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Optimal performance on test day

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 4:13 pm
by Nooblarzlarz
Hey all,

I haven't seen it mentioned here very much, but I'd just like to remind everyone the importance your diet and sleep habits can have on test day. I've seen a 9 point variance in PTs between sleeping 6 hours vs 8 hours (that's probably a bit on the extreme side for variance...), and have since committed to a very regimented sleep schedule in preparation for October that has definitely helped boost early morning PT performance.

Additionally, diet can help ensure optimal performance on test day. I'm not going to hop on a soap box and discuss what you should or shouldn't do or eat, but it's definitely worth researching a bit and also tracking your performance relative to what you ate and how well/long you slept.

I know it's not the sexiest topic for y'all, but I'm sure there's more than a few of you out there that want every advantage you can get on test day. If anyone else has any tips to get in the right mindset, I'd love to hear about it!

Re: Optimal performance on test day

Posted: Thu Aug 29, 2013 8:09 pm
by magickware
A good amount of beef with either oatmeal or rice an hour and a half or so before I enter the test room with a trip to the restroom right before I enter.

No liquid 30 minutes or so before I enter the test room.

I can't stand having to go to the bathroom in the middle of the test. Breaks my concentration. It really sucks.

Re: Optimal performance on test day

Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 11:29 am
by Humbert Humbert
Do whatever you normally do. Eat whatever you normally eat. Go through your actual test-day routine at least once before the day of the exam (i.e. wake up at the time you plan to wake up on test day, make the same breakfast, actually go to your testing center, take a prep test in as close to test-day conditions as possible). Making these pesky little things mechanical and second nature gives you one less thing to worry about on test day.

Re: Optimal performance on test day

Posted: Fri Aug 30, 2013 11:34 am
by manofjustice
Take it deadly seriously. Don't chit-chat with other test-takers. Find a room. Run through some logic games and LR stems. Just be intensely focused. Drink afterwards.