Feeling too anxious about a test is commonly known as test anxiety. It is perfectly normal to feel some anxiety when preparing for and taking a test. In fact, a little anxiety can jump start your studying and keep you motivated. However, too much anxiety can interfere with your studying. You may have difficulty learning and remembering what you need to know for the test because you’re too scared about failing to think about anything else. Further, too much anxiety may block your performance during the test, causing you to have trouble showing how well you know the material.
You might have test anxiety if you answer YES to four or more of the following:
- I have a hard time getting started studying for a test.
- When studying for a test, I find many things that distract me.
- I expect to do poorly on a test no matter how much or how hard I study.
- When taking a test, I experience physical discomfort such as sweaty palms, an upset stomach, a headache, difficulty breathing, and tension in my muscles.
- When taking a test, I find it difficult to understand the directions and questions.
- When taking a test, I have difficulty organizing my thoughts.
- When taking a test, I often “draw a blank.”
- When taking a test, I find my mind wandering to other things.
- I usually score lower on a test than I do on assignments and papers.
- After a test, I remember information I couldn’t recall during the test.
Great… now what?? Here are some things you can do before, during, and after a test to reduce your test anxiety.
- Use good study techniques to gain an understanding of the material that will be covered on the test. Figure out how the different pieces of the material connect so that it makes better sense. This type of mastery will help you to approach the test with confidence rather than have excessive anxiety.
- Maintain a positive attitude as you study. Think about passing, not failing. A test is an opportunity to show how much you have learned, and most teachers design tests to make sure you adequately understand the material. Trickery usually isn’t on the menu.
- Go into the test well rested and well fed. If it is a morning test, be sure to get enough sleep the night before. If it’s in the afternoon, try to eat a light and nutritious meal before the test. Heavy foods tend to make people tired. If possible, stash an emergency candy bar in your bookbag in case you need a quick pick-me-up.
- Stay relaxed during the test. Taking slow, deep breaths can help. Focus on positive self-statements such as “I know this” and “I can do this.”
- Don’t worry about other students finishing the test before you do. Take the time that you need to do your best. It is more important to do your best than to keep up with the crowd.
- Look over your work before you hand it in so that you can fix any careless mistakes that may lower your grade.
- Once you finish the test and hand it in, forget about it temporarily. There is nothing more you can do until the graded test is returned to you. Turn your attention and effort to new assignments and tests.
- When the graded test is returned to you, analyze it to see how you could have done better. Learn from your mistakes and from what you did well. Apply this knowledge when you take the next test.
Don’t let your fears about a test negatively effect your performance. Confidence in yourself and your abilities is the key to being a successful test taker.
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