What is test anxiety?
Test anxiety applies to students who have mastered test material through studying
but become irrationally anxious during tests with feeling of panic, a rapid
heart beat or upset stomach. This irrational anxiety can lead to poor test
performance caused by the inability to recall learned material, and/or difficulty
organizing thoughts or comprehending test questions.
What can
I do about it?
There are several things you can do to reduce or prevent test anxiety before
the day of the exam, on the day of the exam, and during the exam.
Before
the test.
- Learn and practice some simple relaxation techniques such as deep breathing
or breath control.
- Don’t procrastinate; prepare several days in advance. Ask yourself
what questions may be asked and try to answer them.
- Work on improving your “test-taking attitude” (avoid thinking
of yourself in irrational, all-or-nothing terms; set up a post-test treat/reward
for yourself).
- Get a good night’s sleep.
On the
day of the test.
- Eat a moderate breakfast and avoid coffee, tea or soda if caffeine makes
you jittery.
- Do something relaxing the hour before the test (no last minute cramming!).
- Plan to arrive at the test location early (this will allow you time to relax).
- Avoid stressful situations or confrontations.
During
the test.
- First review the entire test; then read the directions twice. Work on the
easiest questions of the test first.
- For essay questions, construct a short outline for yourself and then begin
your answer with a summary sentence. For short-answer questions, answer only
what is asked; be short and to the point.
- For multiple choice questions, read all the options first, then eliminate
the most obvious wrong answers. Rely on your first impressions!
- Do not rush through the test. Wear a watch and regularly check the time to
pace yourself.
If it appears you
will be unable to finish the entire test, concentrate on those portions,
which you can answer well. Recheck your answers only if you have extra
time.
For more information regarding test anxiety, visit the GVSU Counseling Center
website at www.gvsu.edu/counsel, www.uni.edu/walsh/linda7.html and www.collegeview.com/college/library/excerpts/testanxiety.html.
