6. Build endurance
TOEFL takes four hours. Most individuals have a two-hour attention span, and most university classes are at-most two hours. After two hours, the human brain gets tired. Thus, performance begins to weaken. If you only study 1-2 hours at a time, your brain will not be ready to be productive during a 4-hour exam. At least, have longer study sessions on the weekend if you only have short study sessions during the week due to your schedule. Get enough sleep before this test. You must be well-rested for the brain to function. Eat protein to have enough energy on the day of the exam.

7. Be prepared

You will be prepared and not feel anxious if you get to the test center with everything you need. Statistics show that when people are anxious, the brain is not productive. Their memory will lapse. Arrive early. Be sure you know how to arrive to the test site beforehand so you are not stressed. Bring your current ID. Bring the necessary paperwork from ETS to show your registration.

8. Time yourself

Arrive early. 30-minutes ahead of schedule should be sufficient. Wear a watch. The iBT has a clock on the screen. Yet, still wear a watch to be sure that you arrive on time. Keep tabs on your time during the test. Do not spend extra time on the harder questions. After the reading and before the listening section, no break will take place. You have a 10-minute break before the Speaking section. Since you only have a limited time to write the essays, budge your time to plan, write, and then revise.

9. Dress comfortably

On the day of the exam, dress comfortably. You will not know whether the testing site is cold or hot, so it is best to have layers of clothing. Do not put on anything tight since you have to sit in one place for hours. Wear a lucky shirt so you feel confident. If you dress for success, you will perform your best.

10. Eat well before the exam

The exam takes about four hours. That is too long to not have eaten something. Since you cannot bring food into the test room, eat well before you start the test. Eating protein is best. Caffeine and sugar are not good since you may get shaky with your blood sugar going up and down. You do not want to get tired. Drink enough water that you are well-hydrated, but not too much that you have to go to the restroom.

1. Get information at the official TOEFL website
   TOEFL’s site is www.toefl.com. It tells about testing sites and updates. If you have questions, this is the site to visit to get useful tips. It even has some free downloads such as a list of independent writing topics for question two of the writing section.
2. Know the requirements
   Non-native English students who want to apply to a specific school in the US or other English-speaking countries often need to take the TOEFL. First, learn what score the schools you are interested in require. Each section of the exam is scored out of 30. Many colleges look for higher writing scores. Test scores last for two years.
3. Know the test format
   Know the format of the Internet-based TOEFL (iBT) before you start studying. Lower exam stress by knowing what to expect beforehand. Be familiar with the format of each section on the standardized exam.
4. Practice exam simulation
   Prepare by taking practice tests. Get different books that have updated vocabulary, practice exercises, exams, audio CDs, and answers; study the sections that are the most difficult for you.
5. Get an experienced TOEFL instructor
   A student should have an expert native English teacher who has mastered TOEFL. When you study, you will encounter many issues in the book that perhaps you cannot answer yourself. If you become frustrated, you may give up. In order to avoid this, you can have someone to ask questions to. If the teacher is knowledgeable, you can get answers to your questions. If you are unable to pay for an instructor, find a student who has already taken the test. Other students can help you with tips on questions. You can practice your English with another student as well. Studying with another student is an effective learning strategy.