What are some strategies for managing test-taking anxiety and improving focus?
Hi everyone,
I hope this is the right place to ask, but I’m looking for test-taking tips, especially for managing anxiety.
Honestly, I experience intense test anxiety. I get so nervous that my vision sometimes goes blurry and I hear a high-pitched noise. My hands sweat a lot, and I can hear my heart pounding throughout the test. These symptoms make it really difficult for me to concentrate, especially with timed tests .
I also struggle with zoning out during tests. I don’t know why, but I tend to lose focus a lot.
Any advice on how to stay calm and focused would be greatly appreciated.
Try to recreate the test environment when practicing. For standardized tests, take as many practice exams as possible, and for course-specific exams, do test review sessions in a similar setting. Familiar environments can help reduce anxiety as your body adapts to the setting.
Confidence is crucial for standardized tests—about 60% of success. A major source of anxiety is the timed aspect. To manage this, start each session by closing your eyes for ten seconds before you begin, without picking up your pencil or opening the test booklet. This small act helps you gain mental control and reduces stress.
Ensure all your basic needs are met. Get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced meal (avoid excessive starch or sugar), and stay hydrated. If you need medication or an inhaler, have it easily accessible. Avoid giving your mind any reasons to lose focus.
Remember that most exams don’t penalize for wrong guesses, so never leave a question blank. Even in multiple-choice tests, improve your odds by eliminating obviously incorrect answers.
Tests are often designed to be tricky. Try to think like the test-maker and identify the trap answers or options that seem too good to be true. Understanding how your teachers design tests can also give you an edge.
Lastly, try to enjoy the process. One poor score isn’t the end of the world, so keep things in perspective.
This seems quite intense. I recommend seeking professional help and consulting a therapist. I regret not addressing my anxiety with a professional sooner.
Hey, this is my opinion. Before attending the session, I recommend that you read about the topics that will be covered. You will gain the most from taking lessons if you have a basic understanding of what they will cover. If you don’t know what the class will be about, you’re likely to be overwhelmed. What I do is prepare for each class if possible, then go to class and try to make sense of the topics I read about, and finally review it in the evening and the next day. Unless the topic is extremely challenging, I usually know what I’m doing at that point. Also, do not become preoccupied with taking notes.
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