Whether you’re studying for the SATs, APs, your final exams, or a big history test, it’s easy to let test-taking stress get under your skin. But it’s important to learn how to effectively combat test-taking stress before you get to college, when exams often count for more than 50% of your grade! Here’s how collegiettes™ deal with it – steal their strategies so you can rock your exams now and when you get to campus.
Study Early and Often
Mark the test date on your calendar as soon as your teacher schedules it. From there, split up your study time over several days to give yourself enough time to master and reinforce the information. There’s nothing worse than cramming the night before a huge test, so plan out your time efficiently!
“I start studying early on, so the week before is more like a review and less like a frantic dash to learn tons of information.” – Nikki Fig, Her Campus Editorial Intern and Branch Manager, Emerson College ’11
“STUDY! If I know I have worked hard and put in the time to learn the information, I don’t stress out on the day of the test.” – Kelsey Cummings, Her Campus Publicist, West Virginia University ’12
“I make sure to look over notes after taking them and study a week before the test. I try not to study too much the night before or stay up too late because that makes me blank out during the exam.” – Omairys Rodriguez, Her Campus Le Moyne Campus Correspondent, Le Moyne College ’12
Know What to Expect
What information is the teacher expecting you to know? How long will the test be? What will the format be? Studying up on your teacher’s expectations can almost be as helpful as reviewing the actual test material so you’re not greeted with an in-class essay on test day when you were expecting multiple choice.
“Going into my first few tests as a college student, I had no idea what to expect. To prepare, I combined studying on my own with group study sessions, and I made sure to attend any review sessions held by the professors or TAs so I could learn a little more about the expectations.” – Meagan Templeton-Lynch, former Her Campus Contributing Writer, Colorado State University ’12
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Find a Study Method That Works For You
Do you learn best when studying by yourself or with a group of friends? Do you like to practice writing out sample essays or do you prefer to drill with flashcards? Make the most of your study time by finding a method that works best for you.
“When I study, I make outlines of class notes and readings. I outline it once in my notebook, and then again on computer paper. Then I go through and highlight key ideas and terms. I usually study on my own, but if there is someone else who is focused and serious, I am all for studying in small groups. I usually rule out studying with friends because I am way to tempted to joke around, procrastinate or talk about the weekend.” – Alexa Rozzi, Her Campus TCNJ Campus Correspondent, The College of New Jersey ’13
“I like to read and highlight all of my notes first, then get together with a friend in the same class and talk it out. Saying it out loud really helps me, but only after I’ve reviewed the material first! After that I like to go online and take practice quizzes!” – Alexa Johnson, JMU, Campus Correspondent
“It depends on what I’m studying for, but generally, I like to begin my studying alone so I can put together a study guide and get a good overall idea of what’s going to be on the test. If I manage to do this in time, then I like studying with groups once I have a decent grasp of the material. Talking through concepts and coming up with silly pneumonic devices in a group study session is SO helpful!” – Laura Hoxworth, UNC-Chapel Hill, senior, Contributing Writer
“Writing things down really helps me retain information. Depending on the subject, I either use note cards or look at my notes and rewrite what I think is most important.” – Laura Baugh, Virginia Tech Campus Correspondent
Take Breaks
Unless you’re Superwoman, you probably can’t read notes on 12 chapters of your chemistry textbook in one sitting. After a certain point, you’ll find it tough to actually absorb any information. Stay alert and on-task by taking breaks every once in a while. (If you’re too busy to take actual study breaks, try alternating between tasks that use different parts of your brain – like going over history notes and doing problem sets for math – to maximize your study time.)
“When I’m studying for a test, I work out a reward system for myself to stay positive. I’ll study for a set amount of time and then after that, I do something that I like. I’m addicted to Desperate Housewives, so I watch an episode after every study session. It helps keep me going.” – Rachel Petersen, Her Campus James Madison Campus Correspondent, James Madison University ’11
“I study in 20-minute increments and take breaks in between to keep my cool.” – Stephanie Musat, Her Campus Kean Campus Correspondent, Kean University ’11
Relax
Stressing out on the day of the test doesn’t do you any favors, so try to relax! Figure out what puts you at ease, whether that means wearing a no-fuss, comfortable outfit or snacking on your favorite foods.
“When I had tests in high school, I always wore a comfy outfit (usually a velour jumpsuit, but I don’t think those are fashionable any more!) and wore my hair in a ponytail so it didn’t get in my face.” – Nikki Fig, Her Campus Editorial Intern and Branch Manager, Emerson College ’11
“I have learned to be much more positive about test-taking. I used to go in thinking I was going to fail and basically pulled my hair out at the thought of a B. Now, I study all I can – study guides and flashcards really help me – and go into the test knowing that I will perform to the best of my ability.” – Caroline Bagby, Her Campus UMass Campus Correspondent, ’11
“I always try to put it into perspective – it’s just one test, and usually that relaxes me.” – Allie Duncan, Her Campus Contributing Writer, University of Missouri ’13
“I eat almonds! For some weird reason, they makes me feel way more relaxed and prepared.” – Krista Evans, Her Campus Simmons Campus Correspondent, Simmons College ’12
Have your own stress-busting tips for taking tests? Share with us by leaving a comment!