Test-Taking Anxiety?

[studyhard]

Does anyone else have issues with test-taking anxiety? When there's a lot riding on a test (college credits, entrance into graduate school, etc.) I get VERY nervous! Just wondering if anyone else has this problem!

Nah, you're the only one. The rest of us are cool, calm and collected at all times. hilarious hilarious

There are four things that cut down on my nervousness:

1. Be prepared. I know that's kind of duh, but when I'm nervous about a test I just keep studying and studying and studying. Typically I do every IC section about 5-6 times and supplement with other books and take a practice test, if available. If I do well on the practice test, I don't worry about the real test.

2. Get a good night's rest. Another duh, but it helps.

3. Eat a healthy meal before the test. That means something with protein and not a lot of sugar. Fruit loops and corn-syrup-laced yogurt ain't it. I usually eat a scrambled egg and some whole-wheat toast for breakfast when I have a test that morning. Protein is a "brain food" and eating a nutritious breakfast helps prevent the foggy-brain syndrome and excessive physical nervousness. I wouldn't drink a ton of coffee either.

4. Consider taking an herbal relaxer right before the test. This kind of stuff is usually available at a local health food store. I have found that taking something like this helps cut down on the trembling legs/shaking hands/cold sweat syndrome prior to the test. It doesn't eliminate it entirely, but it does take the edge off for me. Ask the clerk for something with chamomile, etc. for nervousness. (Try it at home first to make sure it doesn't make you drowsy...and obviously consult your doctor if first if you're on medication or something.)

Incidentally, the "rules" say you're not allowed to have anything to eat or drink with you at the testing center but I asked our center if I could bring a water bottle and they didn't have a problem with it. Sometimes just taking a 20-second break during the test and getting a refreshing sip of water helps.

Hope this helps!