Not getting help. Find out all the resources
that are available to help you with test anxiety and test preparation. If
you are experiencing severe anxiety, speak with a counselor or academic advisor
at your school. See your instructor or go to the learning skills center for
help. Seek out other students and form a study group. Find a tutor.
Not being prepared. Do your homework and go to
class prepared. Start studying from the first day of class. If you keep up
with the homework and reading assignments, you will be surprised at how much
of the material you know when you start studying for the test!
Not going to class.Some students feel overwhelmed
and stop going to class. Don't make this mistake! Speak with your instructor
when you start to feel this way. If you go to every class, preview your chapters,
review your notes, and study the material in small chunks each day, you will
reduce your test anxiety and be prepared.
Cramming. Don't do it! Do review your material
the night before the test, but don't attempt to learn new information. Squeezing
several weeks of studying into one night will increase your anxiety. Start
preparing at the very first class.
Not practicing. Practice taking sample tests.
Check with your instructor to see if he or she has a file of old tests to
review. Athletes, actors, and musicians rehearse for hours. Work with other
students and time yourself when taking a sample test. This will increase your
comfort level when answering different kinds of test questions such as essay,
multiple choice, and completion.
A negative attitude. The attitude you bring to
a test has a lot to do with your performance. Replace negative self-talk with
affirmations. Practice saying to yourself: "I am well prepared and will do
well on this test." Approach tests with a positive attitude and focus on doing
your best!
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