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directorcaddmus
Oct 145 min read

What to Expect on Test Day: How to Stay Calm and Focused



Preparing for standardized tests like the SAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, or ACT can be an intense experience. After weeks (or even months) of preparation, it all comes down to how well you perform on test day. It’s natural to feel nervous, but the key to success lies in staying calm and focused.

Let’s walk you through the tips for your test day to help you manage anxiety, stay on track, and maximize your performance.

1. Prepare the Night Before

One of the best ways to stay calm on test day is by preparing the night before. Here's what you can do to set yourself up for success:


  • Organize your materials: Ensure you have everything you need, such as your ID, test admission ticket, pencils, erasers, and a calculator (for tests that allow it).

  • Plan your transportation: Know exactly how you’ll get to the test-center. Check the route and plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Preferably, visit the test venue a day before to ensure that you know the route.

  • Get a good night’s sleep: Sleep is indispensable for focus and maintaining calm. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep to be well-rested. Paucity of sleep can definitely hamper your cognitive functioning.


2. Fuel Your Body and Mind

On the morning of the test, have a healthy breakfast. Eating well-balanced meals that include proteins, healthy fats, and slow-digesting carbohydrates can help you maintain energy levels throughout the exam. Avoid sugary or greasy foods, as these can lead to energy crashes or discomfort during the test or anything that may upset your stomach.

Do not forget to Hydrate but be mindful of your fluid intake so you won’t need to take frequent bathroom breaks.

3. Arrive Early and Get Settled

Arriving early will give you time to relax, check in, and mentally prepare. Once you reach the test location:


  • Check in calmly: Follow all instructions given by the test center staff. They may check your ID, test ticket, and other allowed materials. You might also have to fill a few forms, so do that with utmost care as it can be a hassle to get the information changed later.

  • Use the restroom: Be sure to take a bathroom break before the exam starts to avoid distractions later. Some centers or test regulations do not permit you to go outside the room during the test.


Settling in early can help you feel more in control of your surroundings and prevent any last-minute rush that could increase your anxiety.

4. Practice Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques

Even the most prepared students can feel nervous once the test begins. To calm your nerves and stay focused:


  • Take deep breaths: Breathe in slowly and softly, but deeply, for four counts, hold for four counts, and breathe out for four counts. Repeat this a few times to lower your heart rate.

  • Do a quick body scan:  Drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and release any tension in your body.


These techniques can help ground you in the present moment and clear your mind so you can focus on the questions ahead.

5. Follow a Strategic Test-Taking Approach

Each test has its own structure, so it’s important to go in with a game plan. Here's how to stay focused during the exam:


  • Pace yourself: Be mindful of the time, but don’t rush. For tests like the SAT, ACT, or GRE, answer the easier questions first and return to more challenging ones later. Tests like the GRE allow you to mark the questions and review later within a section, so use this option and save time.

  • Read the instructions carefully: Skimming instructions can lead to mistakes. Take a few extra seconds to ensure you understand what each section is asking of you. In the tests like the IELTS, if the question asks you to respond in “no more than two words” you can lose marks if you do not follow what has been asked.

  • Use elimination strategies: For multiple-choice questions, eliminate clearly wrong answers to improve your chances of choosing the correct one.

  • Don’t panic if you’re stuck: It’s normal to encounter difficult questions. If you feel stuck, take a deep breath and move on to the next question. You can always return to it later.


6. Take Advantage of Breaks

Most standardized tests include short breaks between sections. Use this time to recharge:


  • Stretch: Stand up, stretch your legs, and walk around to improve circulation.

  • Have a snack: Eating something light, like a banana or a granola bar, can help maintain your energy.

  • Rehydrate: Drink some water, but not too much to avoid needing an extra bathroom break.


These breaks are essential for maintaining focus, so take full advantage of them. Whatever happened in the previous portions is not your concern during the break. Give yourself a complete pause and relax.

7. Stay Positive and Focus on the Present

It’s easy to become overwhelmed if you start thinking about how much of the test is left or whether you’ve answered a previous question incorrectly. To stay calm:


  • Focus on one question at a time: Approach each section methodically, and remind yourself that you’ve prepared for this moment.

  • Use positive affirmations: Remind yourself of your strengths. Saying things like "I can do this" or "I’ve prepared for this" can help boost your confidence. Remind yourself of the times you scored well on your mock tests.


8. Review Your Answers (If Time Allows)

If you finish a section early, use the remaining time to review your answers. Look for:


  • Mistakes in calculations or logic

  • Misread questions

  • Unanswered questions: Ensure you’ve attempted every question, especially for tests where there’s no penalty for wrong answers, such as the SAT or ACT.

  • Language rectification: If your test includes a written component, like an essay, make sure you take time to go through the language to avoid errors, especially the ones you frequently made during preparation.


In brief

The most important thing to remember on test day is that you’ve prepared. Whether you're taking the SAT, GRE, TOEFL, IELTS, or ACT, staying calm and focused will help you showcase your knowledge and skills effectively. By following these tips, you'll be in the best possible mindset to excel.







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