1. STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS CENTER Stressed About Tests?

2. 3 Part Approach  Preparation before the test  Taking the Test  Post-test review

3. Preparing for the Test Keep up with the day to day work of the course. Keep up with the day to day work of the course. Do the reading Do the reading Take good notes, fill in and clarify right after lecture Take good notes, fill in and clarify right after lecture Go to study groups/tutoring Go to study groups/tutoring Review material within 24 hours Review material within 24 hours Review regularly Review regularly Make flashcards Make flashcards

4. Preparing for the Test cont. What do you know about the test? What do you know about the test? Multiple choice? Essay? What material will be covered? What skills will you need? (remembering facts, problem solving, application, interpretation) What is the value of the test?

5. Preparing for the test cont.  Overview all the work to be done, prioritize topics and schedule time to do it. (try to give yourself 7 days to study for tests)(try to give yourself 7 days to study for tests)  Make up practice tests or do practice problems.  Use study strategies that work for how you learn.  Work to understand the material not just to memorize it.

6. Taking the Test  Arrive early  Take a deep breath  Read the directions! Identify the value of questions.  Download any key information (formulas, equations, lists etc.)

7. Taking the Test cont.  Answer questions in a strategic order/plan your time Easy questions first, those with most points next, difficult after Easy questions first, those with most points next, difficult after  Try to answer the question stem on your own before you look at the answers.  Read all the answers before you choose one (for multiple choice).

8.  Make sure your answers make sense ( read the question with your answer following)  Underline key words in the question.  Answer all the questions. To make sure you answered what was To make sure you answered what was

9.  Look for answers in other test questions.  Review To make sure you didn’t miss-read a question To make sure you didn’t miss-read a question

10. Analyzing Returned Tests  If you receive your test back to keep rework your errors  If not, meet with your professor  Identify the reason you missed questions  Did you miss “big picture concepts” or details?  Where did the questions come from? Book, lecture  Analyze how you prepared – did it work?

11. Test Anxiety  Cognitive (“I have to get an “A,” “I’m so stupid)  Emotional (feeling embarrassed, disappointed, angry) angry)  Behavioral (fidgety, irritated)  Physiological (sweating, diarrhea etc.)

12. Challenge Negative Thoughts  What are you telling yourself that is making it harder for you to perform?  Replace negative thoughts with rational thoughts:  Instead of : “I know I am going to flunk this test, I just can’t take tests, I’m such a loser”  Try: “I prepared for the test, I know the material, I’m going to stay calm and do the best I can. If I don’t do well, I’ll figure out a different way to study.”

13. Test Anxiety cont.  Take slow deep breaths.  If you go blank on a question, mark it, and move on  Read all the directions  Read the test questions carefully – underline key words.  Recall where you were when you learned about the material or when you studied it (visualize)

14.  Nothing replaces preparation  If the problem persists or impacts other parts of your life, seek additional help.