Tips #6

Most of us feel some anxiety when we take a test. Feeling tense and fidgety is to be expected, even when we are well prepared and confident. The anxiety that we feel shows that we wish to do well; the extra adrenaline is our body's way of providing us with the energy that we need to maximize our performance. So, a little anxiety is good; however, too much stress can be harmful. When we feel PANIC when taking exams, we should seek professional help. The Counseling Center (581-3413) can suggest some techniques that will help us when our test anxiety causes panic.

Everyone reacts differently to stressful situations, so try to discover those things that you can do that will reduce your stress. I've listed some of the things that will help most people reduce their stress and maximize their test scores (adapted from "What You Need to Know About Developing Study Skills, Taking Notes & Tests, Using Dictionaries & Libraries" by Coman & Heavers).

1) Get enough sleep.
2) Eat a good meal prior to the test (eat enough to give you energy, but not so much that you feel groggy--avoid acidic food and beverages that may cause you to have an upset stomach).
3) Exercise to reduce tension and stimulate thinking.
4) Take a shower.
5) Leave yourself plenty of time to get to class.
6) While waiting to take a test, take some deep breaths or close your eyes and imagine a relaxing scene.
7) Thumb through your notes/book or review with your friends the day of the test ONLY if it helps you to build confidence.
8) Develop a positive attitude.
9) Bring a clock to the test; budget your time.
10) Choose a seat in a place where you won't be distracted.
11) Fill in the answers you know first. This helps build confidence.
12) Do not panic if you forget an answer or if others are working faster than you are.
13) Be careful about how much caffeine you are using.