Five ways to make you test day better…
#1: Keep your outlook positive
Go into every test knowing you can pass it. Whether God allows you to do so or not is up to His sovereign plan for your life. But you should be able to say, “I can pass this exam”. If you can’t say that, reschedule your test.
#2: Keep your day as normal as possible
It doesn’t help anyone to stress out their day (and your family’s day) before you take a test. Rise at the same time, eat at the same time, and concentrate on reading or another project up until the exam. I read in the car on the way there and take my book with me into the library. (I don’t take it to the exam) If something is slow, or someone’s late I relax with reading.
Besides, if you are a Distance Learner, you are looking at around 13+ CLEP exams and DANTES tests. The sooner you relax the better.
#3: Make the test as much like you room as possible
Short of moving the furniture, copy your study style at home. For instance? I take off my shoes (we’re always barefooted) and sit on my legs. That’s what I do at home, that’s what I do at the test.
#4: Befriend you proctor.
Whether you feel a connection or not (Night at the Museum anyone?), befriend your proctor. They can be your best friend in a test situation. If something were to come up about you at the library/campus or with CollegeBoard, you want a good track record with your proctor. Say hello, and ask questions. Be polite and don’t try to sneak any of the paper out. (they are very protective of the paper) Besides, it helps you relax to have a little chit-chat.
And again, Distance Learners, you’ll see your proctor a lot. Go ahead and put down roots. Maybe even sending them a Christmas card would be good.
#5: Give God the exam whether you pass or fail.
For every single exam, right before I push “Start Exam”, I bow my head and pray. I forget about the proctor (who probably stares at me), and I go before the Lord. I thank him for the prayer warriors who are lifting me up and I give him the Glory whether I pass or fail. I really believe it has made the difference for my peace of mind in all my exams. He is the reason I am here, and He is the reason I am praising.
To God be the Glory!