Ace Your ASWB Exam: Last-Minute Preparation Guide for the Final 48 Hours
You have completed all of your preparations and now you are down to the last few days before you finally take the steps to take your ASWB exam. The finish line is in sight, but what should you do in these final few days of test prep? It can be tempting to want to cram in late-night study sessions and review every bit of course content, but that may not actually be the key to getting the score you need. Here are a few ideas to make the most of your preparations and set yourself up for success on test day.
Slowing Down on Content Review
You have done the bulk of your study preparations at this point, and in the last few days before your test date, it is time to transition from intensive content review to focused, limited study sessions. There are a few ways that you may choose to do this. One is prioritizing content areas that require additional reinforcement based on previous study sessions or practice exams and focusing solely on reviewing areas identified as weaknesses. Others may find it best to take several days off of study to focus on rest. Whichever you choose, the priority is to emphasize the value of quality over quantity in the final review sessions.
Prioritizing Sleep
Prioritizing adequate sleep in the nights leading up to the exam is imperative. Quality sleep has been connected with increased concentration and academic performance (1), which we can all agree are needed for a successful test-taking experience.
Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine, avoiding stimulants like caffeine or electronics before bed, and creating a conducive sleep environment can be helpful. Many people will experience a normal increase in anxiety or sleeplessness the night before testing, so prioritizing quality sleep and day to 2 before the test day is a great way to offset any poor sleep concerns the night before your exam. The brain needs proper rest to perform at its best, so do not discount the importance of quality sleep in your test preparations.
Planning the Day of the Test
In planning for your test day the goal is to minimize stress to optimize performance. Strategies can include familiarizing oneself with the test center location, parking arrangements, and transportation options before the day of the test, planning a balanced breakfast, packing essential items such as identification, test admission tickets, and snacks, and allowing extra time for unexpected delays. The fewer choices to make and problems to solve on test day, the better. We want all of your focus to be on giving your best to the test questions, so eliminate any extra stresses that you can.
You have made it to the final day of preparations, focus on being the healthiest, most rested version of yourself. The hard work is done. It is time to focus on giving your brain and body the best chance to be its best. The rest will take care of itself.
