Studying is just one of the things you can do to get good grades. Here are some scientifically proven ways to ace your tests.

Step 1: Go to bed early

Go to bed early the night before. Sleeping only six hours instead of eight increases levels of the stress hormone cortisol by 50%, and sleep- deprived people score 30% lower on memory tests.

Step 2: Eat breakfast

Don’t skip the corn flakes. Students who eat breakfast score higher on tests and report less test-related anxiety. Best bets? Eggs for brain-boosting choline, and oatmeal for a calming increase in serotonin levels.

Step 3: Visualize success

Imagine acing the test. Sounds crazy, but visualizing success, like a term paper marked “A,” stimulates the alpha waves associated with relaxation, making you less likely to choke during the exam.

Step 4: Chew gum

Pop a stick of gum. In one British study, the act of chewing was found to activate the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for memory, improving recall by 35%.

Step 5: Use acupressure

Use this acupressure trick: Press the spot on your wrist about two thumb widths down from the base of the palm. Acupuncturists believe this signals the heart to slow to a more soothing rhythm.

Step 6: Drink water

Bring a bottle of water with you to the test. Even the slightest dip in hydration levels can lead to stress, memory loss, and a drop in mental functioning.

Step 7: Take deep breaths

If you feel anxious during the test, take a deep breath. Breathe into your belly, not your chest; count to 10 as you inhale and 10 as you exhale. This helps you focus and lowers stress hormones in seconds.