Exam Day Essentials: What to Do Before, During, and After the Exam

Exam days can bring a mix of nerves and excitement. Knowing what to do before, during, and after can help manage that stress and set you up for success. Here are some tips I’ve found helpful through my own experiences, along with a few that were passed on to me by friends and mentors.

Before the Exam: Preparation and Self-Care

Start with a good night’s sleep. I’ve learned firsthand that cramming late into the night does more harm than good—no last-minute study hacks can replace the benefits of solid rest. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep the night before an exam refreshes your mind and helps with focus, memory, and calmness on the big day.

A nutritious breakfast can make a real difference, too. Opt for something that will give you sustained energy—think protein, whole grains, and healthy fats. I’ve found that a mix of eggs, oatmeal, or yogurt with fruit keeps me fueled without the energy crash that comes from sugary cereals or pastries. And as tempting as an extra cup of coffee might be, moderation helps to avoid feeling jittery.

On exam day, try to arrive early but not too early. Getting to the exam hall with a few minutes to spare gives you time to settle in without leaving too much room to overthink or second-guess. I use these last few moments to take deep breaths, visualize doing my best, and remind myself that I’m prepared.

During the Exam: Staying Calm and Focused

When the exam begins, read through all the questions first. It’s tempting to jump right in, but I’ve found that a quick overview gives me a good sense of the layout and allows me to mentally prioritize. Tackle the questions you feel most confident about first; this builds momentum and helps ease any anxiety.

Time management is essential. For me, dividing the exam into sections and allocating time to each part makes the exam feel more manageable. I’ll often check in with myself halfway through to see if I’m on track, adjusting if I need to without panicking.

Effective test-taking strategies like eliminating obviously wrong answers, sticking to my gut feeling, and rephrasing tricky questions in my own words have saved me from overthinking. If I get stuck, I move on and come back later with a fresher perspective. And if my mind ever wanders, a few deep breaths help me refocus. Reminding myself that I’ve prepared and that all I need to do is my best keeps me calm.

After the Exam: Reflecting and Resetting

Once I hand in the paper, I’ve learned to avoid rehashing every detail. Replaying answers in my head only amplifies stress, especially since there’s nothing I can do about it. Instead, I shift my focus to relaxing and celebrating the effort I put in. Whether I did well or feel uncertain, I remind myself that every exam is a learning experience.

Later, if results aren’t what I hoped for, I try to view them constructively. I’ll look at where I can improve and seek feedback if possible. On the other hand, if the outcome is good, I make sure to acknowledge my achievement—it’s easy to overlook how hard we work, and it’s essential to give ourselves credit.

Exam days may always feel a bit daunting, but with careful preparation, calmness during, and a healthy perspective afterward, they can become more manageable and less stressful. Embrace the experience as part of your growth, knowing you’re doing your best with each step.