Test Day Game Plan
Test Day Game Plan
Picture this: you’re in the locker room, adrenaline pumping, ready to charge out of the tunnel and onto the field. Your exam is the field, and your preparation is your playbook. Let’s make sure you have the best game plan to dominate your test day!
Test day preparation – like competing on the field – can be intense and challenging. When you start your test, it can feel like a playoff game with the amount of information it covers and how it can impact your overall grade. However, no matter the pressure, there are certain test day strategies you can use to improve exam performance and build a winning pre-exam routine.
Regardless of the subject or sport, remember: Hydration is key.
First Down: Before Arriving To The Test
Think of this as your day-of routine. Before running out of the tunnel, you need to make sure your hydrated, stretched, get your mind in the right space, and go over final adjustments.
A few recommendations to make sure you are set up to succeed before the test, straight from the coach.
Do some quick exercises to help wake up your cognitive abilities. Few jumping jacks, stretching your muscles, a short run, some yoga – anything to get you moving just a little bit
Set the tone with music – Feeling anxious? Listen to some calming music. Feeling confident? Listen to some pump-up music. Not sure how you feel? Listen to music that makes you happy
Eat enough to be fueled, but not too much that it makes you sluggish. If possible, reach for slow-release carbohydrates like oats and whole grain bread, as well as protein like milk, yogurt, and eggs.
Review Key Concepts: Don’t try to cram new information, but review some of your notes, summaries, or flashcards on the most critical concepts
Arrive early – Nobody wants to feel flustered mentally or physically walking into an exam. Plan out how long it takes to get to class, and then budget for the “Of course this would happen today” situation (traffic, get stuck behind the train, weather, ran into an old friend, etc.). Arriving early helps you settle in and reduce pre-test anxiety.
Second Down: Before Starting The Test
Don’t jump the snap here. You know the play and the information for it, make sure to execute the plan. No need to get a penalty flag or lose points because you don’t know the rules or what to expect. Make sure to do these 4 things before jumping in.
Read the Directions IN FULL: Before you even pick up your pencil, take a moment to read all the directions thoroughly. Understanding what’s expected will save you time and prevent mistakes.
Survey the Test: Quickly scan through the test. How many questions are there? What types of questions are you dealing with? This helps you get a sense of the workload and plan your time accordingly, rather than just going start to finish without knowing what may be to come.
Self-Talk: Boost your confidence with positive self-talk. Remind yourself of your preparation and your ability to do well. Sit up tall, keep confident even if you stumble. Keep a good, upbeat tune in your head. Maybe start the “I believe that we will win” chant in your mind.
Plan Your Attack: If time is a limitation, devise a strategy. Decide whether you’ll tackle the questions in order or start with the ones you find easiest. For tests with multiple-choice, short answer, and essay questions, determine the order that works best for you.
Third Down: While Taking The Test
Every game, just like exams, has a certain strategy you should implement. Maybe you feel confidence about the essay questions lined up against you so you go after those first. Maybe multiple choice questions feel like a blitz so you have to look at each of them closely and eliminate answers you know are incorrect.
Think of adding some of the plays below to your exam playbook.
Start with the Easy Ones: Build momentum and confidence by answering the questions you know first and coming back to the others that require more thought. Make to read each question in full to avoid careless mistakes.
Keep Track of Time: Exams are a marathon, not a sprint. Regularly check your time to ensure you’re on track—finishing first does not earn you bonus points.
Read All Options: For multiple-choice questions, read all the answer options before making a selection. Sometimes, the best answer isn’t the first one that catches your eye. Be on the lookout for tricky questions, double negatives, and the elusive “all of the above” answers.
Use Elimination: Narrow down your choices by eliminating answers you know are incorrect. This increases your chances of choosing the right answer.
Move On If You Get Stuck: Don’t spend too much time on any one question. If you’re unsure, mark it and move on. You can always come back to it later.
Look for Clues: Use information from other questions to help you with ones you’re unsure about. Sometimes, answers are hidden in plain sight – another reason to read each question carefully and in full.
Review If Time Permits: If you finish early, go back and review your answers. Ensure you haven’t missed any questions and double-check your responses.
Touchdown: Celebrate Your Efforts!
You’ve prepared well and given it your best effort. Walk out of each exam with your head held high, knowing you executed your game plan. Each exam is one game that gets you closer to the trophy you’re chasing. Take a moment to acknowledge your hard work and grant yourself a breather timeout.
Bonus points if you can start a handshake line with your classmates.