The day of the exam is perhaps the most nerve-wrecking and anxiety-ridden for any average test-taker. That said, there are some very useful tips and strategies you can use to alleviate much of it.
Here are some GRE test day tips for you to make the test-taking experience easier, and possibly, fun for yourself:
VISIT THE TEST CENTER THE PREVIOUS DAY
This seems like a lot of work. But believe me, this is work you will be happy to have done before your test day. We all may have heard of horror stories of friends and acquaintances who got late, or never arrived at all, for their tests. I know I have!
If you have opted for the GRE test at a test center, to make sure that your test location is valid and operational, visit the test location a day before your actual GRE exam. This will familiarize you with the place, its surroundings, and how much time it takes you to actually go there so you can plan ahead.
It will also save very useful time in navigation and finding your way on the day of the actual test. More than time, it will save you a lot of anxiety and stress if you have visited the location earlier as well.
HAVE A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
I can’t stress this enough! Having a good night’s sleep before any important day, whether it is an exam or a job interview, is extremely important. Try not cramming up all you have memorized, and now fear forgetting, a night before your exam. Instead, go to bed earlier than usual and try sleeping.
Even if, for some reason, you find yourself not being able to sleep due to anxiety or anything else, just lay on your bed with your eyes closed, and do not give in to the temptation of checking all the GRE books you have ever read.
This is especially important because in most cases, the GRE exam is scheduled super early in the morning, particularly, if you have opted for the GRE exam at a test center. A good night’s sleep will ensure you wake up with a fresh mind, ready to take on exam questions and challenges. It will also ensure better focus at the time of the test.
EAT A HEALTHY BREAKFAST
This is as important as the earlier point about sleeping. In fact, you cannot do one without the other. Remember that the test time is almost 4 hours, and 5 if you have a long commute, so you do not want to remain hungry during that entire time. Hungry stomach translates into a hungry brain, which means less focus and retention, which you know translates to bad scores. And none of us want that, right?
That said, do not eat a very heavy breakfast that you find yourself going to the loo more often than not. That will of course mean you get less time per question, since you will not be given any more time for your used breaks during the test.
USE THE 10-MINUTE BREAK WISELY
As you already know by now, you will be given a ten-minute break during your test, most probably after the first three sections. Use this ten-minute break wisely.
Make sure you have brought with yourself a healthy snack to munch on, because chances are, you will feel a little bit hungry and exhausted, and in need of a quick, refreshing snack. My go-to munching snacks are cookies, granola bars, or chocolates. Pick your favorite!
Moreover, use this 10-minute break to use the loo, even if you feel you do not need it. Believe me, you will thank me for it later!
DON’T FORGET THOSE DOCUMENTS!
What good is your preparation if you never attempt the test! A night prior to the test, arrange all your documents in a single packet and keep them out front with the things you need to take on the test day. Make sure ALL your documents, photo IDs (depending upon your country of test), and other essential items are present.
WARM UP THE MIND
We strongly recommend against cramming or revising all the topics of the GRE a day prior to the test AND on the test day (yes, some people do that). However, there is nothing wrong with a little warming up.
Warm up your brain with a moderately challenging puzzle, Sudoku, crossword, or the ever new, Wordle. Do not warm up your brain by working it so much that it exhausts during the middle of the test, but just enough to get it started for a day full of work.
DRESS IN LAYERS
This is very crucial, if you want to set yourself at ease during the entire test. At some test locations, you may find the AC temperature to be very uncomfortable. Although you can ask for the temperature to be changed slightly, but remember there are other folks in the room with you as well.
Thus, it is best to have done your own preparation—dressing in layers! My comfort clothes for a test would be a light shirt and pants, with a light jacket when I feel cold.
DON’T TAKE PERSONAL/EXTRA STUFF
You never know what your test location will look like. Maybe it will contain lockers, or it won’t. Don’t rely on these variables.
It is best to travel light, anyway. So just take absolutely the most essential items with you (documents + snacks). I strongly discourage taking mobile phones and books with you.
SPEAK UP!
I wish someone had told me before how important this is in nearly all aspects of life—yes, even in a testing environment. Most of us encounter slight problems or discomforts during our tests, and let it pass, because, why bother?
But believe me, this will help you, and who knows, maybe others who were in the same boat but shy to speak up? If you need special or medical assistance, let your invigilators know, if you feel unsure about a certain thing (barring the actual exam questions), let them know.
So, here were some useful tips to get you at ease during your test. Always remember the power of deep breathing. Deep breathe thrice before starting your test and believe that you will do the best you can. Rest is all conjecture. Good luck!
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