Test Day

Question

Can some of you write exactly what you did on the day of the big test?

My test day is coming up in a couple of weeks. I'm doing well on my practice exercises. Test time is at 1:15pm. I'm not sure if I should get up at 6am or 9am or 11am. Whether I should warm up with 20 questions or 100. Should I drink coffee? It is a diuretic and I don't want to be in pain during the test. What should I eat before the test and during the breaks? 

How did you guys cope with all of this? Thanks!

anandsebastin · Answer

My best advice would be to develop your own schedule. There is no perfect program that would ensure your success on test day. 

Here is my experience: My test time was 9AM. I had only four days between registration and test dates. So, I got up at the same time, had the same drink and listened to the same set of songs (helps me concentrate). I also took practice tests every day at the test time. I timed my breaks to less than 5 min (you'll find that many test-takers have run beyond their breaks and wasted precious minutes). 

If your test center needs you to drive/commute more than an hour or two, I'd suggest staying at a nearby hotel the night before. One consideration would be how well you adjust to a new environment. I stayed at a hotel. I usually am a sound sleeper, irrespective of the environment, but this time, I had very less sleep the night before the test. I did not feel disadvantaged by this, because I'm used to working with no or little sleep. 

Hope this helps and I'm sure you'll excel in you exam.

kidderek · Answer

Exactly what I was looking for. I just want to hear everyone's test day routines and adopt some of them for my own routine.

faifai0714 · Answer

I took mine at 10:30 am and I woke up at 7:30. I ate my breakfast at a restaurant around 8. Started driving to the test center at 9am and took 40 minutes. I was an hour early yet the staff allowed me to take the test early.

kidderek · Answer

How did you guys manage your breaks? If you're not allowed to carry a timer/watch into the test, how do you time your breaks? Do you have to run to your locker?

johnnyx9 · Answer

Without a watch it is difficult to gauge when your ten minute break is going to end. I just went back after I thought about 5 minutes had passed so as not to take any chances.

I wouldn't spend too much time worrying about getting a routine together because you'll stress yourself out too much.

dennisquah · Answer

Hey Kidderek,

that bit about coffee? well it really depends on your own tolerance and how often you drink caffeinated drinks.

On test day, there was a coffee bean at the lobby. I was planning to hit myself with a doublshot espresso (i was really tired), but I decided to go with a Tea Latte instead. And i think it was a good choice in retrospect.

Its tea based, so it was calming, and was milky so it made me feel warm and fuzzy ... hah!

Having a routine does help a little with your mental alertness. If you regularly fire up your neurones at a particular time of day, come test day, your mind could be well conditioned enough. That is why I chose an afternoon spot. I usually did a sample cat test after lunch during my prep phase for about a week ...

Good luck dude,

let us know how it went!

Dennis

necromonger · Answer

I got up relaxed - did not do any "last minute prep", just had a peaceful morning breakfast, and left home so as to reach the center an hour early. Pretty much no change from my any other day.

I did not utilize the full time for my breaks. I just got out, took some deep breaths, did some stretching exercises, visited the loo, had a swig of water, and just went back in. Be careful not to exceed the break period.

my key was to be calm and treat it like any other day, but retain total focus and control on the exam. As far as things like coffee etc is concerned, you know best what works for you and what doesn't.

andysimple · Answer

Agree with Necromonger.

thetiming · Answer

Make this day as least different / extraordinary / surprising to your body as possible; that is: in these several weeks, make a habit of getting to bed and out of fed at the same time e.g. 00.00 to 8.30 or 22.30 to 7.00 if you are working, etc. This will help you fall asleep (especially if you are constantly worrying by nature as I am). OK, on test day, you may want to set the alarm clock for 2 hours later, but your body clock will wake you up earlier anyways.

Drink the coffee as early in the day as possible (to mitigate the diuretic effect) and stronger than usual (less water, more coffee) as we do in Europe =) (I actually prefer it the American way, but on test days - it's a different world)

If you really want to overclock yourself - also have a cup of green tea (leaves, not bags). Coffee + tea are extremely powerful together as tea contains substances which increase and prolong the effect of caffeine (never have this combination after noon :wink:

)

To jump-start your mind try to go over as much of your error logs as possible + (only) several questions of each type if you have the time.

Light breakfast and lunch - in my case - boiled eggs, cucumber, green pepper, cheese, bread.

Arrive early, breathe and eat a chocolate 15 minutes before you enter the testing room =)

Good luck, mate!

) To jump-start your mind try to go over as much of your error logs as possible + (only) several questions of each type if you have the time. Light breakfast and lunch - in my case - boiled eggs, cucumber, green pepper, cheese, bread. Arrive early , breathe and eat a chocolate 15 minutes before you enter the testing room =) Good luck, mate!

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