Getting over testing anxiety

[burbuja0512]

Text anxiety is really tough and it truly can make your scores significantly lower. There are a few ways to deal with it and it's a matter of finding what works for you.

One technique that works for me when I'm worried about something is to imagine the worst-case scenario. If you can become comfortable with the absolute worst case, which is unlikely to happen, then the reality will be much better.

I would probably start off with a DSST because in a "worst-case" scenario, if you totally bomb the test, you can re-take within 90 days rather than the 6 months of a CLEP. Knowing that another chance is right around the corner might help ease your mind. I would also probably start off with an elective that doesn't make any difference to your degree one way or the other. I don't get testing anxiety, however, when I did a couple of the tough business tests, I was petrified because I knew that if I failed them, it would significantly delay my graduation. If the test doesn't really matter one way or the other, there's much less reason to get nervous: a fail does NOT affect your GPA. Basically, you're just out 100 bucks.

Also, over-prepare. Don't go in and take a test cold or nearly cold. When you see questions that you totally know the answers without a doubt, it will re-assure you. Can you pick a test that interests you or one that has familiar subject matter? That will also help.

I'm also a fan of visualization and relaxation like self-hypnosis. Nothing fancy, just lay down in a dark room and walk through the testing in your mind. Is there fear of the unknown? What is it that you're afraid of? Picture yourself conquering the fear. If you walk through the testing in your mind, you can also find unknown fears as well. For example, you may be nervous because you've never been to the testing center or feel weird taking a DSST/CLEP test. If this is the case, call around to different college testing centers in your city and go visit the one that seems the friendliest. Yes a nice proctor, working computer, and quiet test environment make a difference. Before you even attempt to test, make sure that this part is covered.

If all else fails, then I agree with LaterBloomer's anti-anxiety med comment. There is nothing wrong with going to your doctor and asking for something to help you calm your testing nerves because it's affecting your college career. Trust me, your doc will totally understand what it's like to be nervous on an exam. You will want to try out how the meds make you feel before you actually take a test. If they just don't work well with your body chemistry or make you feel too weird to think, then you'll just have to go with other relaxation methods.

Don't give up.. your fears may make this harder on you than other people, but you can conquer this even if it's not easy!