Strategies for test anxiety?

[JoeKing]

What strategies do you guys have to help with test anxiety? I am always fully prepared but always seem to get 'in my head' before tests and am pretty miserable. I try deep breathing and stuff. Does anyone else have any experience or advice on how to handle this? Its strange because I can handle other stressful situations really well, it is just written exams that give me trouble..

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[Radon XP]

For whatever reason, I perform well when I'm neurotic while taking a test.

 

[Gauss44]

What strategies do you guys have to help with test anxiety? I am always fully prepared but always seem to get 'in my head' before tests and am pretty miserable. I try deep breathing and stuff. Does anyone else have any experience or advice on how to handle this? Its strange because I can handle other stressful situations really well, it is just written exams that give me trouble..

1. Being prepared
2. Not scoring practice tests, until you really need an estimated score
3. talking about what it is that worries you with the right person or even a counselor
4. turning off the timer, until you feel you're going fast enough that it won't make you nervous
5. taking a day off,
6. focusing on something fun like a video game or movie during breaks
7. exercise and watch Chad videos
8. join a study group
9. decrease food and beverages that make you nervous, like coffee, energy drinks, gym supplements
10. make a list of concerns, and address each one
11. focus on positive stuff
12. convince yourself you will succeed

 

[JoeKing]

Thanks for the advice guys! Unfortunately it isn't just the MCAT that stresses me out, it is all of my exams, but I am going to take all possible measures to succeed

 

[JoeKing]

I also do well when I am 'neurotic' while taking the test, it is just the several hours leading up to it that really suck

 

[chillaxbro]

Do you happen to live in Colorado or Washington?

 

[kdangg4]

There are many people with this problem. To be honest, I don't think anyone can fully get over the test anxiety. The only way to ease it is though practicing many problems. Good luck!

 

[talinnlove]

I read this article a while back, if you're into psychological approaches: http://www.sciencemag.org/content/331/6014/211.abstract. You're just supposed to write (preferably by hand, I think) for about 8-10 minutes about why the test feels intimidating, what you're worried about, etc. etc. I never ended up trying it so I'm not sure how much it will help - but hey, who knows?

Exercise is great also - both for feeling better about tests and feeling better in general 🙂

One last thing I do if I'm really freaking out about a particular test is to flip to a question that looks easy/straightforward and do it first. It helps you get into your test-taking mode, and it also avoids the HUGE anxiety sink of struggling on the first question you attempt. I go in order through the rest of the test questions because it helps me gauge how much I have left to do, but doing one easy question ahead of #1 helps if I'm nervous.

Good luck to you!

 

[ghboyd25]

In regards to the MCAT, I used the 10 minutes for the tutorial and in between sections to meditate and it was pretty effective for me. My heart was racing as soon as I sat down to the computer so 10 minutes of meditation really allowed me to relax and start the test off on the right foot. It also helps in between sections because you start to get drained even after the physical sciences section. The meditation itself isn't difficult it just takes some practice- I'd recommend doing a little research on the basic buddhist meditation technique that focuses on completely clearing your mind of any thoughts. I find it to be much more effective than just deep breathing and allows you to go into the next section as if it's your first one of the day.

As for general test taking, at my school many professors will let students with test anxiety take the test away from the rest of the class so they can be more relaxed. Granted, we operate on an Honor Code so professors may be more lenient where I am but it wouldn't hurt to talk to your professors at the beginning of the semester just to touch base and see what their take is on the whole situation. Hope this helps!

 

[deleted303591]

I do not have test anxiety.

But, taking "mock exams" (old exams under the same conditions you would take a regular exams) is useful.

Afterwards, you check the answers.

This is how the engineering students last at my school.

 

[ClamzoniofRI]

Enjoy yourself! No really. Throughout my own undergraduate experience, I found myself performing better on my exams when I set out time (Friday and Saturday evenings for instance) to go to parties, chill with friends, etc. It is important to reward yourself for all your hard work.

 

[HopefulSlav]

This test will determine your where you go to med school. No pressure.

C'est la vie!

 

[Fulchera10]

Propranolol

Edit: I will elaborate on the drug.

It's a beta-blocker, obviously non-addictive, safe (for those who do not exhibit any contraindications), etc... Also used as a blood pressure medication, which is also useful considering blood pressure increases are common during states of anxiety. It is not xanax, kpins, etc... Therefore, it does not impair your mental abilities in terms of recalling information, utilizing critical thinking, etc..., and if anything, it would serve to boost memory as a result of decreased anxiety.

Many surgeons take this drug to reduce anxiety and to keep a steady hand.

I'm sorry, but your not going to forgo test taking anxiety because there is no way to condition yourself into a completely calm and relaxed state. I say this because regardless of how many practice exams you take, there will only be one that actually reflects on your grade. My strongest reduction in test taking anxiety has been during summer classes where multiple exams are taken each week, which in a sense, conditioned me.