Survival Tips for Taking the Exam

Expect a certain amount of tension. The feeling is normal, and it can motivate you.
Cope with your tension through exercise and relaxation techniques.
Avoid last minute cramming. Avoid all-nighters that disrupt your regular sleep patterns: Analytic ability is affected by fatigue.
Think of the coming exam as the final, application step of your study process instead of as a threatening new experience.
Know the times of your exams and plan your sleep schedule so you will be at your most alert.
Arrive early, but not too early.
Have a plan of attack. (See materials on "Taking a Law School Exam.")
Be aggressive. Approach studying, and the test itself, vigorously determined to do your best with the information you know. Think of yourself as a star athlete before a big event. Keep yourself in good heath through adequate rest and diet.
Eat something sensible before the exam; you can probably hold down a bowl of cereal even if you are very tense.
Avoid over-dependence on caffeine or other chemical aids to study or to sleep.
Relax yourself during the test. If you notice you are not thinking well or you are very tense, pause, lay the test aside, and take several slow, deep breaths.
Ignore your classmates. If you tend to be distracted, buy and practice using ear plugs.
Beware of the post mortem. You will only succeed in raising your anxiety level.
If you become really ill, or if you have some other unforeseen crisis, do not take the exam! Call the Records Office to find out how to re-schedule.

Please contact Janet Madden, room 117. (619) 260-2293. madden@sandiego.edu