Test Anxiety

Test Anxiety is when a student excessively worries about doing well on a test.  This can become a major barrier to performing well on tests and cause extreme nervousness.

The following is a list of tips and strategies that can be useful in reducing test anxiety:

• Being well prepared for the test.  This is the best way to reduce test anxiety.

• Space out studying over several days before the test and continually review class material.  Don't cram only the night before.

• Keep a positive attitude while preparing for the test and while taking the test.

• Exercising regularly helps reduce stress.

• Get a good night's sleep before the test.

• Make sure you arrive to class early.  This allows you to not worry about being late and allows you to ask any questions before the test for clarification.

• Chew gum (if allowed) during the test.

• Stay relaxed.  If you start to get nervous, take a few deep breaths to relieve the tension.

• Read the directions slowly and carefully.  If you don't understand the directions or something on the test, ask the teacher to explain it to you.

• Skim through the test so you can figure out how best to pace yourself.

• Write down important formulas, facts, definitions, keywords in the margin first so you won't forget them.

• Do the simple questions first to help build up your confidence for the harder questions.

• Don't worry about how fast other people finish the test, concentrate on your own test.

• If you don't know the answer to a question, skip it and come back to it later.  Sometimes a question later in the test will help you answer the one you skipped.  Remember that you don't have to get every question correct to still do well on the test.

• Don't let your mind wander.

**Adapted from www.testtakingtips.com.