On the day of the GAMSAT

By the time you've taken the GAMSAT, you've probably taken your fair number of exams. Uni exams. Entrance exams. Those annoying multiple-choice exams back in high school. For the most part, you'll know best what works for you, and what doesn't.

Calculator - your standard high school, scientific but with no memory calculator. Sines and cosines will pop up and you can do without, but why? Extra batteries and/or a backup calculator may also be a good idea.

Clothes - Halls can be overheated, or underheated. Layers is excellent. Bring extra layers even if you may not need them. Go for comfortable. Ugg boot slippers that you pull off and leave next to the exam desk? Perfect. I've seen it done. Sleeping bags only for Canberra residents.

Exercise - Enough to tire you out the night before. A couple of stretches should you feel that fuzzy feeling in the exam - anything you can do quietly, in your seat. This site has a good selection.

Food - GAMSAT is a long haul, so you'll want to bring along a solid packed lunch and a heap of snacks. Also bring along a waterbottle - clear plastic, label removed is less likely to be removed. I have had proctors refuse orange juice and other sugary substances in the exam ('it's a standarised exam, and not everyone has orange juice'), so if you want to sneakily bring in a sugar hit, try something clear - lime or lemon cordial? Or, fake the odd cough and go crazy on the eucalyptus drops. Or, if you know it works for you from previous exams, stimulants. Coffee. Pure caffiene pills. Aspirin or ibuprofen or paracetamol if you get stress headaches.

Environment - You may want to bring along earplugs, though I have found that the testing centres tend to be very quiet.

Identification and GAMSAT entrance ID - You can print two copies of your entrance ticket. Why not? Don't make it any harder on yourself than you have to.

Phone - This is for breaks only, or you can be disqualified with a vengeance. And please, please, please, turn it to silent. But during your lunch break, call up a friend, and have a nice long whinge.

Sleep - Have a good night's sleep before the GAMSAT. Avoid chemical uppers and downers like coffee and alcohol, try tiring yourself out with exercise. Exercise in bed is even more relaxing.

Stationery - My personal quirk with exams is always to buy a brand new pen, something that feels just right in my hands as I'm using it. Solid. Dependable.
And then I bring along backup pens, or five, 2B pencils, sharpeners, a good eraser (optically read exams can be finicky), a ruler (useful for measuring and diagrams, even if it's not on the usual items list).

Toilet - As often as you can. I have been at an exam centre where they asked you not to use the toilet in the morning break, as it took extra time to get everyone back into the hall. With the amount I am paying to take this test, I expect that they get a hall with enough toilets, and enough proctors, that I can have a good chance at the test. So go anyway. It's also an excellent opportunity to stretch your legs and get the blood flowing again.

Watch - to time you on how long you have for each section, each question. Keep track, but don't let yourself feel rushed.

Hope this helps you to get the best result possible on the day of the test.