what to do the night before a test

Nerves can really get the best of you the night before a big exam. At its worst, test anxiety acts as a self-fulfilling prophecy: You worry so much about not performing well the next day that you prevent yourself from getting what you need—like restful sleep or focused studying—to perform well. 

The best way to avoid those pre-test jitters is to establish a routine that helps you prepare the evening before an assessment. The actions themselves will get you mentally and physically ready for the test, and the comfort of a routine can prevent you from overthinking.

Studying for a test should begin long before exam eve, but utilizing these strategies before the exam can help you do your best. 

How to Prepare the Week Before a Test

In order to prepare the evening before your test, you have to lay a great foundation in the days or even weeks leading up to the exam. 

As the countdown begins, be sure to: 

• Schedule study time every day, and make that commitment non-negotiable. Try a physical or app-based timer and commit to 30 minutes every day, then use the timer to hold yourself accountable. A reward at the end of the session, such as time to call a friend or get outside, can provide extra motivation. 
• Remove distractions from your study space. You can also implement different strategies, like playing a certain type of music, to signal to your brain that it’s time to study. 
• Organize relevant class materials so that they’re easy to study. Try highlighting important areas of your class notes, writing summaries of important materials, or creating study guides or flashcards. 
• Switch up your study tactics from one day to the next. Rotating through different approaches, like flash cards (try an app like Quizlet create your own flashcards with Cram), study guides, or sample tests, will help you retain information by presenting it in different ways. 
• Quiz yourself with practice quizzes or your flashcards. You can also tap a study buddy and quiz each other. 
• Organize a study group and share the resources you’ve created, quiz each other, and review important topics. 

What to Study the Day Before a Test

When your test day approaches, you should make the most of the time you have left by deploying study strategies that are comprehensive, but not exhaustive. There’s a fine balance between preparing and overwhelming your brain with information, especially the day before a quiz. In order to reach that balance, you should: 

• Briefly review all of your study notes and materials. Mark any areas that you have struggled with during class or previous preparation. 
• Revisit those tricky materials, and dedicate additional time to reviewing the concepts. 
• If something still isn’t sticking, try a new approach. Check out YouTube tutorials, read a study guide, or phone a friend. 
• Ask a friend or family member to quiz you. If no one’s available, use flash cards or your notes to quiz yourself. 
• Take a practice quiz. You shouldn’t spend too much time on a full practice quiz, but getting in the testing mindset with a practice test can be helpful. Try looking for a ready-made quiz on the topic online, or review a SuperSummary study guide with a quiz (like The Marrow Thieves, Aeneid, or The Watsons Go to Birmingham).

What to Do the Night Before an Exam

While studying is the priority in the days leading up to a big assessment, it should take the backseat the night before an examination. Instead of cramming for the test, focus on mentally and physically preparing so that you’re in tip-top condition exam day. 

To prepare for a test the evening before, you should: 

• Stick to your regular nighttime routine. The routine you practice every evening before bed signals to your body and brain that it’s time to relax. If you shift course the night before, your body won’t get the signal it needs to slow down, which could only heighten your examination anxiety. 
• Eat a great dinner. Food is fuel for both your body and brain. It sounds clichéd, but eating a well-rounded, healthy meal can really impact your performance. Avoid sugar, caffeine, and junk food, and prioritize healthy carbs, veggies, and protein.
• Drink plenty of water. Another presumably obvious tip, but it’s worth mentioning. Studies have shown that increased water consumption can actually increase your academic performance and relieve anxiety. 
• Go for a walk. Exercise can help dispel worries, and that’s true of exam anxieties, too. Leash up the dog, put on a podcast, and walk around the neighborhood to take your mind off the assessment and prepare your body for rest.
• Review your notes one last time. As you get ready to hit the hay, review your notes one last time—then set them aside. It will feel tempting to return to them again and again, but it will actually help your brain retain the information if you step away from it for a while. 
• Turn off electronics two hours before bed. It’s integral that you get a good night’s sleep before bed, and that’s hard to do if you spend the hours leading up to bedtime on your phone. Instead, try reading a book, pursuing a hobby, or spending time with family. 
• Prepare your things for the next morning. You want to set yourself up for success and put as little pressure on exam-day you as possible. Lay out your clothes, pack your backpack, make your lunch—do as much the evening before as possible. 
• Make a plan for the morning. If you’re going to school, you probably already have transportation scheduled. But if you’re going to a testing center, review your plans to get there with your parents or guardians. Make sure you know what time to leave, what time you need to arrive, and where you need to go. 
• Set your alarm. Set two alarms. Set three! Do whatever you need to make sure you get up and out the door on time. 
• Manifest a positive outcome. It might seem trite, but there really is power in positive thinking. Rather than letting your brain spiral about the possible negative outcomes (we’ve all been there), intentionally envision yourself acing the assessment. Establishing a positive mindset the evening before will carry through into the next day and even into the classroom. 
• Get a good night’s sleep. Easier said than done, but implementing the strategies above should make it easier to set aside your worries and get some quality zzz’s. 

Things to Pack for Your Exam

If you’re preparing for a school or final exam, you’ve probably already got a bag packed with your day-to-day supplies. But if you’re prepping for a College Board exam or other standardized test, there may be other things you need to pack. 

When you pack your bag, you should include: 

• Pens/pencils
• Scantron or testing booklet, if necessary
• Calculator 
• Snacks
• Water bottle
• Sweater or jacket
• ID
• A watch to keep track of time

What to Do Right Before a Test

As tempting as it will be to pull out your notes right before the assessment, it won’t be helpful. Save yourself the stress, and instead try these strategies: 

• Listen to music. If there’s an artist who gets you in the zone or calms you down, put in your headphones and let the music positively influence your mood. 
• Revisit those positive manifestations. When you think positively, you’ll take that energy into the class or testing room. 
• Eat a good breakfast or snack. If your exam is first thing in the morning, eat a healthy breakfast before heading out. If it’s in the afternoon, eat a quick (and healthy) snack to keep your brain sharp. 
• Stretch. Getting your blood flowing and your body limber can prepare you for the time you’re going to spend sitting in the exam. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Preparing the Night Before

How should I relax the night before a test?

Only you know what activities make you feel relaxed, but some tactics you might try include: 

• Yoga
• Meditation
• Avoiding caffeine
• Going for a walk or run
• Laughter 
• Reading (something outside of the subject you’re being tested on) or listening to an audiobook/podcast

Is it good to study the night before a test?

While you should briefly review your study materials the night before an exam, you shouldn’t try to cram all of your prep into one night. 

What should I eat the night before a test?

Your favorite healthy meal is a great go-to the night before an exam. Your meal should balance protein, veggies, and healthy carbs. Avoid caffeine, sugar, or highly processed or fast foods.