This document discusses test anxiety and provides tips for overcoming it. It defines test anxiety as feelings of nervousness and distress experienced before or during an exam. Common symptoms include difficulties concentrating, mental blocks, and distractibility. The document then lists populations prone to test anxiety and types of anxiety. Finally, it offers strategies for preparing, coping during the exam, and maintaining a positive mindset to help students overcome test anxiety.

1. Overcoming Test Anxiety

4.  Test anxiety is the feeling of nervousness and
distress you experience before or during an
exam. Students who suffer from text anxiety
report difficulties with concentration, mental
blocks, and distractibility.

5.  Individuals who worry a lot
 Perfectionists
 Students that are not prepared but want to
do well.
 People who find it difficult to accept
mistakes.

6.  Anticipatory: The feeling of stress occurring
while studying for or thinking about the
exam.
 Situational: Feeling of stress that occurs while
taking the exam.

7.  Going blank (mentally)
 Elevated heart rate
 Difficulty concentrating
 Self doubt based on past performance and
consequences of failure.
 Knowing the answers after the test, but not
during the exam.

8. 1. Nausea
2. Cramps
3. Faintness
4. Sweating
5. Headache
6. Dry Mouth
7. Tense Muscles

9.  Be well prepared for the test
 Self Test
 Maintain a healthy lifestyle
 Think positive
 Organize materials you will need for the
exam prior to taking it.
 Get adequate amount of sleep.
 Arrive to test classroom early to clear
your mind before test.
 Reward yourself when the test is over.

10. You must be responsible for your own
thoughts.
Instead of thinking “I must do good on this
test or….” change your mindset to “I will
do good on this test because I have
studied, worked hard, etc.”

11.  Read material for clarity.
 Take notes along with professor’s
lecture, highlight areas professor says you
should pay attention to. They will likely be
on the test.
 Read the chapter summary before reading
the chapter.
 Take note of any questions that you have
after reading the chapter information.

12.  Gather valuable information about the exam.
 Prepare well by setting a study schedule,
reviewing, and testing yourself.
 Get rest and eat well.
 Know strategies for different types of test-
multiple choice, short answer, matching, and
essay.

13.  Unload Information- Write down hard to remember
formulas and terms in the margin or back of exam.
 Survey exam- Before you begin answering, take a
quick look at the exam. This will help you decide
where to begin.
 READ directions carefully and underline key terms
and phrases.
 Do “easy” questions first- They may give you clues
for the more challenging questions.
 Relax- Use your strategies to calm yourself.

14.  Do not let test anxiety hinder your
performance, but more importantly do not let
it stop you from being successful.
 By using the tips we have discussed today you
can overcome your anxiety and conquer the
test.
 Remain calm…and KNOW that you will
perform well on the exam.

15. You can do it!
Visualize your success
and use your resources!