It’s not uncommon for students to feel uneasy or even nervous just before or during their test taking experience. There are some students who are fine with it, while many others feel nervous about the time constraint and the pressured environment.
There are many ways you can train yourself to keep calm and perform your absolute best during an exam. Here are the top test-taking tips that will help you along the way to rid your anxiety and ease the stress of performing well during this allotted time.
1. Study!
I know just a give-in right? You’d be surprised as to how many people pull all-nighters the night before the exam and expect to retain this information they’ve crammed into their brains. On top of it, if you have test anxiety, this will make the situation even worse for you. Be sure to review every day after your lectures and take small breaks to help retain the information.
2. Get Rest!
This is another obvious one, but it is essential that you get adequate rest to be able to be clearheaded for your exam. If you know that you will be struggling the night before in getting to sleep, make sure that you go to bed earlier to give yourself that time to fall asleep.
3. Read Directions Carefully
Take your time, relax and pay attention to what is asked on the exam. Nothing is worse than going through the test too quickly and missing out on the actual directions. It’s great to be confident, however if you are too confident you may miss some important details.
4. Dress Comfortably
Another giv-in but should be pointed out. If you need sweats and a t-shirt to be comfortable then by all means, wear it! There is nothing worse than trying to get through a 3 hour exam wearing uncomfortable clothing.
5. Answer Questions in a Particular Order
• Easy questions first
• Then the questions with most point value
• On objective exams, eliminate obvious incorrect answers
• On essay tests, broadly outline your answer and sequence of points
6. Review
I know you just what get out of there as soon as possible once you’ve finally completed the exam – but hold it right there! Resist this urge and check over your test to assure that you’ve answered the questions fully and have properly followed instructions – yes there is such thing as too much confidence!
