The day is almost here!

All of that hard work studying is about to pay off. The PE exam is right around the corner. You’re getting excited and a bit nervous of what’s to come. What should you do? First let’s start off with what you should not do and then move onto a few ideas of what you could do instead.

"I’m gonna cram in some more information I just read on a forum"

The last thing you want to do right before the exam is put in excessive studies or go cruising on the internet forums. Remind yourself that you put in the hard work already. You’ve studied your material and you’re comfortable with your reference materials you'll use during the mechanical PE exam. I know there is this small voice in the back of your head playing the “what if” game. What if I forgot to study a topic which is going to be on the test? What if someone out there on the internet has some last minute advice for me? What if I cram just a little more information in? All of these will just clutter your mind up with useless information leaving you worried and insecure. I’ve literally seen people go on forums and spout all these useless rumors and lies a few days before the exam. These people think that somehow if they can freak enough people out so they fail on the exam that this will somehow increase their chances of passing the exam. Don’t get wrapped up in this BS. Remind yourself that you put in the necessary work and you are prepared for this exam.

"Let’s go out and try that new Raw Food restaurant!"

I know you’re probably beat from all of your studies and you probably don’t feel like cooking dinner right now and would prefer to go out to eat. That’s fine. In fact, that’s probably a great idea. Go out and relax. However, don’t go out and try some new restaurant that just opened only to find out that your stomach doesn’t agree with their food. Play it safe. Go to your favorite place you’ve been going to for a while. Your stomach will thank you for it.

Pack, Relax and Sleep!!!

The things you want to do before the exam are all related to being in your best state of mind and body for the next day. This means minimize worry and maximize your relaxation. Here are some pointers for you. Pack your material for the exam. Make sure you have your registration papers for the exam, your picture ID, reference books, calculator(s), lunch, keys, and wallet all ready to go and waiting by the door. Get everything together so all you have to do the next day is throw it in the car and head out.

The best advice I can give you here is to relax. Fight the urge to study for the mechanical PE exam for more than an hour. If you absolutely must study, then just go through your reference books making sure you know the layout. Don’t solve any practice problems, just do some review.

After you’re done with that, get a little physical activity (don’t overdo it and make yourself sore though). Go out for a walk and get some fresh air. The physical activity will help you get a good night’s sleep. Get a good night’s rest and don’t forget to set your alarm!