You have spent numerous months preparing for the biggest exam of your career- the INBDE.  Finally the time has come and the big day is just two days away. How should you spend the day before the exam?

Regardless of what anyone may say, there will be people on both sides of the spectrum and there will be success and failure stories on both ends.  However, the truth is that if you have been productively studying the content, taking practice tests, and reviewing the material that you may have missed then your score will likely not change much regardless if you “cram” the day/night before the exam or not.

The brain, believe it or not, is a fascinating organ and if you study a concept/material repeatedly throughout the few months leading to exam day,  it is very hard to be forgotten and less you have to “cram” the day or night before. Therefore, we recommend taking it easy the day and night before so you are able to give your mind and body a break and are fresh for the exam on test day. Studying the day and night before can actually negatively affect your score, it may lead you to panic, panic studying can leave you feeling discouraged and underprepared.  This obviously is not a good stressor the day before a very important exam and likely will not significantly improve your score.

Below are a few tips that may be helpful as you prepare for the test day:

⏰ Set an alarm to wake up early

Wake up at the same time you will wake up on the day of the exam.  In this way, you will train your body to be awake and well alert and ready for the day on exam morning. In fact, we suggest you try to sleep at the same time two nights before the exam as you would the night before to train your body and ensure you are obtaining adequate rest for your mind and body.

🍽️ Eat a healthy meal

Try to eat a well-balanced meal.  Try not to eat foods that you know will make your stomach upset or bloated.  This includes foods that may be fried, greasy, or excessively sugary. Pack a snack that will give you energy and stimulate your brain for the exam such as nuts, banana, or a protein-based snack.

🚰 Adequately hydrate

Drink plenty of water and stay hydrated. This will help give your body energy and avoid dizziness and cramps that could impact your performance on exam day.

🎮 Do something fun

Do activities that you enjoy, whether it's going for a jog, calling a good friend, going to the mall, playing video games, or listening to music. This will help calm your body and mind. Do not do activities that will overexert your body and mind, such as excessive weight lifting or a 1000-piece puzzle set.

🚗 Travel to the test location

If you are unfamiliar with the testing area and location.  It may be a wise idea to travel to the testing center the day before to ensure you know exactly where to go the morning of the exam.  This will help reduce stress and anxiety on the morning of the big day.

🛏️ Night before

Go to bed early to ensure you are well-rested, and ensure that you obtain at least 8 hours of sleep. Set an alarm. Wake up early and give yourself time for a well-balanced breakfast.  Keeping in mind the travel time.

Last but not least, remember, you got this!  Think positive and go into the exam knowing that you are going to do well.  You have worked so hard to get to this day and nothing should stop you from performing the best you possibly can!