What is the Best Time of Day to Take Exams?
The best time of day to take an exam is early in the morning. Multiple studies and anecdotal evidence support this. Cognitive abilities are typically at their peak in the morning, leading to improved performance on tests.
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Peak Cognitive Function: Research consistently shows that cognitive functions, including memory, attention, and problem-solving, are strongest in the morning. This means students are better equipped to tackle challenging exam questions earlier in the day. For every hour after 8 a.m. that an exam is scheduled, scores drop by approximately 1%. (Source: Morning Advantage: Students tend to perform better on exams taken earlier in the day. This is because cognitive abilities are at their peak in the morning. Decline in Scores: The study found that for every hour after 8 a.m. that an exam is scheduled, students' test scores drop by about 1%.)
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Reduced Stress and Worry: Taking an exam earlier in the day minimizes the time spent anxiously anticipating the test. This can lead to a calmer and more focused approach to the exam itself. (Source: I would advise taking the earliest time. That would minimize the time you have to get worried and stressed out on the day of the test. - GMAT Club Forum)
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Fresh Start: After a good night's sleep, students start the day refreshed and ready to focus. This contrasts with the potential for fatigue and reduced concentration later in the day, after a full day of classes or other activities. (Source: The researchers concluded that students perform better in the morning since they are not tired from attending class and doing school-related… - HuffPost)
Alternative Perspectives
While mornings are generally favored, some individuals may find their peak performance at a different time of day. Scheduling considerations often limit the options available. For instance, some students prefer an 11 a.m. exam time to allow for a relaxing weekend and a comfortable sleep schedule before heading to the testing center. (Source: I prefer to test at 11 am on Mondays. I have the whole weekend and can sleep in then go straight to prometric. - Reddit r/CPA)
Ultimately, the "best" time is subjective and depends on individual factors; however, the evidence overwhelmingly suggests that scheduling exams early in the day maximizes the likelihood of optimal performance.
