Before You Write - St Thomas University

This is not where you should be studying. Because you’ve already done that. This is where you collect and prepare yourself to begin.

Jittery?

Move around!
Go for a walk—movement stimulates alertness by increasing oxygen flow to the brain
Physical activity also decreases tension (those test jitters) by increasing endorphin levels (those happy feeling chemicals)
Remember, you will not perform your best if you’re all tied up in knots
Take a breath, move, listen to music
You can even talk with a classmate or friend, but try not to discuss the test
The last thing you need is to stress yourself out by discussing what you studied, what they studied and whether it matches

Be prepared

This may seem a no-brainer, but arrive early
You do not want to be that person who arrives late and disrupts everyone else by pulling zippers, snapping buttons and rustling papers
Your instructor will not be impressed either
And you’re more likely to be rattled when you start writing
If you arrive early, you get the seat of your choice (preferably the same seat you occupy during class)
Studies show that information is more easily recalled in the same place where it was first learned)
Arriving early also gives you the opportunity to settle yourself, so you can write the test relaxed
Make sure you arrive with the proper test taking tools
Pens, pencils (are they sharp or do they have ink) a ruler, calculator

Eat Well

Try your best not to eat a big meal before you write a test or exam
A big meal will make you sleepy, and you want to be awake
Avoid caffeine—yes, it stimulates alertness, but caffeine also stimulates tension, jitters and nervousness

Sources
Cuseo, Joseph B, Aaron Thompson, Michele Campagna, Viki Sox Fecas. Thriving in College and Beyond: Research-Based Strategies for Academic Success and Personal Development. Dubuque: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, 2016.
Ellis, Dave. Becoming a Master Student. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006.