Finals week is always a stressful time for everyone, but for those with test anxiety, it can be the worst week of the year. There are some steps that those with test anxiety can take to minimize the amount of anxiety that they feel before and during tests. As someone with test anxiety, these tips are what help me to push my anxiety to the back of my mind and focus on the task at hand.
The first way to cope is to be prepared to the best of your ability. Start studying at least a week in advance. If you know that you are prepared for the exam, you will be less likely to be anxious during the test. Know the information inside and out. Even make time to meet with your professors and ask them if there is more that you should be studying. Ask them for the format of the exam so you will know how to study. Prepare as best as you can.
The week before the exam, make sure to get plenty of sleep. A lack of sleep can make anxiety worse, and will in turn you will not do well on the exam. With plenty of sleep, your brain also retains information faster and for a longer amount of time. Make sure to get a good night’s sleep especially the night before the exam. Having test anxiety sucks, but having test and anxiety and being tired sucks even more.
Pack your backpack the night before the exam. Make sure you have everything that you may need to take the exam. Make sure you have at least two No. 2 pencils, 2 mechanical pencils, and multiple pens. If you are responsible for bringing your own blue book, pack that as well. Pack a water bottle too! Double check your bag, be sure that you have everything, and then it will be ready to go.
Once you are in the classroom and taking the exam, there are certain things you should do before you start testing. Look at the clock, this way you can keep track of how much time you have left to take the exam. Before answering any questions, read all of the directions twice. Make sure you don’t miss anything important. After this, read through all of the exam questions. This guarantees that there will be no material that you are surprised by. Plan which questions are going to take you the longest and if you can, do those first. Watch the clock and pace yourself. Before you start, take a deep breath. Remind yourself that you have spent time and energy preparing for this. Tell yourself that you know the information on the exam, even if you feel like you don’t. A positive mindset is everything.
To me, the most important thing during the exam is this: Do not pay attention to what any of the other students are doing. It doesn’t matter whether or not the person next to you is farther into the test than you are. It doesn’t matter if they are behind you. Go at your own pace. Everybody tests differently, and it is important not to distract yourself by comparing yourself to what others are doing.
As someone with test anxiety, I know these things won’t take the anxiety away completely, but they do help to make sure that you can do your best when exam day comes around. These steps help to reassure you that you have done everything in your power to succeed.
To all those with test anxiety: You will be okay. You will do just fine on your exams. And if you don’t, it isn’t the end of the world. You’ve got this. Good Luck.