Test Anxiety

You’re taking a big exam, you studied hard and you know your stuff. Why let test anxiety rob you of your hard-earned marks? There are ways to take charge at test time.

Although taking tests are a normal part of getting an education, some students experience severe test anxiety, to the extent that they have a panic attack. Even though you have studied hard, your mind goes blank and you become so nervous that you can hardly read and understand the questions. Of course, as soon as the exam is over, you remember all those correct answers.

While you will probably always feel a certain amount of anxiety whenever you write a test, there are some things you can do to make the time a little less stressful. By preparing, taking care of your health, and being mentally ready, you can fight those test fears.

The best way to prepare for a test is to overstudy. Find a buddy and try thinking of the hardest questions you can to test each other with. By testing yourself and making studying into a game, the real test won’t seem nearly as threatening. If you study all semester and concentrate on what you’re learning by focusing on key words and examples and writing questions for yourself, your confidence in the subject will increase. Explaining a concept to someone else often makes you realize how much you know.

The night before the big test, make sure you eat properly, have a relaxing evening and get a good night’s sleep. Organize everything you need before you go to bed and don’t do any last minute cramming. All it will do is make you tired and overwhelmed.

Get to your test on time so you don’t give yourself any added stress and try not to discuss it too much with other students first or you will make yourself more anxious. Breath slowly and deeply and read all instructions before you start. Focus on the test, rather than allowing negative thoughts or watching the other students. If you find yourself starting to worry, distract yourself by describing the things around you. Continue to take slow, deep breaths and remind yourself how well you know the material.

Test anxiety doesn’t have to hinder any student from doing their best. By preparing and studying properly, and taking care of your physical and mental health, taking tests can become almost enjoyable.