe even during the test, and we definitely don't want that!)

2. Do some LIGHT bedtime reading

As you near your bedtime, you should start wrapping up your studying. Do not try to memorize entire dictionaries in the minutes before you go to sleep. You should have done that earlier in the day! Instead, skim over your notes, write down the main ideas or things you keep forgetting. Look these over and then turn out the lights! 

3. Breakfast 

The morning of a big test, make sure you eat a healthy breakfast, even if you don't think you can possibly eat because of the butterflies in your stomach. You need energy for your brain to function at the best of its ability so make sure to give it enough nutrients! If you don't eat, you may feel even worse during the test (and maybe even pass out?!)

4. Bring snacks

Speaking of food, you should bring snacks and water to the test. Energy bars and chocolate are good options. During the breaks, make sure to stay hydrated and eat some snacks to keep you going!

5. Make sure you have all the stationery and equipment you need
Be sure you bring everything you need for the test – pencils, pens, erasers, rulers, calculators and so on. It would be a good idea to bring extras of everything, in case your pencil runs out of lead, your pen runs out of ink or someone borrowed your eraser first period and never gave it back in time for the exam. For exams like the PSAT and SAT that allow you to use your calculator, you should bring extra batteries in case your calculator runs out of power half way through the exam. 

5. On the way to the test, read over your notes. 

It is best not to cram information the morning of a big test. Personally, the night before, I like to make a summary sheet (no more than 2 pages) of all the main ideas that I need to know for the test as well as the things I keep forgetting about. In the morning, I look over these notes over breakfast and when I am walking or in the car on my way to the test. Looking over the main concepts reminds me of the other minor details that I may also need to know for the test. 

6. Don't stress or panic. 

This is a biggie! If you start panicking, you will lose your ability to concentrate during the test. To stop being anxious, some people like to listen to music, some people like to walk around, others like to eat. Everyone is different, but do whatever you need to do before the test so you can focus when you go into the room. Be calm and confident! You're going to do amazing!