August 24, 2023
Preparing for an exam goes beyond simply studying material; it involves a series of steps to help you optimise your performance. In this article, we delve into eight things you can do the night before an exam to help you harness your efforts, mindset, and well-being for the best possible outcome.

Cram

The night before an exam can be stressful for anyone, regardless of how well you’ve prepared. There is a widespread belief that cramming is bad, yet have you ever written an exam without cramming? 

As a student, it is almost impossible to understand and remember everything you have been taught perfectly, so believe it or not, cramming is inevitable.  

However, it is possible to do it correctly; if you leave an entire topic until the night before an exam to start reading it, you will end up overstressing your brain, which can lead to forgetfulness. 

So effective cramming is using the time you have left to retain what you need to know. After studying adequately for the exam, try to memorise the most crucial concepts that you need to know for your exam. You can do this by studying with key points, practicing mock tests, going through your notes one last time, and getting a study partner to test you. 

Get Organised

Another important thing you should do the night before an exam is to organise your things and fully prepare yourself. This is key to avoiding rushing and panicking on the day of your exam. So start by gathering all the items you will need for the exam, such as your pen, ruler, pencils, calculator, notes, etc. Have them all ready and in your bag the night before an exam. 

In addition, you should prepare your outfit before heading off to bed. The best outfit for an exam is one with some additional layers that you can easily add or remove. You won’t have control over the temperature of the room, so this will help you stay comfortable and relaxed during your exam. 

Visualise A Positive Outcome

You may be focusing on scramming and studying to be fully prepared, but you should also remember that your mind-set can  have a strong impact on your exam performance. Even with proper planning and many days of studying, people can still fail an exam simply because they lack the confidence or are convinced that they will fail. 

Try to maintain a positive mindset and don’t think about failure; instead, think of all the efforts you have put into your preparation and how they will yield good results. This will boost your confidence and make you feel more at ease during your exam. 

Work Off The Stress

Exercising has many benefits for physical and mental well-being and can significantly impact exam preparation. Even a short walk or a few minutes of yoga can help alleviate stress and improve your concentration. This will, in turn, help you enhance your problem-solving skills and improve your memory. 

Exercising doesn’t have to be rigorous, and you don’t have to visit a gym either; taking a couple of laps around your neighborhood, swimming, or simply walking the dog can give you the results you need. 

So if you have time the day before an exam, take a few minutes to fit in some exercise; it will be great for your performance the following day.

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Have A Good Meal

Amidst the flurry of exam preparations, it’s easy to overlook the significance of a balanced meal. Yet, a well-rounded diet plays a pivotal role in optimizing your cognitive abilities on the big day.

Extended study sessions mean your brain is working overtime, making proper nourishment imperative. Nutrient-rich foods provide your brain with glucose and essential neurotransmitters for optimal function, enhancing emotion regulation, mental energy, concentration, and memory retention.

By prioritising a wholesome meal, you equip yourself to study effectively for longer durations, recall your subjects with clarity, and elevate your performance during the exam. To bolster academic achievement, consider these recommended foods:

  • Eggs: Packed with vital nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, lutein, and choline, eggs are a common yet powerful brain booster.
  • Nuts: Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and hazelnuts are rich sources of zinc and vitamin E, crucial for brain health and functioning.
  • Berries: Anthocyanin-packed berries safeguard brain health and bolster academic performance by enhancing mental sharpness.
  • Dark Chocolates: With antioxidants and natural stimulants, dark chocolates boost blood flow to the brain, aiding concentration and mood elevation.
  • Citrus Fruits: High in flavonoids, citrus fruits like oranges, grapes, and pomelos support effective learning, memory retention, and nerve cell protection.

Stay Hydrated For Cognitive Ability

Hydration emerges as a simple yet pivotal factor in sharpening cognitive faculties. Adequate water consumption is essential, as dehydration leads to forgetfulness, mental fatigue, and reduced focus, all detrimental to your exam readiness.

Steer clear of energy drinks, as their initial boost often gives way to exhaustion. Instead, aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water the day prior to the exam. On the exam day, keep a water bottle handy, taking regular sips to maintain a refreshed and focused state of mind.

Final Preparation

Are you still wondering what to do the night before an exam? The final moments before you prepare to sleep are very important; this is all the time you may have left before the day of the exam. At this point, you should think through all you have studied so far. 

Mind you; this is not the time to start learning something new; you just need to remind yourself of what you already know. This will satisfy you, knowing you’re fully prepared for your exam. 

Lastly, make sure to set your alarm, leaving enough time for a healthy breakfast and to get to your exam destination without rushing. 

Get Some Rest

This is the most important one. If you have been staying up late to study for this exam, the night before should be an exception. You won’t be able to concentrate during an exam if you feel tired and sleepy.

So get to bed early, ensure you are not anxious, just relax and sleep. You need to wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day ahead. 

If you’ve been racking your brain about what to do the night before the big test, ease your worries. Hats off to your dedication, and here’s to your upcoming success!

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