What to Do the Night Before and the Morning of an Exam
By the night before an exam, most of your preparation is already done. What you do now isn't about learning much more. It's about protecting what you know and arriving in good shape.
The evening before
Do a light review, not a cram. Go through your summary notes and your mistakes notebook. Read the topics you know well to build confidence, and spend a little time on the one or two weak points that are most likely to appear.
Don't start new topics. Opening a brand-new chapter at 10 pm usually creates panic, not marks.
Prepare everything now. Put these in your bag so there's nothing to hunt for in the morning:
- Student ID and exam slip
- Pens, pencils and any allowed items
- Calculator if permitted (with working batteries)
- Water bottle
- Phone or laptop with a full charge, if the exam is a CBT and you're allowed to bring one
Check the details. Confirm the time, the venue and how long it takes to get there. If the exam is a CBT, check whether you need to log in early or bring anything specific.
Eat a proper meal and drink water. Avoid heavy or unfamiliar food.
Sleep. Aim to be in bed at a reasonable hour. If you can't fall asleep, rest anyway, and avoid scrolling in the dark. Even resting with your eyes closed helps.
The morning of the exam
- Wake up early enough that you aren't rushing. Leave extra time for transport or delays.
- Eat something light like bread and eggs, oats or fruit. Skipping breakfast is a common cause of dizziness and poor focus.
- Look at your summary notes for 15 to 20 minutes, no more. Stick to headings, formulas and key lists.
- Avoid panic talk. Others will say they haven't read anything or that the paper will be impossible. Politely step away from that conversation.
- Arrive early. Find your seat or system, settle in and take a few slow breaths.
When the paper starts
Read the instructions carefully, including the time allowed and whether there's negative marking. Look through the whole paper if you can. Start with the questions you're most sure about, mark hard ones, and keep an eye on the clock.
After the exam
Don't spend hours discussing answers with friends. It can't change your paper, and it can shake your confidence for the next one. Rest, eat and refocus on the next course.
A calm last day won't replace your preparation, but it lets all that preparation show up on the paper.
Keep reading
- How to Stay Focused When Studying on Your Phone – For many students the phone is both the study tool and the biggest distraction. Here is how to keep it working for you.
- Study Group Tips: How to Revise With Classmates Effectively – A study group can double your learning or waste your whole afternoon. Here is how to make sure it does the first.
- How to Take Good Lecture Notes and Turn Them Into Revision Summaries – Good notes are not a copy of the slides. Learn how to capture what matters in class and shrink it into something you can revise from.