Test anxiety is a very common problem. It can often leave students feeling nervous, frustrated, and overwhelmed before tests or exams. The good news is that there are ways to help overcome it. Here are different tips that have been proven to work for many people when they feel anxious about exams.
Study Well Before Exams
One of the main reasons students get anxious is that they do not feel prepared for the exam. They may have studied the day or two before the test, but there are many other ways that you can prepare better, and one of these is by starting to study early.
It means starting a few weeks in advance to give your brain enough time to learn all the material without feeling too overwhelmed. Preparing early also helps you realize your weak areas and improve them.
Keep It Calm and Cool
Another way to beat exam anxiety is by staying calm and relaxed before exams start. If your mind starts racing when thinking about all the things you should have done or need to, the chances are that it will only get worse.
Allow yourself some time before the exam starts to calm your nerves. You can do this by listening to calming music or simply walking. The trick is to keep your stress levels at a minimum and focus on something else for the time being. This might not sound easy, but you'll be surprised how well it works.
Focus on What You Know
Grasping all the concepts is easier said than done. It may not always be possible to get a perfect score on tests, but there is still something that you can do to make it easier. Focus your energy on what you already know.
For instance, if you already understand the steps to creating a synthesis essay outline, you don't need to think about the complexity. The fact that you have an idea is good enough, and you can focus on putting it down on paper.
Note the Allocated Time
Before you start writing your answers, take a moment to note how much time you have. You don't want to spend too much time thinking of the perfect answers and end up running out of time, so be sure that you leave enough room for all questions.
To ensure you give adequate time for all sections, always skim through all the questions to know how much time you need to allocate for each.
Focus on Your Paper
Whether you feel the questions are difficult or not, the key is to focus on your paper and not the person next to you. Understand what each question requires. Gather what resources are given, like formulas or definitions, and use them in your answers.
For instance, you already know the basic rules of writing an expository essay. Looking at how other students are presenting their information might throw you off, especially if it seems different from your style. Besides, your proctor might suspect you're cheating and punish you.
Get to the Venue Early
Arriving early on exam day is a good idea because you will have enough time to review your notes and get a feel of the exam hall. On the contrary, arriving late can cause you to panic. If you're late enough, you also risk getting locked out of the exam hall.
To avoid this, take note of all exam dates and timings. Note them down in your diary and set reminders so that you can make it to the exam on time. Provide yourself ample time before the exam to get there. Allow at least 15 minutes for each mile and factor in the time needed to find parking or catch a bus/train.
Prepare an Exam Day Checklist
Create a checklist with all your essentials and follow it on exam day to make sure you do not forget anything like pencils, calculators, or tissues. You don't want to show up at the venue only to realize that you left something important behind.
Share Your Feelings
Having a chat about how you feel with your classmates or study buddies can be a great way to release some pressure. Perhaps you're afraid you don't know what is an analytical essay well enough. You might find it's not just you who have been feeling anxious about the topic.
Or better still, your peers who are well versed might help you understand how best to approach such a question. You can also discuss with your parents or guardians how they felt when they were in school. What helped them cope? How did their teachers help them deal with anxiety during tests and exams?
Get Enough Sleep
Exam time is not the time to stay up late or pull an all-nighter. Even if you feel you still have a lot of reading to do, get your sleep. You'll be able to read better and think more clearly with a good night's rest under your belt. Your brain needs at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep to process and store information.
To Conclude
The main thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are so many students out there who have felt this way but have come out stronger in the end. Take whatever works best for you in this list and start implementing it. Don't let anxiety take over and ruin your chances of acing your exams.
