Do tests stress you out? Try these strategies!

Managing Test Anxiety and Strategies for Test Taking

1. Before a test, be sure to practice answering a variety of types of question formats.
2. Utilize the study guide/review as a way of organizing and mapping out what the teacher is asking you to learn and demonstrate mastery of
3. Prepare for tests over 2-3 days. Research shows that information stays in long term memory better if spread out over a few days as opposed to a longer study session the night before.
4. During the test, carefully read each quesitons and answer in your head prior to choosing an answer.
5. Preview the test before you begin
6. Make sure you do not skip any directions. Underline important things in the directions and be sure to answer all parts of multi-part questions
7. Skip questions you are not sure of and come back to them
8. Don’t let one problem that you struggle with discourage you. change negative self-talk to positive self-talk
9. Approach the test like a tough athletic opponent. Dig deep and channel your FIGHT and toughness
10. Take deep breaths if you get nervous or worried
11. Do not concern yourself with who is finished ahead of you; finishing early does not mean that they did better than you. It means nothing, actually. Concern yourself with YOUR test and don’t waste your energy on what others are doing
12. Underline and/or circle key words
13. Read question aloud to yourself quietly so you brain gets the input auditorally and not just visually
14. Practice POSITIVE self-talk. In fact, if you have a positive montra, right it at the top of your page for inspiration
15. If you are less than 50% sure that you answerred correctly, circlee the item number and revisit those first when checking your work
16. To take pressure off of your working memory, be sure you “mentally unload” by writing things down as much as possible. For example, before an in-class writing assessment, make a quick outline to organize ideas. Before beginning a math assessment, write formulas you studied at the top of the page. Draw a visual representation of a formula or theory before using it, when possible.
17. Always review the morning of a test of quiz so information is fresh in your mind
18. Do not cram – you should have been studying over the course of 2-3 evenings
19. When you get your test, write what you are afraid you will forget at the top of your paper. If you made a mneumonic to help you remember, write it down
20. Ask for clarification from a teacher when you need it
21. Always look over your test, check answers, and be sure you didn’t skip anything before handing it in
22. Research and practice mindfulness as a stress-management strategy. Research shows that mindfulness is effective and becoming a more and more common practice recommended by doctors, educators, and psychologists.

​By Laura Werner