How do you overcome test anxiety?

[BMEEngineer]

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Honestly the only standardized test I have ever done well in (ratio of score to amount of information I feel I learned and retained by studying diligently) is the AP Bio exam. I think my main problem is generalized test anxiety, and that gets in the way of me performing well. Have you learned any techniques that help you? My test is only a week away, so I don't have time to test out with OTC or prescription pharmacological treatments.

 

[experiment626]

Your mind can only take in so much information so give yourself credit for all the hours you dedicated for your studies. I recommend taking it easy a day or two before your test date. For me, I just slept, played games, listened to music, and watched videos on youtube. My best advise is to relax and do something to take your mind off all the stress. Cramming and stressing before the test will only throw you off your game.

Go in with the attitude, "Whatever I know, I know. Whatever I don't know now, I won't know for the test. As long as I do my best, I have no regrets."

 

[Glimmer1991]

What helps me to go into a test with the utmost confidence is knowing that I have done EVERYTHING I can to prepare myself.
The "utmost confidence," though, definitely doesn't mean that I'm sure of myself! It just means that I'm as confident as I could possibly be, which doesn't always equate to being very confident. I was terrified of the DAT!

For school, that means knowing my notes like the back of my hand before going into a test. I don't "wing" things.

If I ever went into a test knowing I was unprepared, I think I would literally have a breakdown!

 

[shrister]

Definitely go in there knowing you've studied everything. I gave myself a nice motivational talk on the way to the test center. Also, having a good healthy breakfast really made me feel better going into the test, idk if that will help with test anxiety but I felt good knowing I fed my brain nutritional food in the morning haha.

 

[BMEEngineer]

Thanks everyone for your advice!

 

[piranha]

I got really nervous right before the test and almost felt sick to the stomach... But what really helped me was taking a few minutes to get my heart pumping with pushups and jumping jacks. Whatever flavor of exercise you like, its a major destresser. Kind of a weird answer, but its what helped me!

 

[BMEEngineer]

I got really nervous right before the test and almost felt sick to the stomach... But what really helped me was taking a few minutes to get my heart pumping with pushups and jumping jacks. Whatever flavor of exercise you like, its a major destresser. Kind of a weird answer, but its what helped me!

I hadn't thought of that, and I think it's a great idea. It might even tire me out enough to be able to sleep the night before the test. Thanks!