Test Taking Tips
Reducing Test Taking Anxiety

Test anxiety is when a student excessively worries about doing well on a test. This can become a major hindrance on test performance and cause extreme nervousness and memory lapses among other symptoms. The following are tips on reducing test taking anxiety.
  • Being well prepared for the test is the best way to reduce test taking anxiety.
  • Try to maintain a positive attitude while preparing for the test and during the test.
  • Exercising for a few days before the test will help reduce stress.
  • Get a good night's sleep before the test.
  • Stay relaxed, if you begin to get nervous take a few deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and then get back to work.
  • Read the directions slowly and carefully.
  • Do the simple questions first to help build up your confidence for the harder questions.
  • Don't worry about how fast other people finish their test; just concentrate on your own test.
  • If you don't know a question skip it for the time being (come back to it later if you have time), and remember that you don't have to always get every question right to do well on the test.
  • Focus on the question at hand. Don't let your mind wander on other things.
  • If you're still experiencing extreme test anxiety after following these tips, seek help from your school counselor.

Test Taking Tips and Strategies

Prepare:

1. Review your previous tests, and sample tests, especially when studying for the final exam.
2. Each test prepares you for the next: the more tests you take, the better you will develop your test taking strategies.
3. Arrive early for tests
4. Before a test, list everything you will need for it that is allowed.
(pencils/pens, calculator, dictionary, watch, etc.)
5. Good preparation helps you focus on the task at hand
6. Be comfortable but alert
7. Choose a good spot in the room and make sure you have enough space to work,
maintain comfortable posture in your seat, but don't "slouch"
8. Stay relaxed and confident
9. Keep a good attitude.
10. Remind yourself that you are well-prepared and are going to do well.
11. If you find yourself anxious, take several slow, deep breaths to relax
12. Don't talk about the test to other students just before entering the room: their anxiety can be contagious

Test Taking:
  • Read the directions carefully
  • Note key terms, jot down brief notes
  • If you can, mark the test or answer sheet with comments that come to mind.
  • Answer easy questions first
  • With objective tests, first eliminate those answers you know to be wrong, or are likely to be wrong, don't seem to fit, or where two options are so similar as to be both incorrect.
  • Proofread spelling, grammar, punctuation, decimal points, etc.
  • Change answers to questions if you made a mistake, or misread the question, or if you find information elsewhere in the test that indicates that your first choice is incorrect
  • Decide on and adopt study strategies that work best for you
  • Review your test preparation and identify those habits that worked well and replace those that don't!