Test Anxiety

Most students get apprehensive before taking an exam. The fear of failing creates a level of anxiety that may actually be good for us. A certain level of anxiety may motivate us to study and prepare for different situations so that we can be successful. If we had no fear or concern over passing a test, we might not bother to study at all.

But what happens if the level of anxiety increases beyond a "useful level" and creates stress that interferes with our ability to perform up to are capabilities? That is what happens when people experience "Test anxiety."

Students may become so anxious that they often report such things as:

• “I knew the material but my mind went blank”
• “I froze on the test and couldn’t remember anything”
• “I knew all the answers before and after I took the test”
• “My heart started racing, and I began sweating”
• “I worried after I saw other students finishing the test”
• “I felt like the room was closing in on me”
• "I got sick to my stomach because I was so anxious"
• "I changed my answers frequently from "correct" answers to "wrong" answers on test"
• "I tell myself that I can't pass the test and that I will fail the course"

Steps to Success

Preparing for the Test

• Be prepared for the test by using good study skills
• Get a good nights sleep prior to test day
• Visualize yourself going to the classroom to take the test in a relaxed, confident manner
• Use relaxation techniques to decrease anxiety
• Replace any “negative” thinking with “positive thoughts”
• I have studied and I’m prepared for the test
• I don’t have to get every answer right
• I expect to do well
• This is only one test
• Taking test is a part of the learning process

On Test Day:

• Eat a good breakfast. Avoid drinking coffee and foods high in starch.

• Get to the testing area early ( 15 -20 minutes before the test)
• Don’t talk to students about the test as it may increase your anxiety level
• Relax by taking slow deep breathes (Breathe in for 3 seconds and exhale for 3 seconds) Do this until you feel more relaxed.
• Get seating in an area that works best for you
• When you get the test, read the directions at least twice
• Scan over the complete test to get an overview of what you will be asked
• See if the test has a logical pattern to it or if the questions random in there order on the test
• Make a few notes of things that you remember that you expect to be on the test
• Replace any “negative” thinking with “positive thoughts”
•  Relax by taking slow deep breathes (Breathe in for 3 seconds and exhale for 3 seconds) Do this until you feel more relaxed.
• Trust what you know. Don’t change answers unless you know that the current answer is not correct.
• Pace yourself by checking the clock several times during the testing period
• Answer the questions that you know first and then go back to the ones that you are unsure of.
• Relax by taking slow deep breathes (Breathe in for 3 seconds and exhale for 3 seconds) Do this until you feel more relaxed.

After the Test:

• Reward yourself with something special and fun  (even if you think you didn’t do well)
• Think in a positive manner (no beating up on oneself)
• When the test is graded, go over the test, looking for ways that you might improve. Look for key words that would help to answer the questions. Look for the areas that you did well. This is valuable information for future test taking.

Appointments:

Appointments for help with Test Anxiety may be made by contacting:

                                                       Student Counseling Center
                                                       University Center, Room 274
                                                       Phone: (903) 566-7254
                                                       Office hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Every effort will be made to schedule an appointment at the earliest time available and at the student's convenience. Students may visit the counseling center with our without an appointment, but an appointment is recommended. Clients are asked to call 24 hours prior to the scheduled appointment time if they are unable to keep their appointment.

Additional Resources:

Disclaimer

The Student Counseling Center does not guarantee the reliability of information on the links that are not necessarily operated by University of Texas at Tyler. We do not review or monitor the content of non-University of Texas at Tyler websites. Links are provided as a service to our visitors. Your use of these websites is subject to the terms and conditions of those sites.

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