Exam day can feel like a lot.
You’ve studied. You’ve practiced. You know the material. But the day itself can still bring nerves, second-guessing, and that familiar urge to cram at the last minute.
The truth is, success on exam day isn’t just about what you know. It’s about how well you can work under pressure.
That’s where an exam day plan comes in.
A few simple steps the night before, the morning of, and right before you start can help you stay calm, focused, and ready to perform.
The Night Before: Don’t Cram, Prepare.
Cramming on the night before a big exam can feel so tempting:
Just one more chapter.
One more quiz.
One more hour.
But here’s the honest truth: exam day isn’t won on the night before, but it can be lost.
Your job is instead to protect what you know, and set yourself up for success. Don’t try to force new information into your brain; focus on setting yourself up to perform well with what you already know.
- Pack what you need
- Set out your test day clothes
- Confirm the testing details (time, location, ID requirements, etc.)
- Give yourself permission to stop studying
Your brain does some of its best work while you sleep. Give yourself time and space to relax and save that energy for tomorrow!
The Morning Of: Light Warm Up, Fuel for Focus
Think of your exam like a marathon.
No one shows up to a 26.2-mile race and says: You know what would help? Sprinting a mile before the starting gun.
And yet… that’s basically what cramming on exam morning is.
You’ve already done the training. This morning isn’t about building fitness. It’s about managing energy and getting you prepared. Review some questions, check your notes, maybe take the Pocket Prep Question of the Day, and trust in your preparation.
On that note, make sure you eat a breakfast that’s going to give you steady energy. Skip the sugar-heavy options (pancakes, waffles, etc) that send your energy up and then crashing back down.
Aim for:
- Protein (eggs, Greek yogurt, nuts)
- Slow-digesting carbs (oatmeal, whole-grain toast)
- Healthy fats (peanut butter, avocado)
Before the Test: Get Your Head in the Game
The 30 minutes before your exam can feel like the most intense part of the entire day: you’re not answering questions yet but your brain is running at full speed.
This is where a simple routine makes a difference:
- Arrive early if you can. Give yourself a buffer so you’re not rushing through check-in with your heart already racing.
- When you show up, focus on calming actions, not last-minute panic studying. Take a few slow breaths. Stretch your shoulders. Remind yourself: you don’t need to feel perfectly confident, you just need to do it.
If music helps you focus, this is a great time for a short pump-up playlist. If silence helps, lean into that instead.
You’ve prepared.
You’re here.
All you have to do is take it one question at a time.
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