How to Eliminate Test Anxiety

As a high school student, I know all about test anxiety. Several times in the beginning of high school I studied for hours for a test and then completely froze and forgot all the information I had worked so hard to memorize. Since freshman year I have recognized several pre-test practices that greatly reduce my stress levels and help me excel at testing. Here they are:

Before the Test:

Tip #1: Associate!

Create word and concept associations for everything you have to memorize. The sillier the associations, the easier they are to recall. (Here's an easy example: The capital of the U.S. is Washington D.C. Our first president was named Washington, so it makes sense that we would call our most important city after our most important president.)

Tip #2 Spread out the Study!

It is more effective to study for half an hour for 5 days than to study for 2 and a half hours for one day. Knowledge builds over time, and each time you study you will be able to deeply understand a little more of the topic.

Tip#3: Don't be afraid to ask for help!

If you're having a difficult time understanding major concepts, don't be afraid to ask anyone around whose informed about the topic you don't understand. There's usually free tutoring available at schools, too. The Internet is also a great tool for learning and practice.

The Night Before the Test

Tip #1 Eat Well

If you happen to be on a diet before the test, ditch it for the dinner and breakfast prior to a test. A lack of nutrition exhausts the body and makes it hard to focus, and besides, hunger pangs are extremely distracting during testing.

Tip #2: Get Lots of Sleep

You should study the night before the test, but for no more than a couple of hours. It is important to clear your mind and get a good night's sleep (at least 7 hours) before you go into a situation as stressful as testing.

Tip #3: Meditate

Before you go to sleep, take a few deep breaths and do a few stretches. It's easy to become overly tense while dreading an upcoming exam.

The Day of the Test

Tip #1: Take a Hot Shower

A shower will keep you calm and will also wake you up.

Tip #2: Have a Big Breakfast

Be sure to eat a full breakfast prior to the test so you won't be thinking about food during the test. Eat a bowl of cereal, some fruit, and drink juice or tea.

Tip #3: Make a small snack bag

Pack a lunch bag with a bottle of water, a fruit drink, an energy bar and an apple. Also bring gum or cough drops. Having gum in my mouth during a test relieves my anxiety and keeps me from nervously chewing on my pencil.

Tip #4: Be Prepared!

Be sure to bring extra pencils, erasers, pens, calculators, and whatever else is necessary for the test. Chances are that if you bring extras you won't need to use them, but you'll be a hero to whoever forgot their materials. It feels really good to help someone right before a test.

During the Test

Tip #1: Relax!

Breathe! Do the questions you know first to build your confidence. You will do great!

I hope these test tips help you succeed on your next exam. Remember, tests may seem important, but the more you let yourself relax, the better you'll do. Good luck!