The night before a big test can be stressful for students. Many students wonder how they should be preparing for tomorrow’s test.
First things first—preparing for a test the night before doesn’t mean waiting until then to start studying. It’s important to make sure you start studying early! Cramming the night before will only leave you stressed and frustrated.
Knowing how to properly prepare for your test can reduce test anxiety and help you get a better grade. Keep reading to find out what to do the night before a test or exam (and what mistakes to avoid) so you can do your best.
9 Things To Do The Night Before A Test
- Review your study notes
- Revise topics one by one
- Don’t study too late
- Eat a good meal
- Prepare for the morning
- Give your brain a break
- Get some exercise
- Set your alarm
- Get a good sleep
Use the night before the test for simple revision. You shouldn’t be tackling anything brand new the night before your test. Instead, review the study notes you have created during your study sessions over the past few days.
Work your way through your study notes, covering topics one by one. Once you have revised a topic, take a minute to make sure you remember and understand the material. If the answer is no, go back and revise the areas that need an extra refresher.
Late night cram sessions aren’t a very effective way to study. It may seem like you’re making the most of your time by studying until the last minute, but by not giving your brain a chance to rest you’ll have a harder time remembering the information you studied.
Giving your mind the brain power it needs is important if you want to do well on your test. That means eating a good meal the night before while you’re doing your final revision of the material. Take time to sit down for a family dinner while you take a break from studying to refuel your brain.
Gather all the materials you’ll need for your test the next day. Make sure you have extra pens, pencils, erasers, and any tools you need (like a ruler or calculator). Pack everything into your backpack the night before so you can avoid last minute searching and panic the next morning.
Take some time before bed to put away your study notes and relax. Read a book, write in a journal, or talk to your family. This will help you wind down before bed, making it easier to get a good night’s sleep so your brain can process the information you spent the evening reviewing.
After spending time reviewing for your test, get some exercise by going outside for a short walk. Getting a little bit of exercise will help reduce any stress you are feeling and recharge your brain.
Set your alarm so you don’t oversleep the morning of your test. Give yourself some extra time in the morning to eat a good breakfast and get ready for the day without feeling rushed.
One of the most important things the night before a test is to get a full night’s sleep so your brain can remember what you’ve studied. Make sure you go to bed at a set time so you can wake up on test day feeling refreshed and well-rested.
Still struggling with study skills? Learn how our study skills tutoring program can help!
