Testing Rituals!

[SIlentphantom0]

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone else had some odd pre-exam rituals they do? (Not necessarily for superstitious reasons, just perhaps out of force of habit.)

Here are my three... Please pardon my openness on two of these, they're just odd things that just have to happen.

1. I always have to use the restroom before I sit for a test. Most of the time I really really have to go. I think it's just nerves... It's odd, but it's the internet, so I feel comfortable in sharing xD
2. I always wear my lucky four leaf clover boxers. Again, I apologize for being increasingly open... But yes, I have shamrock boxers.
3. I always pray, before my exam, during my exam, and before I see my score (lol).

In my earlier stages of testing I didn't have any set pre-test rituals, and I failed 2 or 3 CLEPs (never failed a DSST), but since I've had these (very very very odd) rituals, I have not failed an exam since.
Coincidence? Probably xD

So what are some of your embarassing rituals? My shamrock boxers have broken the ice, so feel free to share your most embarrassing rituals!

[JBtesc]

1. I always have to use the restroom before I sit for a test. Most of the time I really really have to go. I think it's just nerves... It's odd, but it's the internet, so I feel comfortable in sharing xD
2. I always wear my lucky four leaf clover boxers. Again, I apologize for being increasingly open... But yes, I have shamrock boxers.
3. I always pray, before my exam, during my exam, and before I see my score (lol).

LOL Thanks for sharing!

The reasons superstitions often work (or seem to) is confidence.
Praying, wearing lucky boxers, ritual peeing, lol whatever works.

Doesn't have to be real, you just have to believe it is real, and your confidence increases making you calmer and more clear headed and also less likely to second guess yourself.

I don't think what I do would be considered praying per se, there is no magical wish granting guy in the sky involved...more like an elaborate type of OCD wishing ... I think...

However now you've got me thinking about trying to procure some lucky boxers....

[BGSU_Alum_86]

Not embarrassing, but I have one test candidate who always signs out for a restroom break after going through the test the first time. There is always plenty of time left to review those answers marked for review, but most times it is just a physical, mental and visual break from the exam.

I love celebrating with those who pass and never quite know what to say to those who do not. I always try to be encouraging no matter what, but the tears do me in every time -- tears of celebration and tears of disappointment.

[JBtesc]

Not embarrassing, but I have one test candidate who always signs out for a restroom break after going through the test the first time. There is always plenty of time left to review those answers marked for review, but most times it is just a physical, mental and visual break from the exam.

I love celebrating with those who pass and never quite know what to say to those who do not. I always try to be encouraging no matter what, but the tears do me in every time -- tears of celebration and tears of disappointment.

Or they're checking their answers on their phone lol.

I am such a nervous test taker, I don't even go over my answers that I marked. I don't know why I bother marking them, I know I'm never going back to them.

I also have a bad habit of rushing through the last few questions.

This is all because of the unbearable feeling of not knowing if I passed, I have to know right NOW! lol which of course is increasing the chances that I don't, lol. Its terrible. I keep saying I'm going to work on it but I don't think I can lol.

[BGSU_Alum_86]

I am sure you are kidding because no one is allowed access to their personal belongings during the test, not even when they sign out for a break.

I have another candidate who suffers from panic attacks during testing. Sometimes he is just fine; sometimes he needs to pop in what looks like a lozenge (can't recall what the brand name is).

[JBtesc]

I am sure you are kidding because no one is allowed access to their personal belongings during the test, not even when they sign out for a break.

I have another candidate who suffers from panic attacks during testing. Sometimes he is just fine; sometimes he needs to pop in what looks like a lozenge (can't recall what the brand name is).

Yeah I'm not sure what kind of tests you're talking about but... do they take them naked? You do a pat down... or?
Do they sign in their belongings to some kind of locker? Does this locker have a lock?

lol


I nervously play with my phone right up until the test starts and either have it right next to me or in my pocket during the test. Just like everyone else. Granted there are never so many people at one time that the proctor can't clearly see all of us and our hands. I've never had to take a potty break (hopefully I'm not jinxing myself now) but others have.

Anyway I just used the example of the phone. Wouldn't have to be a phone, a good old fashioned cheat sheet in their pocket or left behind in the bathroom would accomplish the same thing. Not to give anyone any bad ideas but lol.

I'm no psychic but... If someone is literally going to the bathroom at the end of every test, and coming back in and changing answers... I'd say chances are they're not actually taking a potty break.

[EI2HCB]

Hey everyone, I was wondering if anyone else had some odd pre-exam rituals they do? (Not necessarily for superstitious reasons, just perhaps out of force of habit.)

Here are my three... Please pardon my openness on two of these, they're just odd things that just have to happen.

1. I always have to use the restroom before I sit for a test. Most of the time I really really have to go. I think it's just nerves... It's odd, but it's the internet, so I feel comfortable in sharing xD
2. I always wear my lucky four leaf clover boxers. Again, I apologize for being increasingly open... But yes, I have shamrock boxers.
3. I always pray, before my exam, during my exam, and before I see my score (lol).

In my earlier stages of testing I didn't have any set pre-test rituals, and I failed 2 or 3 CLEPs (never failed a DSST), but since I've had these (very very very odd) rituals, I have not failed an exam since.
Coincidence? Probably xD

So what are some of your embarassing rituals? My shamrock boxers have broken the ice, so feel free to share your most embarrassing rituals!

As long as the are four leaf clovers you'll do fine. Shamrocks always have three leaves and aren't really lucky I guess I say my prayers beforehand, but its not like I believe God is going to drop answers from heaven for something I didn't study about. I always have about 4 pencils (the sharpest ones) and scrap paper although most of the time I never use them. I don't mark questions to go back over, I took the shot and if I miss I didn't get it and that's about it.

[John Bear]

An otherwise utterly rationalist Japanese colleague, Dr Magoroh Maruyama, claims that his school success is due in large measure to carrying an Omamori good luck amulet into all his exams. I note that Amazon carries them, at prices ranging from under $5 to over $2,000. Perhaps cost is proportional to power?