The last 24 hours before the NCLEX
What to do (and not do) the day and night before your NCLEX. Sleep, food, packing, mental prep.
The 24 hours before the NCLEX should be boring. Boring is good. Boring means you're protecting the asset, your brain, for tomorrow morning.
Morning of day -1
A short, easy walk. No more than 30 minutes of light review of your mistake bank if you must, preferably nothing. Eat a normal breakfast.
Afternoon of day -1
Pack your bag: ATT printout, two IDs (same name), water, snack for the break, a sweater (test centers run cold). Locate the Pearson VUE center. Plan transit with a 30-min buffer.
Evening of day -1
Normal dinner. No new foods, no large amounts of alcohol or caffeine. Set two alarms. In bed by 10pm. If you can't fall asleep, lying still with eyes closed for 7 hours is much better than tossing or doom-scrolling.
What not to do
Don't take a mock. Don't review new content. Don't read Reddit posts about how hard the test was. Don't text friends about the test. Don't try a sleep aid you've never used.
Frequently asked
What if I can't sleep?
Don't take a sleep aid you've never used before. Passive rest (lying still, eyes closed) is restorative even if you don't sleep deeply. One bad night will not tank your test if you're otherwise prepared.
Can I have coffee in the morning?
Yes, if it's your normal amount. Don't double your usual dose to 'feel sharp.' That backfires as anxiety and a mid-test crash.
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