Tips for Test Day: Ensure Success with These Crucial Steps

Introduction

Test day can be nerve-wracking, but with a bit of preparation, you can improve your performance
and boost your confidence. In this blog post, we will discuss essential tips for test day, including
getting a good night’s rest, eating a healthy breakfast, arriving early, using approved calculators,
and choosing the right timers. With these tips, you will be well-equipped to face any exam and
achieve the results you desire.

1. Get a Good Night’s Rest

One of the most important factors in test performance is getting a good night’s sleep. Studies
have shown that a lack of sleep negatively affects memory, focus, and cognitive function. Aim
for at least 7-9 hours of sleep the night before your test to ensure your brain is well-rested and
ready to perform at its best.

Tips for a good night’s sleep:

● Establish a bedtime routine to help your body recognize when it’s time to sleep.
● Avoid caffeine or other stimulants close to bedtime.
● Create a comfortable sleep environment with a supportive mattress, minimal light, and a
cool temperature.

2. Eat a Nutritious Breakfast

Fuel your brain with a nutritious breakfast to ensure it has the energy to function optimally
during your exam. Eating a balanced meal that includes protein, complex carbohydrates, and
healthy fats will provide sustained energy and help maintain focus throughout the test.
Some healthy breakfast options include:

Tips for Test Day: Ensure Success with These Crucial Steps

● Whole-grain toast with avocado and eggs
● Greek yogurt with berries and granola
● Oatmeal with fruit and nuts

3. Arrive Early

Arriving at the testing center at least 15 minutes early can help you reduce anxiety and avoid any
last-minute problems. Give yourself enough time to locate the testing room, use the restroom,
and settle in before the exam begins. Arriving early also allows you to mentally prepare and
review any essential information you may need.

4. Use Approved Calculators

Many exams require the use of calculators, but not all calculators are allowed. Ensure that your
calculator is on the approved list provided by the testing organization. Using an unauthorized
calculator can result in disqualification or a lower score.
For the ACT, the following calculators are prohibited:

● Texas Instruments: All model numbers that begin with TI-89 or TI-92 { TI-Nspire CAS
Note: The TI-Nspire (non-CAS) is permitted.
● HP: HP Prime { HP 48GII { All model numbers that begin with HP 40G, HP 49G, or HP
50G,
● Casio: fx-CP400 (ClassPad 400) { ClassPad 300 or ClassPad 330 { Algebra fx 2.0 { All
model numbers that begin with CFX-9970G.
● Other: Handheld, tablet, or laptop computers (including PDAs). Electronic writing pads or
pen-input devices Calculators built into cell phones or any other electronic
communication devices. Calculators with QWERTY format letter keys { This does not
apply to calculators that are provided in a secure test delivery platform. { Letter keys not
in QWERTY format are permitted.)
For the SAT, the following calculators are prohibited: Laptops or other computers, tablets,
mobile phones, smartwatches, or wearable technology.
Tips for Test Day: Ensure Success with These Crucial Steps
● Models that can access the Internet, have wireless, Bluetooth, cellular,
audio/video recording and playing, camera, or any other smartphone-type
features
● Models that have a computer-style (QWERTY) keypad, pen input, or stylus
● Models that use electrical outlets, make noise, or have a paper tape

5. Make Sure Your Calculator is Charged and in Degree Mode

Before test day, ensure that your calculator is fully charged or has fresh batteries. You don’t want
to encounter a dead calculator during the exam. Additionally, double-check that your calculator
is set to degree mode to avoid calculation errors. Familiarize yourself with the calculator’s
functions and practice using it during your study sessions to ensure you can use it effectively on
test day.

6. Use Approved Timers (Recommended Timers)

Effective time management is crucial for success on any exam. Some tests may not have
built-in timers or clocks, so it’s essential to have an approved timer to keep track of your
progress. Check the testing organization’s website for a list of approved timers or visit the link below to find the perfect timer for your needs.

ACT Timer
SAT Timer

Tips for managing time during the test:

● Quickly read through the entire test to gauge the difficulty and distribution of questions.
● Prioritize questions by answering easier ones first, saving more challenging questions
for later.
● Keep an eye on your timer and adjust your pace accordingly to ensure you have enough
time to complete the test.

For the ACT, “You may bring a watch, timer, or stopwatch to pace yourself during
testing, but it may not have an alarm. Your watch or other timing device must be
removed and placed on your desk while in the test room, so that it remains visible to
staff during the test. If an alarm sounds, you’ll be dismissed and your test will not be
scored.”

Tips for Test Day: Ensure Success with These Crucial Steps

For the SAT, you are prohibited from bringing in a “separate timer” or a watch that
beeps, but you may bring in a watch that does not beep and that stays on your wrist.

Conclusion

Preparing for test day doesn’t have to be daunting. By following these essential tips, you can
ensure you’re ready to tackle any exam with confidence. Remember to get a good night’s rest,
eat a nutritious breakfast, arrive early, use approved calculators, and choose the right timers.
With these strategies in place, you’ll be well on your way to achieving the results you desire.
Good luck! Need more help preparing for your next big exam? Schedule a complimentary 30
minute consultation with one of our experts!