While every institution weighs college entrance exam scores a little bit differently, one thing is certain: doing well can only boost your application to the school of your choice. That’s why you don’t want to leave anything to chance on the day of your test. Pack these items the night before so you can grab extra sleep in the morning:

1. An extra layer: There is nothing more distracting than being hot or cold. Remember, you’ll be sitting still in the test site for a long time, so you want to make sure you’re prepared. Dress in layers so you can stay comfortable, no matter what temperature the room is.

2. A snack and water bottle: Bring a snack and a water bottle so you can stay focused on the test questions, not a growling stomach. The college entrance exam is a marathon, not a sprint, so opt for brain-healthy snacks that will keep you fueled to think straight for hours, such as nuts, dark chocolate or berries, and avoid options that will make you sluggish or cause your blood sugar to spike and crash.

3. A calculator: Ace the math portion of the exam with a calculator you can count on. The fx-9750GIII graphing calculator from Casio, for example, is approved for the SAT, PSAT, ACT and AP tests, and features an intuitive icon menu, making it incredibly easy to use, even when your work is being timed. With hundreds of hours of battery life, it’s a reliable choice for a long day of testing.

4. Writing utensils: While some college entrance exams are now being administered digitally, you’ll still want to make sure you’re equipped with several pens or freshly sharpened pencils for scratch work. And if you are taking the test on paper, be sure to bring No. 2 pencils with erasers.

5. A testing device: If you’ll be taking the test digitally, bring a fully charged, approved testing device and charger. The device should also have any needed testing software already installed.

6. Your identification and test ticket: Most exams require you to bring an admissions ticket and photo identification. For a smooth test day, don’t leave these items at home.

Tests like the ACT and SAT are important pieces of the college admissions puzzle. Being prepared for test day with all the items you need can help you stay focused and perform your best.

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