The Terror of Exams

What are the symptoms of test anxiety and how do we combat them?  Most people say that they arise from poor organizational skills and time management, but can they be from simple fear?  This type of fear is something that comes for students no matter how much they prepare.  Anxiety carries an adrenaline that is a normal part of the human condition.  This feeling can come forth as butterflies in the stomach or a jittery feeling just before a presentation or an oral report, not just for exams alone.  This can definitely impair the work of the student during these points in the semester, but there are ways to combat this problem.  We've all hit that point in time where we have dealt with worries.  We first have to focus on the catalyst of why we think that bad things might happen.  We then have to realize that this is a self-manufactured issue that you have structured for yourself.  Once you realize that this state is completely unnecessary, you can take the time to focus on the task at hand.  Feeling like we are not in control is a stumbling block that every student manifests and if you have the right tools, you can combat that problem.  If we shift our focus on good expectations, this also helps on our perspective on exams.

Here are some symptoms of test anxiety:

• shaking
• sweating
• racing heartbeat
• nausea
• feeling of being faint

Time management is the most important part of preparing for a test.  If you have a very important exam coming up, the worst thing you can do is plan a night of partying the night before.  An adequate amount of sleep and diligent studying are a must.  Don't keep repeating negative self-talk such as, "I'm going to fail or I'm dumb or I'm just not cut out for college."  That type of thought process does more to inhibit your work than anything else.  Some people, and I know that I have done this with poor with results, cram for tests and exams.  This is a mistake that I used to make often in high school and let me tell you that it never works.  It only makes you more tense and forgetful of the material.  Don't listen to other people before you take the exam, because their fears can definitely rub off on you.  This factor is surprisingly true.  I've also found another great trick is never getting caught on one question.  If you are stumped by one test question, skip it, and move on to the ones you know.  You can always go back to the questions that give you trouble and put more thought into them.  It gets you through the exam faster and you won't feel so pressed for time.  The day of the test is always the most dreadful, but if you take a deep breath and realize that this isn't worst day ever, you will be able to get through it.   Eating a good breakfast, being on time for the exam, taking your time with the questions, and reviewing the material on the test will help you finish the exam efficiently and without fear.