There is always some anxiety the night before the NAVLE! Here are a few tips for the night before the exam to help you get ready.
First, eat a good meal. Brain food! And no drinking the night before the exam. You want your brain and body to be as healthy as possible.
Have your clothes ready; make sure they are comfortable and that you will not be too hot or cold.
Lay out what you need to bring to the exam- don’t forget your identification! This means having your car keys, phone, etc. where you know where they are. You don’t want to be searching for your keys right before you leave.
If you have not visited the testing site, make sure to map out the location so you know exactly where you will be going and about how long it will take to get there (allow for unexpected traffic)! Read about the testing site so you know what will be allowed during the exam (bathroom breaks, water bottles, etc.) if you haven’t already.
If you can’t help but study the night before…only read through the things you think will be most helpful but DO NOT overdo it or cram. This will cause stress to your body and brain and make it worse. If you have made a review sheet of important things to re-visit, this is the time to use it. You have to set a study limit, and no studying for at least an hour before you go to bed.
It would be better to go to bed early and get up earlier, than to stay up late and be too tired the morning of the exam.
Don’t forget about your morning cup of coffee or tea if you normally have one. No caffeine headaches allowed during the exam! You can have your coffee pot set and ready to brew the night before.
Know what you will be having for breakfast. Choose something with protein that will stick with you longer, and even better to include berries or foods high in antioxidants. You don't want to be searching the cupboards in the morning with no fuel to get you going.
If you have the night-before “jitters,” read something non-veterinary related to get your mind off the exam and help your body to relax. You have to unwind before bed so you will have a restful night’s sleep.
Remember that you have prepared yourself for this moment. You will do great. And know, that if for any reason you actually don’t pass, you can take the exam again. No one wants to do that- obviously- but it will not be the end of the world or your career. This takes some pressure off. Relax, trust yourself, and do the best you can!
Plus, if you used VetPrep, you have a greater than 99% chance of passing. I’ll take those odds any day!