Getting ready to take a test

Do some recon. Make sure that you know how long it will take to drive to the testing center and where you will park if you are driving yourself. If you are testing in a place that is new to you, try to get into the building between now and test day so that you can get used to the sounds and smells, know where the bathrooms are, and so on.

Rest. You'll need to get some sleep the night before the big day. We recommend exercise the day before so that you can get some good, quality sleep. Research has shown that there is really no such thing as getting too much sleep. So, don't be afraid to go to bed early the night before the test. Wake up early. Set an alarm and have someone on wake-up duty—either a family member in your house or someone who can call you on the telephone as a back-up plan in case your alarm doesn't go off. You have to be at the testing center by 8:00A.M.

Dress comfortably. Loose, comfortable, layered clothing is best. That way, you can adjust to the temperature of the room. Don't forget your watch. The proctor will give you a five-minute warning on each section, but that is all the timing help you can count on. There may not even be a clock in your testing room.

Eat something. Breakfast may not always be the most important meal of the day, but it is a good idea to eat something without too much sugar on the morning of your test. Get your normal dose of caffeine, if any.

Bring stuff. You will need your driver's license (or passport), your admission ticket, number 2 pencils, a good eraser or two, and your calculator. You can check the ACT website for up-to-date information about which calculators are acceptable. Bring your glasses or contact lenses if you need them. You can bring a snack for the break, but you won't be able to eat or drink while the ACT is in progress.

Read something. ''Warm up'' your brain by reading a newspaper or something similar so that the ACT isn't the first thing that you read on test day.