Top 15 Gre Test Day Advice

#15: Get it together. Pack up the day before so you don’t have to go scrambling around in the morning. Get your admission ticket, ID, water, and nonsugar energy snack (for the break) all ready to go.

#14: Wind down. Runners don’t run a full marathon the day before; they rest up for the big day. Avoid cramming the day before the test. Read a book, watch a movie, hang out with friends, whatever relaxes you—but make it an early night. And speaking of which . . .

#13: Get enough sleep. Don’t get into bed at 7:00 just to stare at the ceiling, but do get to bed early enough to ensure you have enough sleep to be alert and energetic for Test Day.

#12: Set two alarms. You don’t want to miss your testing appointment because your alarm was set for p.m. instead of a.m.—stranger things have happened. Also, one of your alarms should be battery-operated, just in case something crazy like a power outage occurs during the night. Unlikely, sure, but peace of mind will help you sleep better. Of course, if your appointment is scheduled for the afternoon, waking up on time shouldn’t be an issue.

#11: Eat normally. Sure, GRE day is special, but that doesn’t mean you need to treat yourself to a special breakfast. Nerves can turn a huge bacon, egg and cheese omelet against you—especially if you don’t usually eat that kind of thing. Eat what you normally eat for breakfast; not too much, not too little. If your test is in the afternoon, still make sure to eat something before it. Bring a nonsugar snack for the break. It’s a long day, and you’ll need the energy.

#10: Dress for success. One word: layers. If it’s hot, take some off. If it’s cold, leave them on. Comfort is key.

#9: Jump-start your brain. To employ the marathon analogy again (see #14), runners stretch before the big event to warm up. Likewise, it helps to do a bit of reading before the test to get your mind warmed up and stretch those brain cells into shape. We’re not talking Plato or Shakespeare here. Articles from a well-written newspaper, magazine, or journal containing the same kind of sophisticated writing you’ll see on the test will do.

#8: Arrive early. Save fashionable lateness for your social life. Rushing around like a crazy person isn’t the best way to start your GRE day. If the testing center is in unfamiliar territory, you may even wish to scout it out a week or two before just to be sure you know your way. One less thing to worry about couldn’t hurt.

#7: Don’t sweat the small stuff. Okay, so what if it’s 9 billion degrees in the testing room and that obnoxious kid from high school is at the computer right next to you? If something potentially correctable is bothering you, by all means talk to a test site administrator, but if there’s nothing you can do about it, let it go. Don’t allow small annoyances to distract you from your mission.

#6: Gear up for a long haul. Some people arrive at the test center all revved up, bouncing off the walls—the big day is finally here! Slow down; you don’t want to overheat and peak too soon. You’ll get to the test site, endure the usual standardized testing bureaucratic technicalities, and then be shown to a computer. “Go time” isn’t until you’ve completed the testing tutorial and the first Analytical Writing essay prompt appears on the screen. Which brings us to our tips for the final and most important phase of the testing experience . . .

#5: Prepare for the worst. This is by no means to say you should go in with a negative attitude, but you need to be ready to start the test with Analytical Writing topics of absolutely no interest to you, followed by your less favorite multiple-choice section (since the Math and Verbal sections can appear in either order). If something like that happens, you’ll be prepared; if it doesn’t, you’ll be relieved. Win-win.

#4: Keep your focus. Maybe the woman at the computer to the right of you will appear to breeze through her Issue essay in five minutes, while the guy to the left of you seems unaware that a test is even taking place. If you have a large enough group, chances are someone may even freak out and leave the room in tears. Assuming that this person isn’t you, don’t let it bother you. Stay focused on your objective and let the others take care of themselves.

#3: Choose your battles. No one question can hurt you significantly unless you spend all day on it. Keep moving throughout each section. If a question isn’t working for you, guess and move on.

#2: Stick it out. There may come a time in the last section when you’ll do anything to end your agony five minutes early. Hang in there and keep applying what you’ve learned. True champs finish strong.

AND THE #1 GRE TEST DAY TIP . . . RELAX.
If you’ve worked hard and prepared conscientiously, take heart from the fact that you’ve done all you can do. True testing terror comes from being unprepared; conversely, proper preparation breeds confidence. Nerves are normal, but how you deal with them is up to you. Channel your adrenaline positively to give you the energy you need to maintain your focus all the way through. Also remember that while the GRE is surely important, it’s not the end of the world. Put the event into perspective. Then do the best you can, which is the most you can ask of yourself.


From: http://www.sparknote...prep/books/gre/