Test Taking Resources

Controlling test anxiety is an important part of being able to do your best on exams.  High levels of anxiety can diminish your ability to remember and can lower overall performance.  Being confident prior to taking a test will help you to be successful.  One way to increase your confidence level is to increase your amount of study time and to follow strategies that will enhance your ability to regulate anxiety.  Also, talk to the professor about what will be covered on the exam so you know what material you are expected to know.  In addition, if you have taken an exam from an individual professor in the past, you can use this experience to prepare for future examinations. 

If you have adequately prepared, studying during the hour prior to the exam may do more harm than good.  Instead, attempt to engage in activities that will lower your anxiety level such as talking to a friend or taking a walk.  Make sure to arrive early and find a seat where you can be comfortable and relaxed.  Begin by skimming over the entire test to get an idea of what types of questions are being asked.  You can build your confidence by completing the questions you known the answer to first and leaving the ore difficult questions till later on.  During the exam you may begin to feel your anxiety rise.  At this time, it is a good idea to take a short mental timeout and sit back and think about something pleasant or relaxing.  Also, concentrate on breathing normally and once you have reached a calmer state, go back to working on the test.

Helpful Links:

http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm

http://www.arc.sbc.edu/testpreparation.html

http://www.arch.sbc.edu/teststrategies.html