When your test days are approaching it’s easy to feel stress sneaking up on you. But, by practising time management skills early on you can plan your time so that you are well prepared for your next test.
As soon as you find out about a test you can start planning for it. No matter how far in advance your test is or how comprehensive it is, you should make a habit of analyzing your time. Even though you may have several weeks until test day, you might have a lot of other things planned that take up the time you might otherwise spend studying. Different tests also require different amounts of preparation. If you are unsure about how extensive the test is, you should check with your teacher or ask to see copies of old tests for reference.
To be effective you need to set up clear ground rules for yourself. Plan what times you will study and don’t make any other plans during those times. If you study most effectively during the mornings, then this is the time you should set aside to study. You should preferably plan hours for studying and practice with your classmates. You can help each other out and help keep each other motivated!
But no matter how much time you spend with your books you need to remember to rest and eat well! These things are the basis for being able to stay focused and keep up your concentration level over an extended period. You can add checklists for fluid intake, nutritional intake and physical activity in your personal calendar. During intensive periods, it is especially important to prioritize rest, water and exercise.
When the big day arrives, you can feel secure knowing that you are well prepared. To reduce test-day stress levels, you should plan for the time you need to get to the test location or if the test is held online, you should check in advance to ensure your connection works. Ensure you have everything you need to successfully complete your test and you won’t have to spend extra energy thinking about this.
Good luck on your test!
Pre-test study checklist
How much time do I have until the test?
How extensive is the test?
How much time do I need to spend studying each day?
Have I planned for recovery?
Do I drink enough water and eat enough nutritious food?
Do I know what I need to take with me on test day?
