📋 Pre-Test Checklist
Follow this comprehensive checklist to ensure you’re fully prepared for the AMC 10/12 contest. Preparation is key to success!
🌙 Night Before (24-12 hours before)
📚 Materials Preparation
- Contest materials: Print contest confirmation, bring student ID
- Writing supplies: Multiple #2 pencils, good eraser, sharpener
- Backup supplies: Extra pencils, eraser, sharpener
- Water bottle: Clear, unlabeled water bottle
- Snack: Light, non-messy snack (if allowed)
- Clothing: Comfortable clothes, layers for temperature changes
🧠 Mental Preparation
- Light review: Review key formulas and concepts (30 minutes max)
- Avoid new material: Don’t learn anything new
- Positive mindset: Visualize success, build confidence
- Relaxation: Calm activities (reading, music, light exercise)
- Avoid stress: Stay away from stressful situations
- Confidence building: Recall past successes and achievements
🍽️ Physical Preparation
- Light dinner: Eat a balanced, light meal
- Avoid heavy foods: No greasy, spicy, or heavy foods
- Hydration: Drink water, but not too much
- Avoid caffeine: No coffee, tea, or energy drinks after 6 PM
- Light exercise: Gentle walk or stretching
- Early bedtime: Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep
📱 Technology & Distractions
- Phone setup: Set multiple alarms, turn off notifications
- Avoid screens: Limit screen time 1 hour before bed
- No social media: Avoid stressful or distracting content
- Relaxing activities: Reading, music, meditation
- Prepare for tomorrow: Set out clothes and materials
🌅 Morning Of (2-3 hours before)
⏰ Wake Up & Routine
- Wake up early: Allow 2-3 hours before contest
- Multiple alarms: Set 2-3 alarms to ensure you wake up
- Morning routine: Follow your normal routine
- Light breakfast: Eat a balanced, light meal
- Avoid heavy foods: No greasy, spicy, or heavy foods
- Hydration: Drink water, but not too much
🧠 Mental Preparation
- Confidence affirmations: “I am prepared and ready”
- Visualization: Imagine success scenarios
- Positive self-talk: “I can do this”
- Avoid negative thoughts: Stay positive and confident
- Light review: Quick review of key formulas (15 minutes max)
- Avoid new material: Don’t learn anything new
🚗 Travel & Logistics
- Leave early: Allow extra time for traffic
- Know the route: Plan your route to the contest site
- Backup route: Have an alternative route ready
- Arrive early: Get there 15-20 minutes early
- Parking: Know where to park
- Contest location: Know exactly where to go
📋 Final Preparation
- Materials check: Verify you have everything
- Student ID: Bring required identification
- Contest confirmation: Print or digital copy
- Pencils: Multiple sharpened #2 pencils
- Eraser: Good quality eraser
- Water bottle: Clear, unlabeled water bottle
🎯 Last 30 Minutes
🧘♀️ Mental State
- Stay calm: Take deep breaths, stay relaxed
- Confidence: “I am prepared and ready”
- Focus: “I will do my best”
- Positive mindset: Stay positive and confident
- Avoid panic: Don’t let nerves take over
- Trust preparation: You’ve prepared for this
📝 Final Review
- Key formulas: Quick review of essential formulas
- Strategy reminders: Remember your approach
- Time management: Remember your pacing strategy
- Guessing strategy: Remember when to guess
- Verification: Remember to check your work
- Stay focused: One problem at a time
🚨 Emergency Preparedness
- Backup materials: Extra pencils, eraser
- Backup ID: If you have a backup form of ID
- Contact information: Know who to call if needed
- Contest site info: Know the exact location
- Time awareness: Know when contest starts
- Stay flexible: Be ready to adapt if needed
⚡ Quick Reference
Essential Items:
- Student ID: Required for entry
- Contest confirmation: Print or digital
- #2 pencils: Multiple sharpened pencils
- Eraser: Good quality eraser
- Water bottle: Clear, unlabeled
Mental Preparation:
- Confidence: “I am prepared and ready”
- Focus: “I will do my best”
- Calm: Take deep breaths, stay relaxed
- Positive: Stay positive and confident
Time Management:
- Wake up early: 2-3 hours before contest
- Leave early: Allow extra time for traffic
- Arrive early: 15-20 minutes before start
- Stay focused: One problem at a time
🚨 Red Flags to Avoid
Don’t Do These:
- Cram new material: Don’t learn anything new
- Stay up late: Get adequate sleep
- Eat heavy foods: Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavy foods
- Drink too much caffeine: Avoid excessive caffeine
- Panic: Don’t let nerves take over
- Compare yourself: Don’t compare to others
Warning Signs:
- Feeling overwhelmed: Take deep breaths, stay calm
- Negative thoughts: Replace with positive affirmations
- Physical discomfort: Address any physical issues
- Mental fatigue: Take breaks, stay hydrated
- Anxiety: Use relaxation techniques
- Doubt: Trust your preparation
📊 Success Metrics
Preparation Goals:
- Materials ready: Everything you need
- Mental state: Calm, confident, focused
- Physical state: Rested, hydrated, comfortable
- Logistics: Know where to go, when to arrive
- Backup plans: Ready for any issues
Performance Indicators:
- Confidence level: High confidence in your preparation
- Stress level: Low stress, manageable anxiety
- Focus level: Clear focus on the task ahead
- Readiness: Feeling prepared and ready
- Motivation: Eager to do your best
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