What, if anything, makes you perform better on exam day?

CFA Level III
#1

I’ve always felt like I perform better on exam day than during preparation and homework (for any classes/tests I’ve taken). I hear a lot of people say, “I work better under pressure,” but I think that’s vague. More specifically, I think I am more focused and serious during an exam. I think I probably manage my time better, skipping questions more quickly, and attacking different parts of the exam strategically, whereas during preparation, I usually just grind through in order. I’m not sure if there are other things I do better during actual exams? Trying to think about it…

So, what are some reasons you think you might perform better on exam day?

#2

bring a hacksaw, there’s some motivation for ya

#3

I am very competitive, so the simple fact that it is “game day” has a pretty big effect on my attitude, which in turn affects my focus, perseverence, stamina, etc.

#4

Adrenaline is one hell of a drug,

I have never taken a mock or a sample before and I have somehow winged it ok.

this time I ain’t taking chances…

#5

Wake Up => Chug Coffee => Play fighter pilot on the toilet => Perform

#6

I definitely am more focused on exam day. Probably because I drop a few Modanfil pills several hours before.

#7

Adderrall!!

#8

I wonder what’s the percentage of people on Adderall on exam day.

#9

There are some good threads on this throughout the site. I’ve taken adderall, provigl, nuvigil, etc… to study in college, but never before or during an actual exam. Adderall is very different from the modanfil types (provigil/nuvigil).

I would never take adderall before a test, especially this one.

#10

just coffee. I was 8 months pregnant when I took level 2. so not smart to use anything that can harm you or the baby. failed band 10. and now doing level 3 also for the second time. just hard to study with kid walking around and literally pulling your sleeves.

#11

^ Jesus, you have some serious balls, well metaphorical ones at least. My hat is off to you. I wish you the pass you deserve

#12

I hope you make it. that sounds challenging.

#13

I vote adderal

#14

I’m quite surprised most people just chalk it up to stimulants. I actually make it a point to not take any sort of stimulants or caffeine on exam day (and leading up to exam day). And trust me, I love caffeine, but I just don’t think it’s beneficial to be so wired while test-taking.

#15

HOW ABOUT THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING YOU CAN BE FINALLY DONE WITH THIS, YOU GET YOUR LIFE BACK. MEMORIAL DAY = BBQ, HOLDING A BEER AT THE POOL AND WATCHING NBA PLAYOFFS. NO MORE CRAMMING, MEMORIZING FORMULAS AND TRYING TO CONVINCE YOURSELF YOU’RE A SEMI ETHICAL PERSON DESPITE WHAT THE MOCK EXAMS TELL YOU?

#16

I always have a nice big steak on the night before test day. I am not sure if there’s much scientific research behind it, but for me protein always seems to improve cognitive functioning.

I’m assuming most candidates have taken pretty thorough notes. I’ve got 4 notebooks full of them, and they’ll be my only study guide on test day. My plan is to read them before the AM and again at lunch.

I can see the attraction of popping some adderrall to stay focused. However, I’ve never taken it for a test, and don’t think this is the time to gamble with a new strategy.

That said, I don’t think last minute tricks are going to help much. At this point, you have either put the time in or you haven’t.

#17

Friday = 4 hours of study, run at the park, shower, good food, massage, check if i have everything for the next day, good food, good night of sleep.

#18

run the day before as well … a solid session at the porcelain throne in the morning, caffeine before the AM session and then again before the PM session.

#19

I don’t risk the caffeine before the AM session, but I load up on in at lunch.

#20

This reminds me of the story of the guy who sits in the bathroom, and then, slowly rises to his feet with a stone cold expression while the Terminator theme is playing in his head. This in order to get in the mood.

This theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xjir3YSUA8

Also, aderall really doesn’t do anything for me… kind of weird. It helps me to not get distracted, but it impairs cognitive ability, in terms of recalling facts, thinking critically, etc.