WHAT IS TEST ANXIETY?

Test anxiety has been defined as an uneasiness or apprehension resulting from concern, worry, or fear which is usually experienced before, during, or after an examination.   Most individuals experience test anxiety at some point in life as a child or as an adult.  Tests are a fact of life and as soon as individuals get used to taking them the better they perform.   However, some students find that the anxiety obstructs their learning and test taking ability to such an extent that their grades are seriously affected.

CAUSES OF TEST ANXIETY

The major causes of test anxiety include: 

• Cramming the night before a test, 

• Poor study habits and time management,

• Lack of organization of test information,

• Lack of self confidence,

• Dislike of subject or teacher,  

• Nervousness due to past performance on tests, and

• Fear of failure.

SYMPTOMS OF TEST ANXIETY

Test anxiety symptoms may include one or all of the following:

• Rapid heartbeat or panic attacks,

• Excessive sweating,

• Headaches or stomach aches,

• Nervousness or uncontrollable shaking,

• Anger, irritability or depression,

• Interruption of sleep, and

• Blackouts or memory loss.

HOW TO CONTROL & REDUCE TEST ANXIETY

All individuals have the ability to control and reduce test anxiety, however it's important to know that you don't have to eliminate it entirely.   A moderate amount of anxiety can actually be helpful to a student's performance in taking tests.  Therefore, the goal should be to cope with that anxiety and bring it down to a manageable level to prevent it from adversely affecting performance on tests.

To control and reduce test anxiety:

• Remember to be well prepared in advance of the exam.

• Cultivate good study habits and test taking skills by reviewing the "Test Taking Tips" section of this site.

• Learn to relax and exercise.  This is an easy and healthy way to reduce stress.  Practice relaxing at times when you feel anxious to reduce stress and to help clear your mind for study and review.  Remember...you're in control so, take slow deep breaths to release tension.  Exercise helps to refresh you mentally and physically.

• Don't be negative.  Be positive and tell yourself that you will do well on the exam.  Replace any negative thoughts with positive thoughts about the situation.  Thinking and repeating positive statements to yourself will help reprogram your mind for success instead of failure.

• Set realistic goals and visualize yourself doing well and reaching your goals.

• Take care of yourself by eating well and getting enough sleep, especially the week up to the exam and the night before the exam.  Avoid caffeine!

• Have your parents or friends give you "quizzes" or take self-tests to prove that you have mastered the material.

• The night before the exam make sure that you have everything that you need such as, pencil, calculator, eraser, location of exam, etc.

• Don't be late for the exam!  Get to the exam location early and relax.  Arriving early will allow you to get your supplies ready and collect your thoughts before the test begins.