Suggestions
for Test-Taking
One of the main impediments to a person doing well on tests
is his or her own anxiety. A little nervousness when taking
a test is helpful. It can motivate us. However, too much anxiety
can be debilitating, especially if it interferes with our ability
to prepare for and perform on tests. One of the first steps
in dealing with test anxiety is to determine if it is rational
or not. If you have not adequately prepared the anxiety is rational.
If you have prepared, but still panic, your reaction is not
rational.
1. PREPARATION
• Preparation is the best way to minimize rational anxiety.
• Avoid "cramming." Trying to master a semester's
worth of information in a day is a poor way to learn and can
produce anxiety.
• Focus on the main concepts of the course, and find a
way to relate them to your own experience.
• Continue habits of good nutrition and exercise.
• Continue with social activities.
• Follow a moderate pace when studying.
• Get plenty of sleep the night before a test.
• When you feel you are adequately prepared for the test,
stop studying and do something relaxing.
• Do your best to stop studying at least one hour before
the test.
2. MAKE THE DISTINCTION BETWEEN PASSING
THE EXAM AND TAKING THE EXAM.
• Oftentimes, much of our attention is focused on the outcome
of the test. Outcomes will be better if we focus our whole mind
on doing/taking the test.
• It is OK to want to do well on an exam. Have the desire;
then let go of it, and focus on taking the exam.
• Remember times when you have succeeded at an activity
(sports, music, dance) by focusing on the performance itself
and not on an outcome.
3. TAKING THE EXAM
• Relax before the exam.
• Arrive early to the test location and select a seat located
away from any distractions.
• Avoid classmates who tend to generate anxiety and upset
your stability.
• When you get the exam, review the entire test; then read
the directions twice. Think of the test as an opportunity to
show the professor what you know.
• For essay questions, construct a short outline, and begin
your answer with a summary sentence.
• For short-answer questions, answer only what is asked.
• For multiple-choice questions, read all of the options
first. Then eliminate the most obvious. If you are still
unsure, rely on your first impression, and move quickly on.
Beware of qualifying words such as "always," "never,"
and "only."
• If you continue to experience anxiety during the test,
take several slow deep breaths. If you still feel anxious and
tense, relax several muscle groups throughout your body.
THE GUARANTEE
If you employ these techniques you will not do any worse than
you did before and will dramatically increase the probability
of doing much better. You have nothing to lose and a lot to
gain by using these strategies on your next test. You will be
surprised at how much better you do on your next exam.
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