Sitting down in front of a test can be nerve-racking for anyone. Even when you are prepared, it is easy to become nervous because you don’t know exactly what will be asked, and you want to do your best. Here are a few strategies that can help you tackle exams with more confidence and improve your performance.
Stay Calm
The more anxious you feel, the harder it can be to concentrate and recall information. Start by taking a few deep breaths to slow your heart rate and reduce any tension you feel. Recite some positive affirmations to get yourself into a better frame of mind and overpower your worries. Remind yourself that you are prepared, and the only thing left to do is try your best. This test score is only one of many grades you have for the class.
Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Instead of staying up late doing last minute cramming, go to bed on time (or even early) so you are well rested. This is where planning ahead and studying in the days leading up to the test comes into play. If you are exhausted before the test, you won’t be thinking clearly because your mind is in a fog. Getting adequate sleep can help you feel more energized and alert.
Eat a Nutritious Breakfast
The last thing you want to be thinking about during the exam is your stomach growling or a headache forming because you are hungry. Wake up in time to eat a healthy breakfast that will keep you feeling full and won’t cause your blood sugar to crash later on. Complex carbohydrates break down more slowly to provide you with energy. Try having oatmeal, whole grain cereal, eggs, or yogurt, along with fresh fruit. Don’t forget to stay hydrated, too.
Pace Yourself
Look over the test before you get started to see how many and what types of questions there are. Multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank questions are usually faster to work through than short-answer or essays. Do the easiest problems first to get them out of the way. If you get stuck, move on and come back later instead of wasting valuable time. Pay attention to the clock, but don’t obsess over how much time you have left.
Focus on Your Own Work
Ignore everyone else around you and go at your own pace. Don’t worry if other students are working more quickly or slowly because that doesn’t affect you and can make you feel more anxious. Take a deep breath and concentrate on your work and demonstrating what you know.
Check Your Answers
If you finish the test and there is still time left, go back and check your work. Make sure that you answered every question, especially if there were any that had multiple parts. Double-check your math to try to catch any mistakes in operations that may lead to an incorrect answer. Reread any essay prompts to verify that you stayed on topic and provided the information that was asked for.
Then turn in your test. Remember that your first instincts are usually right, so don’t second-guess every answer and stress yourself out. You studied, you did your best, and that is all that you can do.
Does test anxiety still get the best of you? Do you have trouble with studying effectively and figuring out the best approach to answering exam questions? Turn to Crafting Scholars. Our learning specialists can create a customized plan aligned with your needs and goals to help you maximize your potential. Contact us today to learn more and reserve your spot!