Test Anxiety

As soon as you sit down to take the test, it starts. You feel the pressure, your heart is pounding, you go blank, you start to panic and worry and ultimately, you don’t do as well as you had hoped on the exam.

Has this ever happened to you? It’s called “Test Anxiety” and you can overcome it!
Professor Mary Peck from the SPS department recently ran a workshop for students where they discussed tips for overcoming this learned behavior. Yes, you can take steps to control this problem.
What causes test anxiety? First on the list was lack of preparation. If you haven’t been doing the work all along and haven’t been preparing of course you will feel anxious and nervous. Other causes on the list are poor test history (you’ve done poorly on the first exam, so now you are worried about the next one), worry about what “might” happen, lack of self-confidence and stress. Students often put a lot of pressure on themselves to be perfect.

So, if we know the causes, what can we do about it? Both Professor Peck and the students who attended the workshop had suggestions. First, try some meditation exercises and trade peace for anxiety and worry. Find a quiet place, close your eyes, and tell yourself “I’ve got this! I’ve prepared. I’m ready and I’m excited to show what I know!” Other suggestions include studying (of course!), getting ample rest before a big exam and build your confidence.
Finally, Professor Peck provided the students with a helpful website: www.howtostudy.org
Check it out! It might just help. Good luck with your exams!