After weeks or maybe months of preparation, you probably feel a rush of excitement and nerves at the prospect of exam day. You’ve studied diligently, completed numerous homework problems and practice problems, and likely pulled a few late nights of studying. But here’s the kicker: how you perform on the exam day is not merely predicated on how much you know, it’s additionally how you manage the rules, timing, and materials.
Many students fail to earn significant points in exams, not because they didn’t understand what they were being asked, but rather from being surprised at how regimented the exam day truly is, and poor time management, or forgetting important things. Let’s go through what to plan for truly—and how The Princeton Review can help you avoid the most common mistakes.
1. Exam Day Rules: Know Before You Go
Examinations such as the SAT, ACT, AP, or IB are governed by strict regulations, rules, and guidelines that are always enacted to ensure a fair testing environment. Some of the often-used rules.
- No electronics: Phones, smart watches, earbuds (and all forms of earplugs) must be turned off and stowed away.
- Where you sit is not your choice: Proctors will tell you where to sit!
- No communication: Talking, note passing, or even a subtle signal to another test-taker is not permitted.
- Break policies: Restroom policy can typically be more of a prison break than a break. You can’t leave the room, not at all, except on officially designated breaks (again, unless a restroom, or even an xx-x-stop).
- ID: If you do not have an ID, you cannot get in, and by the way, it had better match your registration.
Student Hack: Read your exam’s official guide a week out. The official information will have all the specific rules. All exam boards have this information available; it is always recommended to familiarize yourself with it so there are no surprises.
The Princeton Review Advantage: The exam prep courses all contain a review of all major testing day rules, so students will not risk disqualification. One thing that many students appreciated was small yet critical information, such as the reality of being disqualified (or dismissed) for having a watch on (even a smart watch).
2. Timings and Structure: Practice the Clock
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of testing is the time component. Exams or tests not only measure what you know but also whether you can demonstrate that knowledge quickly and accurately. Here is what typically happens:
- Arrival time: You need to give yourself 30–45 minutes to arrive at the center. If you arrive late, they may or may not seat you depending on the time.
- Check-in: ID verification and admission ticket check, and seating can take upwards of half an hour.
- Timed sections: Tests and quizzes typically separate sections with strict time limits. When the time is out, the test is over, and you must discontinue—even mid-sentence, if you so happen to be at that point.
- Breaks: There are usually 5–10 minutes between each of the sections— just enough time for a snack or a bathroom break.
- Overall duration: From the time you arrive to check-in, to your breaks, and your overall testing experience can last at least 3–4 hours.
Student tip: Practice taking full-length tests at the same time of day as your scheduled exam. If you are testing at 8 AM, then don’t practice exclusively at night. You want to make sure your brain is alert at test time.
The Princeton Review advantage: Students can practice proctored, mock exams that follow the official timing rules. This builds stamina and teaches you how to time each section- no more running out of time in math or feeling rushed in the essays.
3. Materials: Pack Smart, Not Last-Minute
Whether on exam day you are having a great day or having a horrible day can largely come down to having the right materials packed. Some of the things you will need are:
- Admission ticket or confirmation printout
- Valid photo ID (passport, driver’s license or other government-issued ID)
- Your own sharp No.2 pencils (NO mechanical pencils)
- Eraser and calculator as allowed
- Snacks and water (only for breaks)
Helpful but not needed items:
- A long-sleeve sweater or jacket for when you realize that the test administrators keep rooms colder than necessary.
- An analog watch (digital smart watches are prohibited; make sure you check your program policies)
- Extra batteries for your calculator.
Student hack: The day before you take your exam, pack up your exam bag! Place your ID, admission ticket, and pencils in a clear ziplock so you aren’t scrambling in the morning.
What separates The Princeton Review from other companies is that students benefit from exam-day checklists that are part of their prep programs. Their tutors help them remember small but vital pieces of information–such as checking the batteries in their calculator or carrying extra pencils. As self-evident as these may sound, it is easy to overlook at 6:00 am on the day of the exam when you are dealing with the stress of the process.
4. Extra Exam-Day Hacks: Stay Calm and Focused
Academic preparation is important, but so is your physical and emotional state. You can gain even better results by developing a few good habits:
- Eat a light, balanced breakfast. Stay away from heavy or sugary breakfast items. Protein and whole grains will give you energy that will steady you throughout the test.
- Dress comfortably. Layering is a good strategy. You won’t know whether the room will be unbearably cold or quite warm.
- Control your nerves. To keep calm, practice productive deep breathing techniques during prep. A calm mind keeps your focus sharp.
- Check your route. Make sure you know the location and plan to leave earlier than you should so you can account for delays and avoid distractions.
- Hydrate—don’t over-hydrate. You should avoid making too many bathroom trips
The Princeton Review Advantage: Instructors do more than coach students on the content. They prepare them for test day in ways that include time saving and calming techniques. Princeton Review brings the student in ready and confident—not anxious!
Final Thoughts
Exam day won’t feel like an obstacle course. By knowing the rules of the game, taking the time to think about timing, and having the organizational materials ready to go, you will reduce stress and increase concentration. And if you can add in some extra hacks of your own – such as good breakfast, packing the night before, and practicing timed exams – you will have an advantage.
With The Princeton Review on your side, not only will you be prepared academically, but you will also be prepared logistically, mentally, and strategically to do your very best.
So when exam day does come, you will not just survive it, you will master it.