Test Anxiety
Test anxiety is an issue that many students face at one time or another. It is important to learn to recognize test anxiety and learn how to deal with the anxiety more effectively. Anxiety is a normal human feeling that is part of life, and can often serve as a form of adrenaline (e.g., butterflies before making a speech or performing on stage). The anxiety can help by providing alertness and readiness; however, excessive anxiety can result in stress and hinder an individual’s performance. When “situational anxiety” (e.g. Test Anxiety) occurs, it may cause physical distress, emotional upset, and concentration difficulties. If test taking anxiety persists & becomes problematic, seek assistance from the school counselor or other professional resources available on campus.
· Fear of failing before arriving to take the exam.
· Feeling tension as exam is being passed out.
· Physical symptoms: increased heart rate, shortness of breath, perspiring, dry mouth, muscle tension, and etc.
· Negative thinking such as: I’m going to fail, I am dumb, and I shouldn’t even bother taking the exam.
· “Blanking out” on information that you studied.
· Recalling information upon leaving the class room or a short period later, that you “blanked out on” during the exam.
· Frustrated with your grade on the exam because you know you were well prepared.
· Prepare for the exam ahead of time. “Cramming” is a big culprit of test anxiety.
· Get plenty of rest and sleep the night before the exam.
· Don’t forget to eat the day of the exam, preferably something nutritious.
· Avoid arriving too early or late to the exam.
· Avoid listening to others or discussing the exam with others, while you’re waiting for the exam. The anxiety of others can "rub off” and suddenly you begin to doubt yourself.
· During the test, don’t forget to breathe! Take deep breaths to help you relax.
· While you are taking deep breaths, replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts. Use statements such as “this is only one test,” “I am familiar with this material,” “I have the ability to do this,” “this test does not reflect on my intelligence,” etc.
· Tense and relax different muscle groups to help reduce body tension. Change body position.
· Work on the easiest portions of the test first. Don’t get bogged down and worry about questions you don’t know; move on to the next question. The answer may come to you or you may get clues from other exam questions.
· Don’t rush through the test, but work at a comfortable pace and don’t worry about how far along classmates are on the test.
· Reward yourself when you are finished with the exam. Do not dwell on your mistakes.