The document provides tips for managing test anxiety, including proper preparation weeks before the test through reviewing material regularly. The night before, one should conduct an organized final review without trying to learn new information. On the day of the test, one should maintain normal routines, arrive early, and sit in a low distraction area. During the test, one should work easiest sections first, monitor their stress levels, and use relaxation exercises to reduce stress and tension.

1. Keys to Managing
Test Anxiety

2. Proper Test Preparation

3. Better Earlier Than Later.
Preferably learn the material days or
weeks before the test. Then review it
a time or two prior to the night before
the test. Time management is critical.

4. The Night Before the Test
 Do not try to learn a lot of new information the
night before the test. It can disturb your
memory of the parts you have already
learned.
 On the night before the test, conduct an
organized final review of the material you
have learned using lots of multi-sensory self-
testing. Prove to yourself that you know
the material!
 Get your normal amount of sleep the night
before.

5. Proper Physical Preparation

6.  Maintain your normal caffeine intake.
 Eat a light meal or healthy snack during the
last two hours before the test. If possible, eat
some fruit or drink some fruit juice during the
hour before the test.
 Arrive in the test room about 5 minutes early
with plenty of test taking supplies.
 Try to sit where there are the fewest
distractions. Never sit where you can easily
read another student’s work.

7. Monitoring and Managing
Stress During the Test

8.  Work the easiest sections of the test first.
 Pay attention to your body, especially your
heart rate, respiration rate, and muscular
tension.
 When you notice warning signs of stress, act
at once to reduce your stress level.
 Remember this sentence: Psychological
stress and muscular tension MUST CO-
EXIST. Lowering one automatically lowers
the other.
 Use simple relaxation exercises to lower your
stress.