Test Anxiety

Do tests and projects stress you out?

If so, you are normal!!!

Anxiety is a normal emotional reaction and can be helpful. 

Anxiety helps by

□  Increasing our adrenaline

□  Sharpening our actions and thoughts

We need a little anxiety to get us going. If we had no feelings of anxiety, we wouldn't care and we wouldn't get anything done.

Anxiety becomes a problem when it gets in the way of our goals and prevents us from doing our best.

Before the Test or Due Date

• Discuss the test or assignment content with the instructor. “What will the test cover?”   “What information do I need to cover in the paper?”
• Discuss the test or assignment type with the instructor: essay, multiple choice, true/false, 1-page review, 10 page research paper, etc.  Study and plan accordingly.
  • Spread the test review or project work over time rather than cramming.   
• Remember to review text, notes, and homework problems.
• Use 3x5 cards for learning specific concepts or formulas.
• Take a practice test under exam-like conditions.
• Have instructor or writing lab read over drafts.
• Form a study or project group or have a friend assist you.
• Plan your study strategy.
  • Break down larger tasks into smaller ones.
  • Focus on specific topics during each study session.
  • Document study strategy on a calendar.
• Develop a study routine.
  • Organize your time and stick closely to it. When you are to study, study.
  • Study for no longer than one-hour segments
  • Schedule breaks for 10 to 15 minutes.  When you schedule yourself to have fun and relax, do it!
  • Use a timer if needed.
• Limit distractions.  Make your study setting conducive to studying.
• Get sufficient rest the night prior to the test.

The Day of the Test

• Relax.  Don't study immediately prior to the test.
• Get to class about 5 minutes early and relax before the test is given out; arriving TOO early may cause anxiety.
• Organize test materials.  For example: make sure you have 2 sharpened pencils with good erasers, put your calculator on your desk, etc.
• Sit where you are most comfortable.
• Avoid anxious people who might cause you to doubt your knowledge.   

During the Test

• When you receive the test look it over, read the directions twice, and then organize your time efficiently.
• Don't rush through the test, but work at a comfortable pace.  Don't worry about how far along classmates are on the test.
• If needed, take a break for a few minutes. For example: get a drink, sharpen a pencil, eat a snack, ask a question, chew gum, etc.
• Focus on easier questions and then come back to the harder ones.
• Focus on what you know and not on what you don’t know.
• Go with your gut instinct or first choice answer if you are unsure.

After the Test

·         Treat yourself and relax.

Websites on Test Anxiety

Test Anxiety information form Campus Blues

http://www.campusblues.com/test.asp

 Test anxiety information from the University of Florida Counseling Center

http://www.counsel.ufl.edu/selfHelp/testAnxiety.asp

 Test anxiety information from the University of Illinois Counseling Center

http://www.couns.uiuc.edu/Brochures/testanx.htm

 Managing test anxiety from the University of Western Ontario

http://www.sdc.uwo.ca/learning/mcanx.html

 Test anxiety information from the University of Buffalo Counseling Center

http://ub-counseling.buffalo.edu/stresstestanxiety.shtml

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Last modified by webmaster@ncwc.edu on 05/09/07
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