Say no to drugs, Yes to eating right

Using drugs to prepare for a big test is not a good idea. Don't take uppers to stay alert. Amphetamines make it hard to retain information. Mild stimulants, such as coffee, cola, or over-the-counter caffeine pills can help you study longer because they keep you awake, but they can also lead to agitation, restlessness, and insomnia.

To reduce stress, eat fruits and vegetables (raw is best, or just lightly steamed or nuked), low-fat protein such as fish, skinless poultry, beans, and legumes (like lentils), and whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat bread, and pasta (no bleached flour).

Don't eat sweet, high-fat snacks. Simple carbohydrates like sugar make stress worse, and fatty foods lower your immunity. Don't eat salty foods either. They can deplete potassium, which you need for nerve functions. You can go back to your Combos-and-Dew diet after the SAT.