With the 2023 Selective School Placement test (NSW) being just around the corner, we know that there are lots of anxious parents and students who are spending many waking moments thinking about the big day. To help you out, we’ve come up with a list of tips that have helped countless students in the build-up to their exams.

1. 1. Reflect on your journey and progress
      Often, we are so critical of ourselves, and so concerned with the mistakes we have recently made, that we forget to think about how far we’ve come since the beginning of our journey. The most important part of the journey is seeing the progress. Look back at your work and scores from when you first began your journey. Read the first few pieces of writing that you did. Revel in the knowledge that you have progressed so far, and be proud of yourself for pushing your boundaries and learning new things.

1. 1. Do light revision in the week leading up to the test
      Now is a good time to look over the work you’ve done, and to redo the questions you’ve gotten wrong before. This way, you’ll remember the types of mistakes you’ve made before, and this will help prevent you from making those same mistakes in your actual exam.

1. 1. Do not start on any new content in the last 3 days before the exam
      You have already put in the hard yards and done the hard work. You are as ready as you will ever be for this exam. Trying to solve new types of questions in the few days before the exam will usually just exacerbate stress and cause unnecessary panic.

1. 1. Go for a walk or do something you enjoy the day before the exam
      The day before the exam is when the nerves usually start to get really bad. If you’re stressed about the exam, the last thing you should be doing is looking at things related to the cause of your stress. Instead, you should do some light exercise to get your blood flowing, which helps gets fresh oxygenated blood cells to your brain. Otherwise, do things you like. Watch your favourite movie, play your favourite game, or read your favourite book. Maybe take a bubble bath, or do something that helps you relax.

1. 1. Have anything you need to take to the exam ready the night before your exam
      To avoid any last-minute confusion or issues, make sure you have your admission sheet and anything else you may need packed and ready the night before. There should be a list of things to bring on your admission card. Don’t forget yummy and filling snacks for your break too!

1. 1. Go to bed earlier than usual, especially if you usually have trouble falling asleep the night before big events
      Many people find it difficult to sleep the night before a big event such as an important exam. If you know you’re one of those people, you should make a conscious effort to get to bed earlier, so you can wake up feeling rested. Otherwise, it’s still a good idea to get to bed earlier, to make sure you wake up feeling good. Remember that children need around 8-10 hours of sleep each night.

1. 1. Eat an enjoyable and healthy breakfast
      The last thing you want to do is eat something that you don’t like. Make sure you eat a meal that will keep you energised and focused during your exam. It’s going to be a long exam, so you don’t want to start feeling hungry during test time. It’s always good to get in some brain foods such as berries and nuts.

1. 1. Make sure you have been to the bathroom before the exam begins.
      You don’t want to waste precious exam time in the bathroom, simply because you forgot to go beforehand. Lots of people get fidgety before exams, and some people handle it by drinking more water than they really need. Obviously, keep yourself hydrated, but don’t overdo it by drinking lots of fluids because you’re feeling fidgety.

1. 1. Avoid any nervous friends whilst waiting outside the exam hall
      There are always going to be people who get really nervous before exams, and some people cope with it by projecting their fear and anxiety onto other people. If you know or see people like that outside the exam hall, avoid them. Parents, try not to stress out your children or give them last-minute tips, they are already as prepared as they will ever be. If you fear you may interfere with their mindset, it is best to leave your child/ren by themselves so they can just have some peace and quiet.

1. Mindset is important. Believe in yourself
   We know there are lots of butterflies and nervous faces, and a little bit of nervousness is never a bad thing. However, the most important thing is that you think about how much you can do, and focus on the positive. Now is not the time for criticising yourself or talking down to yourself. Your mind is like a parrot, you can convince it of things just by repeatedly thinking that they are true. Tell yourself that you are ready, and believe that you will do well!! That self-confidence can be the difference between a decent mark and a great one.
   And lastly, know that we’re all here to support you. Your friends, your family, and the team at Hey Guru all know that you have worked hard in the lead-up to this exam, and we’re sure that your efforts will be rewarded. Good luck to our 2023 selective students, our whole team is rooting for you!!