Testing Anxiety

What is Test Anxiety?

Any uneasiness, tension, apprehension, or feelings of worry or fear associated with the three phases of the learning-testing cycle:
- Test preparation
- Test performance
- Test reflection
Most people believe test anxiety only occurs during the test-taking event
However, it is very common to experience similar anxiety prior to and for hours or even says after a test

Overcoming Testing Anxiety

Be Prepared. Yes, this seems obvious, but it bears repeating. if you feel confident that you've prepped thoroughly, you'll feel more confident walking into the test.

Have a Positive Mental Attitude. Bring a picture of your happy place or come up with a morale-boosting mantra like "I can do this" or "I worked hard and deserve this." Peek at your picture or recite your mantra, right before the test begins.

Get to Class - or the Testing Site EARLY. Feeling rushed will only amp up the anxiety. Pack everything you need for the exam the night before and set the alarm, so you can get out the door on time.

Don't Pay Attention to What Other People Are Doing. Everyone else is scribbling away? What do they know that you don't? It doesn't matter. Pay attention to your own test and pace, and forget about the other students in the room.

Just Start. The blank page can maximize your anxiety. After you've read the directions, dive right in by making an outline for an essay answer. Or, find some questions you can ace to build up your confidence and momentum. You can always go back and change things later if needed, but a few quick answers can get the ball rolling.

Focus on Calm Breathing and Positive Thoughts. Deep breathing can slow down a beating heart or a racing mind, so practice these techniques at home. The very act of concentrating on breathing and thinking can biometrically alter those anxious feelings.

Sometimes just remembering that some test-taking anxiety is a normal part of school can help make it easier to handle. If you need a confidence boost, try a session with an online tutor.

Top 10 Tips for Reducing Test Anxiety

Reduce Study Materials to: outlines, note cards, or a few key study pages.
Over-Learn the Material
Learn Relaxation Techniques Such As: deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, positive self-talk.
Do a Quick Review just before bed to let your subconscious aid in long-term memory
Get to the Classroom Early so you can sit where you want (if you can). Avoid people who add to your stress
Look Over the Questions to Familiarize Yourself with the Test. Underline key words or phrases in the test directions.
Budget Your Time to finish the test.
If You Get Stuck or Start Feeling Anxious, Take a Mini-Break to Refresh Yourself: get a drink of water or stretch.
Don't Panic When You Don't Know an Answer. Eliminate options you know are incorrect and then make an educated guess.
If You Have Time, Review Your Answers. Don't change an answer unless you are sure your second answer is correct.
Use Positive Self-Talk and Have a Positive Attitude Toward the Test. Reward yourself after the test for completing it and don't dwell on potential mistakes.