The time has come and you all know the drill by now. English MCAS for sophomores is in a week — Tuesday, March 25th and Wednesday March, 26th. This means Math MCAS for sophomores and Science MCAS for freshmen are just around the corner. School will be different for everyone that day as students will be moved across the building to accommodate for those testing — I suggest asking your teachers about this.  You’ve probably been practicing like never before in your classes; but to ensure that all of that work is applied on the day of here are some tips and things you should know before the MCAS.

1. Have a pack of gum in your pocket

Everyone loves some gum, but did you know about it’s positive effects? Chewing gum can be used to keep you more alert; studies have shown people who chewed gum during an exam felt more awake and productive than those who are not chewing gum. There’s a number of reason for why this works, chewing gum makes our brain pay more attention to the material and apply it. If you chew gum in class, and chew gum while taking the test, it can imitate how our brain felt when in class making it easier to remember the information.

In the same study done by Andrew Allen and Andrew Smith those who chewed gum had lower levels of stress and tiredness. Less fatigue means more productivity to do great on the MCAS.

2. Eat a protein filled breakfast 

Ditch the cereal and try this instead. one of the more interesting tips that can have a big impact on test taking is eating protein for breakfast, shout out Mr. Simmarano for teaching me this one. Essentially, protein provides a consistent and steady release of energy compared to simple carbohydrates that your body uses quicker. This keeps you awake and alert for longer periods of time.

They also contain amino acids that protect your brain from fogginess. Amino acids — which is what proteins are made of — form the neurotransmitters between brain cells that help with cognitive functions; keeping your brain clear is vital for doing the best you can on the day of the exam.

Lean protein rich foods like egg whites, yogurt, turkey bacon, low fat milk etc. paired with complex carbs like fresh fruits and whole grains are the perfect pre-test breakfast.

3. Bring more than a book

Based off personal experience finishing MCAS early is a blessing and a curse. On one hand you’re finally finished, but on the other you’re stranded with nothing to do. You are not allowed to have any electronic devices on you before, during, or after the test so that leaves little options. You also have to keep in mind that you are to remain silent until everyone in the room is done. That whittles your options down even more, and you don’t might not want to read a book right after taking the English MCAS.

Don’t worry there are still plenty of things you could do. Get creative with your ideas and bring a coloring book or sketchbook as something relaxing that does not need much brain power. Your teachers may have things for you to do after you’re done testing as well that can keep you occupied while testing period is over. If anything, just take a nap, you deserve it after the long test and all that time you spent preparing for it.

4. Aim for the scholarships

There are a number of reasons that we should try on the MCAS even though it is not a graduation requirement anymore. Better scores means higher ranks. Schools are ranked based on the students MCAS performance. Being among the higher ranked schools has it’s own benefits, but also it is proving to the state that there is no need for an MCAS and that the education students receive here is good regardless. On a more personal level it is a great way to improve college applications. Everything counts when applying to college so having a high test score is just one more entry to the list.

I would like to remind all of you sophomores of the different scholarships set in place for those who score well. The John and Abigail Adams Scholarship covers part of your tuition to any Massachusetts state college or university. Around 1,500 at a UMass, 1,000 dollars to state universities, and around 740 dollars to any community college in the state. The Stanley Z. Koplik Certificate of Mastery Award also provides credits towards tuition to certain state schools. You may think that is not a lot but honestly every dollar counts, and you are already taking the test so you might as well aim for the top. To find out more about these opportunities click the blue letters or talk to your guidance counselor.

Good luck this year, make sure to study, and try out these tips to maximize your test taking capabilities!