So the Big Day has finally come. How can you maximize your chances of doing well? Here are some basic do’s and don’ts.

1. Double-check your paperwork. Do you have your driver’s license or another signed photo ID? And do you have your orange scheduling permit? Don’t leave home without it!
2. Leave your gizmos behind. The USMLE Bulletin of Information has a long list of electronic gadgets that you can’t bring with you into the testing area. These include cell phones, calculators, pagers, PDAs, radios, recording devices, and, as of the 2008 Bulletin, watches of any kind (both digital and analog). Other items you’ll have to live without - or store in a designated locker or cubicle - include books, notes, scratch paper, and, as of the latest Bulletin, earplugs.
3. Bundle up. Although you can’t bring outerwear such as coats and jackets into the testing area, you should wear warm, comfortable clothing to accommodate variable temperatures at the test site.
4. Show up early. Try to make sure you arrive at your designated testing center about 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you get there any earlier than that, you’ll run the risk of stressing out. Whatever you do, however, don’t get to the testing center late, as you will likely have to reschedule.
5. Chill out! Bearing in mind how hard you’ve worked to prepare for this test, focus on being mentally alert. Focus and avoid panic.