Test anxiety can shut us down before we even begin. At least, it can if we’re not using these 12 tips to overcome.
It’s normal to feel some nerves before a big test, but for some students, those nerves can turn into full-blown anxiety. If you’re someone who gets anxious before exams, don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Students from all walks of life have dealt with test tremors for decades, and they’ve devised some helpful ways to overcome them. This article will look at 12 tips to help you deal with test anxiety and ace your next exam.
1. Get enough sleep
This one should be a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating. Getting a good night’s sleep before a test will help you feel more rested and less stressed. Aim for 8 hours of sleep the night before an exam.
2. Eat breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason. Eating breakfast will give you sustained energy and help you focus on the task at hand. Avoid sugary cereals and opt for something with protein and healthy fats instead.
3. Review your notes
There are a lot of different note-taking strategies out there, and it can be tough to know which one will work best for you. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Here are a few of the best note-taking strategies to help you ace your next exam.
One of the most important things to do when taking notes is to be concise. Try to only write down the most important information and leave out any unnecessary details. This will help you save time and keep your notes focused on what’s important.
It’s also a good idea to use abbreviations and symbols to represent concepts or ideas. This way, you can quickly jot down your thoughts without having to write out entire sentences. Another helpful tip is to create an outline of your notes before you start writing.
This will give you a roadmap to follow and help you organize your thoughts. Finally, make sure to review your notes regularly. This will help solidify the information in your mind and ensure that you’re prepared come test day.
With these note-taking strategies, you’ll be well on your way to acing your next exam. So don’t stress – just take some time to find a method that works best for you and stick with it. With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.
4. Take breaks
If you’re studying for an exam and start to feel overwhelmed, take a break! Go for a walk, listen to music, or watch a funny video. Taking breaks will help you relax and come back to studying feeling refreshed and ready to go.
5. Breath
When taking the exam, remember to breathe! Taking slow, deep breaths will help calm your nerves and allow you to focus on the questions at hand.
6. Positive self-talk
It’s no secret that taking tests can be stressful. But if you want to get the best grades possible, it’s important to learn how to manage your anxiety and focus on the task at hand. One of the best ways to do this is through positive self-talk.
This involves speaking to yourself in a supportive and encouraging way, rather than dwelling on negative thoughts. For example, instead of thinking “I’m going to fail this test,” try telling yourself “I can do this.”
Studies have shown that positive self-talk can improve performance on everything from athletic events to cognitive tasks like taking exams. So the next time you’re feeling stressed about a test, take a deep breath and give yourself a pep talk – you might be surprised at how well it works. Who knows, you might even end up getting one of the highest grades in the class!
7. Visualize yourself succeeding
There are a lot of things that go into getting good grades on college exams. Of course, studying hard and attending class are important. But did you know that how you visualize yourself taking the exam can also play a role in your success?
That’s right – what you see in your mind’s eye can actually impact your performance. So if you’re looking to up your game come test time, try using some of these visualization strategies.
One of the best ways to visualize success is to imagine yourself as already having achieved it. See yourself walking into the exam confidently and nailing all of the questions. Really picture how proud and satisfied you’ll feel when you walk out of the testing center with a great score.
This type of visualization can help increase your motivation and give you the boost you need to do well. Another helpful strategy is to think about a time when you’ve aced something similar in the past.
Picture how it felt to succeed in that situation and use that positive emotion to fuel your performance on the upcoming exam. If you can’t think of a specific example, simply envision yourself being calm, cool, and collected during the test. This visualization can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can hinder your performance.
If you’re looking to improve your grades come exam time, try using some visualization strategies. By picturing yourself as already successful or recalling past successes, you can tap into a powerful reserve of motivation.
And by thinking about how you want to feel during the test, you can help reduce stress and anxiety. So give it a try – it just might help you ace that next exam!
8. Make a study plan and stick to it
When it comes to studying, everyone has their own methods and preferences. Some people like to study in short bursts throughout the day, while others prefer to buckle down for a few hours at a time. There is no right or wrong way to study, but there are some general tips that can help you make a study plan and stick to it.
One of the most important things to do when making a study plan is to be realistic about how much time you can realistically dedicate to studying. If you try to cram too much into your schedule, you’ll quickly become overwhelmed and discouraged. Start by setting aside a few hours each week that you can dedicate to studying. You can always increase the amount of time you’re studying as you get used to your new routine.
Another important tip is to create a dedicated study space. This can be anywhere in your home where you feel comfortable working, but it should be separate from places where you relax or enjoy leisure activities. This will help train your brain to associate your study space with focus and concentration. Make sure your study space is well-lit and well-organized, and stocked with any supplies you might need, such as pens, paper, and highlighters.
Once you have a plan in place, the next step is to stick to it. This can be difficult, especially if other obligations start to interfere with your study time. But if you can stick to your schedule and make studying a priority, you’ll find that it gets easier over time. And eventually, it will become a habit that feels natural and effortless. With a little bit of planning and dedication, you can create a study routine that works for you and helps you make the most of your time.
9. Practice, practice, practice
When it comes to testing anxiety, practice makes perfect. Or at the very least, it can help you feel more prepared and confident come test day. That’s because when you take practice tests, you get a chance to experience what the test will be like under real testing conditions.
This can help you identify any areas where you need to focus your studying and also help reduce any test-taking jitters come exam time. Of course, simply taking a practice test isn’t enough – you also need to make sure you’re simulating actual testing conditions as much as possible.
This means timed tests under similar distraction levels as what you’ll encounter on the day of the big exam. For some people, this might mean studying in a quiet room by themselves. Others might find it helpful to study with some background noise, such as study music or white noise.
And if you can, try to take your practice tests on the same type of computer or device that you’ll be using on the actual test. This will help you get comfortable with the format and navigation of the test so there are no surprises come test day.
By taking practice tests under realistic conditions, you can help ease your mind come test day and boost your confidence that you’ll do well. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to study so you’re fully prepared for the real thing.
And don’t forget – even if things don’t go exactly as planned on test day, remember that it’s just one measure of your ability and not worth stressing over in the long run.
10. Find a study buddy
Test anxiety can be a real drag on your grades. If you’re the type who gets tense and nervous when taking exams, you might benefit from having a study buddy.
A study buddy can help you stay calm and focused during tests by providing moral support and encouragement. They can also help you review material before the exam.
Having someone to discuss the material with can help you better understand and remember the information. So if test anxiety is getting in the way of your grades, consider finding a study buddy to help you out.
11. Take mini-breaks throughout the day
When you’re feeling stressed about an upcoming test, it can be helpful to take some mini-breaks throughout the day. Taking a few minutes to relax and clear your mind can help you feel more prepared and confident when it’s time to take the test.
Maybe you could set a timer for 10 minutes and do something you enjoy, like reading or listening to music. Or maybe you could take a few deep breaths and focus on positive thoughts.
Whatever you do, just make sure you’re taking some time for yourself so you can go into the test feeling calm and ready to do your best.
12. Reward yourself after the test
It’s test day. You’ve been studying for weeks and you’re feeling pretty confident. But as soon as you sit down and start the exam, your heart starts pounding and your mind goes blank. Sound familiar?
As we’ve pointed out, test anxiety is a real thing, and it can be tough to overcome. But there are things you can do to ease your anxiousness and help you do your best. One of the most fun is rewarding yourself before and after the test.
Planning a special treat for yourself after the test is a great way to stay motivated during the exam. It can be something small, like going out for ice cream or taking a long nap.
Or it could be something bigger, like going on a trip or buying yourself a new toy. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you really want – that way, you’ll have something to look forward to when the exam gets tough.
And don’t forget to treat yourself before the test, too. A little pre-exam pampering can go a long way toward boosting your confidence and helping you relax. So go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back – you deserve it!
Test Anxiety Is One of the Biggest Obstacles Undergraduates Will Face
Dealing with test anxiety can be tough, but it’s not impossible. By following the 12 tips listed above, you’ll be on your way to feeling more confident and prepared come exam time. So don’t sweat it—you got this! Now it’s your turn.
What are some tactics you’ve used for alleviating test anxiety? What makes it easier or more difficult? Share your experiences with us in the comments section below.
Aric Mitchell's work appears regularly here at 4tests.com and across the web for sites, such as The Inquisitr and Life'd. A former high school teacher, his passion for education has only intensified since leaving the classroom. At 4tests, he hopes to continue passing along words of encouragement and study tips to ensure you leave school ready to face an ever-changing world.
