I have an afternoon test time 1345. When should studying stop?

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A lot of people say don't study the day before. Well I don't care to stop early. I am testing late though and thought about a 1500 study stop time. That would still give me plenty of time to "relax". Is that too late or too early? I can't see not studying the whole day as I will likely be awake till approximately 0200 due to anxiety!!!

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

Most test prep people recommend not studying at all the day of. I think if it makes you more anxious to not study though, maybe it won't hurt to skim lab values or something for 30 minutes as a chillax pill.

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Most test prep people recommend not studying at all the day of. I think if it makes you more anxious to not study though, maybe it won't hurt to skim lab values or something for 30 minutes as a chillax pill.

Well I definitely planned to try and stay up really late so I could naturally wake up at 10 or so. Hopefully that does not backfire on me.... I however probably will have lab values written on a note card and may glance at them before going into the testing center. I have difficulty remembering a select few...

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Specializes in Cardiac (adult), CC, Peds, MH/Substance.

Be well rested if you can.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

IMO, I would stop the early night before and have a relaxing evening. Then be sure get enough rest. You don't want to overstudy to the point that you become frazzled.

I never studied the night before a test--I quit by 1800 and just chilled until the test whatever time it was at. I graduated summa cum laude twice and in-between, passed the NCLEX in 75. There's a lot to be said for going into a test relaxed as opposed to trying to cram as much knowledge in up to the very last minute. Things came to my mind easier the I was relaxed and rested.

You know how you function best, so YMMV. Still, this is what I tell anyone who's nervous about test-taking.

Best of luck on the test whatever you decide to do!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.
There's a lot to be said for going into a test relaxed as opposed to trying to cram as much knowledge in up to the very last minute. Things came to my mind easier the I was relaxed and rested.

I'm going to second this. Due to scheduling availability, I had to take my NCLEX about 2 hours away from where I lived, which stressed me out a bit when I first found out. However it turned out to be great because I drove there the day before, spent the day checking out the city, had a nice dinner, and then relaxed in a nice hotel that night. I woke up so refreshed and relaxed, I really think that made a difference.

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