What To Bring To An Exam
A writing instrument.
Try pencils, pens, crayons, or even spray paint cans, but avoid anything which can't be erased quickly. Ignore this condition if you are a crosser-outer.
A calculator.
A simple four function (yes, they still make them) device is fine, although nothing feels quite as good as an TI-85 in the palm. Maybe bring two.
Back-up power for the calculator.
Items like spare Duracels or even portable electric generators work well.
Crib Sheet.
This can be loosely identified as notes for an "open book" test, but we advise against carrying into a test any textbook unless the course is Assembler, in which case the description of the entire IBM 360/70 instruction set might be slightly useful. If it's for a course like Physics I, bring a magnifying glass so you can read what you microprinted the night before.
A Picture of an Authoritative Intellectual.
A personal favorite is one of Albert Einstein, but a good profile of Max Planck will do wonders to confuse the TA's minds. The photo is basically a simple method to ensure that a great mind is overlooking your exam.
Stuffed Animal.
Nothing soothes the savage test-taker like a warm fuzzie. Your friendly bear, penguin or tribble will work well.
Nourishment.
Brain food aside, a cold pop and munchies help take your mind off of test-death. Long-lasting lollipops work very well and don't disturb your fellow sufferers.
Small Portable TA.
This works best on tests that are open book, and the instructor has foolishly acknowledged that "anything you can carry into the test, you can use." A real fight starter. After all, your peers will all want to borrow your TA.
Some Idea of How to Answer the Questions.
This one seems almost too obvious, but it is often overlooked as being too difficult, since it requires going to class, studying, doing the homework, etc. And ALWAYS make sure you know exactly what course the exam is for -- studying Physics for a Calculus test renders much of the knowledge you accumulated the night before useless.