You've prepared for months. Now it's exam day. Don't let small oversights derail your performance. Here's your complete checklist.
The night before
- ✓ Pack your bag: calculator, pens (at least 3), pencils, ruler, eraser
- ✓ Check your calculator has fresh batteries
- ✓ Lay out comfortable clothes (you'll be sitting for hours)
- ✓ Set two alarms—one as backup
- ✓ Prepare a light, healthy breakfast
- ✓ No heavy studying—light review only
- ✓ Go to bed at your normal time (no earlier, no later)
Don't: Stay up late cramming, try new foods, or change your routine dramatically. Exam day is not the time for experiments.
Morning of the exam
- ✓ Wake up with enough time to not rush
- ✓ Eat breakfast (protein + complex carbs = sustained energy)
- ✓ Light physical activity (walk, stretch) to wake up your brain
- ✓ Bring water and a small snack (if allowed)
- ✓ Arrive 15-20 minutes early
- ✓ Use the bathroom before entering the exam room
During the exam
- ✓ Read all instructions carefully
- ✓ Scan the entire paper before starting
- ✓ Note mark allocations and allocate time accordingly
- ✓ Circle command terms in questions
- ✓ If stuck, move on and return later
- ✓ Leave 5-10 minutes at the end for checking
"Preparation gives you confidence. Confidence gives you calm. Calm gives you your best performance."
After the exam
Resist the urge to discuss answers with friends—it only causes stress and you can't change anything. Instead, take a break, then shift focus to your next exam.