Test Anxiety... Presented by NMU’s Academic and Career Advisement Center …how to beat it!

What is TEST ANXIETY? Typically, it is described as “worry” or “fear” caused by having to take a test. The anxiety adversely effects your ability to perform well on the test, even when you are well-prepared.

Common causes of Test Anxiety n Pressure to earn a certain grade. n Past failure on similar exams. n Unfamiliar type of test. n Misperception of preparedness. n Uncertainty about test format. n Uncertainty about test content. n Competition from classmates. n Poor Preparation. n Rumors of difficulty.

What are the signs? n Excessive worry or preoccupation about exam. n “Blanking” during the exam. n Difficulty maintaining concentration during the test. n Physical signs: – Nausea –Headache –Jitters –Trouble sleeping –Sweating –Racing pulse

Steps to Beat Test Anxiety  Plan ahead…use the syllabus.  Address difficulties early…talk with the professor.  Stay current with material/lectures.  Attend class…every time.  Establish realistic grade expectations.  Pre-test studying should be daily.  Study for a reason…with direction and purpose.  Study for understanding.  Set the right atmosphere for studying.  Study with a group or classmate.  Visit All Campus Tutoring.  Develop a daily review schedule.  Keep study time reasonable.  NO CRAMMING!

Test Day…it’s GO TIME!  Test day preparation is ESSENTIAL!  Get a good night’s sleep. Set your alarm clock.  Eat breakfast. Eat what you normally eat.  Ready yourself (extra pencils, turn off phone, etc.)  Choose your seat wisely…avoid friends.  Use the restroom before the test.  Briefly look over your notes…one last refresher.  Relax. Breathe. Get comfortable.  Stay POSITIVE. You’ve worked hard.  There are some test-taking strategies on the following pages…

Strategies for… n Multiple Choice Exams –Read the directions carefully. –Does the question provide clues to the answer? –Look for words like ALWAYS, NEVER, NOT. –Read each choice thoroughly. Details matter. –Immediately eliminate incorrect answer choices. –Solve questions in order given. –Pace yourself. –Mark and return to questions that are confusing or cause you to struggle. –Does your answer to one question conflict with the answer to another? –Don’t know the answer? Make an educated, reasoned guess.

More Strategies… n Short answer exams –Read the directions carefully. –Budget your time. –If you don’t understand the question..ASK! –Answer each question. –Don’t write more than needed. –Use complete sentences. n Essay Exams –Read the directions carefully. –Read all of the questions before beginning. –Outline before writing…make notes. –Answer all parts of the question. –Develop your thoughts…provide detail. –Stay focused, organized expression. –Watch your grammar and punctuation. –Write, Write, Write…..include everything you remember.

Finished? n If time allows, go back and check your work. n Change answers? Only if you find glaring mistakes. n Do your best not to disturb others.

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