What to Do the Week Before Test Day: A Brain-Optimized Checklist
Introduction: The Home Stretch Matters Most
You’ve studied hard and practiced well—but what happens the final week can make or break your results. In the days before test day, your brain needs review, rest, and routine—not more cramming or chaos. This post gives you a research-backed checklist for what to do (and what to skip) to finish strong for every major test PREPperoni covers.
PREPperoni Covers Every Major Test
This checklist is perfect for the final week of prep for:
ACT
SAT
CPS HSAT (Chicago Public Schools High School Admissions Test)
ISEE (Independent School Entrance Exam)
HSPT (High School Placement Test)
SHSAT (Specialized High Schools Admissions Test)
GED (General Educational Development)
PSAT
The Brain-Optimized Checklist: One Week to Go
1. Keep Review Short and Sweet
Focus on reviewing key formulas, main ideas, or “trouble spots”—not trying to relearn everything ([internal link: Why Review Is More Important Than Reteaching: Insights From Cognitive Science]).
2. Take (Just) One More Full-Length Practice Test
Do this under real conditions—timed, no distractions ([internal link: Why Practice Tests Are the Secret Sauce to Success]).
Review your mistakes, but don’t obsess over your score.
3. Get on a Regular Sleep Schedule
Go to bed and wake up at “test time” for at least 3–5 days before.
Good sleep boosts memory, focus, and stress resilience ([internal link: Sleep, Brains, and Test Scores: What Every Parent Needs to Know]).
4. Prep Your Supplies
Gather pencils, calculator, admission ticket, ID, snacks, and water.
Lay out your test-day clothes for a stress-free morning.
5. Move Your Body
Light exercise (walking, stretching, yoga) reduces anxiety and sharpens focus.
6. Eat Brain-Friendly Foods
Stick with balanced meals: protein, whole grains, and plenty of water.
7. Cut Cramming and Chaos
Trust your prep—avoid late-night cramming, endless notes, and last-minute panic ([internal link: Cramming vs. Consistency: Which Study Approach Works According to Brain Science?]).
8. Use Calming Techniques
Try mindful breathing, short meditations, or positive self-talk each day ([internal link: How to Turn Test Anxiety Into Test-Day Confidence: Evidence-Based Strategies]).
9. Plan a Post-Test Treat
Give yourself something to look forward to when it’s over!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I study the night before the test?
A: Light review is fine, but prioritize rest, calm, and confidence.
Q: What if I feel unprepared?
A: Focus on what you know, not what you don’t. Trust the work you’ve done.
Q: How should I handle nerves on test day?
A: Use deep breaths and focus on the first question only—don’t think ahead or behind.
Internal Links to Explore Next
Why Review Is More Important Than Reteaching: Insights From Cognitive Science
Sleep, Brains, and Test Scores: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Your last week is about working with your brain—not against it. PREPperoni’s test prep for the ACT, SAT, CPS HSAT, ISEE, HSPT, SHSAT, GED, and PSAT is designed to support smart review, solid routines, and test-day confidence from start to finish.
Ready to make your final week your best week?
Enroll in PREPperoni today and show up on test day ready, rested, and unstoppable!