I settled into my philosophy of test-taking a while ago at the Academy. While some people would stay up all night studying before a big test, I never did. It might have been out of laziness, but I always said “Well, if I don’t know if by now then I don’t know it.” A quick review and a good night’s sleep always outweighed a night of cramming.
I wasn’t able to put it into words until recently after my first checkride. Of the 6 students so far to midphase check (the first flying test out of four, each worth as much as all our academics tests combined), only three passed. The three other’s “hooked” (failed) and have to repeat the portions they failed, or in some cases the entire flight. Given this, and being only the fourth person to go, I couldn’t force myself to study. Instead, I got my necessary pubs and paperwork together and took a nap.
Ultimately, cramming and worrying doesn’t do you any good. You can’t get pumped up for the big game and bank on the performance of a lifetime. Ultimately, when the puck drops your instincts take over and you have no more control over your performance than that. Your instincts are conditioned long before the game. I’ve found this to be the same for hockey, tests, skydiving, and especially flying. When the time comes, it’s your conditioning and habit patterns that show through. Last minute prep is ultimately a waste of energy and a leaves you more prone to mistakes.
Briefly review what you need to do, then go relax and don’t think about it. It keeps your nerves calm and focused. Always works for me, anyways.
Don’t forget the Six S’s of Checkride Preparation.
You start this boldface the night before your checkride. This is the correct order to execute:
Steak, suds, sex, sleep, shave, and study (if you have time left over).