Semester finals are something all high school students encounter. Not only are they some of the largest tests students take during the year, but they also conveniently fall directly after Winter Break, during which most students refrain from academic activity. Seems as if mid-terms are against students. Although the tests are not on our side, there are still a few things we can do to become more prepared for the test ahead.

First and foremost, try to study! Tests are a lot easier when you know the material. About three to four days prior to the tests, gradually reintroduce yourself to everything you have learned thus far. Most people forget that mid-terms exercise your knowledge on everything learned since the beginning of the school year. Surprises on a test can not only lower your score, but also lower your confidence throughout the rest of the test.

Instead of studying, many students revert to “cramming,” something you should NEVER do. Jennifer Carson, Wellness Prevention Specialist and Stress Management Educator for McKinley Health Center, says depending on the individual, cramming can be harmful to a student’s health if practiced over long periods of time.

“Giving yourself necessities while preparing for an exam makes you feel relaxed,” Carson says, “It refreshes your mind and body.” This explains why Ms. Carson has heard some students becoming hyper and dizzy during exams due to cramming.

Another way to be on top of your game for a test is by getting a good night’s rest. Seven to eight hours is an ideal amount of sleep, as reported by Daniel Kripke of the Scripps Clinic Sleep Center in California. Studies show that both too much and too little sleep cause the student to become sluggish, making concentration is a lot more difficult. Hit the sack early if you want to run that test with ease!

Finally, the step that’s probably most important is making sure to eat breakfast and to take a snack to school. Breakfast foods are quite high in proteins that will give you the energy to take those tests head on. Since most students get hungry before lunchtime, bring something to school you can replenish your energy with. Hunger will then be one less thing to taunt you as you take your exam.

An exercised mind, a rested body, and a full tummy are all it takes to ace an exam. Do not put yourself in a situation to battle hunger, sleepiness, and dizziness as you take on a test. Instead, allow your mind and body to work with you, so you can take down that midterm, and deceive mom and pop into thinking you actually did work the whole year!