A christmas miracle!!! With 4 hours of sleep (due to programming homework), virtually no study (not recommended) and a cold, I was able to Ace the Excelsior College Writing Exam.

Key Factors
1. Understanding what the question requires you to write.
2. Do not try to go beyond your grammer and spelling capability.
3. Be mindful of the time, but don't let it freak you out.
4. Hit each point that they want you to respond to.
5. If your testing center has them, use ear plugs. Helped me concentrate.