Managing Test Anxiety

Why talk about test taking strategies?

Taking tests is necessary for participation in life

• Drivers license
• High school
• College
• Graduate school entrance tests
• To get licensed in a particular field (e.g., psychology, nursing, law, social work, medical, teaching)
• To obtain certain jobs (i.e., state or federal)
• Sobriety tests

Being able to take a test is essential for successful college completion.  However, taking tests is often stressful.

Basic test taking tips

• Read the directions
• Skip a question if you don't know the answer immediately
• Review every page of test ( don't skip sections or answers)
• Don't second guess yourself
• Answer the easy questions first and go back to hard questions
• Budget your time (make sure you give yourself enough time for all questions)
• Ask for help interpreting a test question
• Don't pay attention to others during the test (Everyone takes tests at different speeds)
• Be aware of negative statements you give yourself ("I'm failing" - "I didn't study and there is no way I will pass" - "I am just dumb, I can't hide it anymore")
• Do not look for patterns
• Look for clues
• Pay attention to grammar and tense
• Breathe deeply and slowly

What about before and after the test?

What can you do before the test?

• Plan your arrival to class and bring materials you will need (don't be late, however getting
  to class too early and talking about the test with others can build anxiety)
• Attend class
• Get in a study routine (organize your study space and study time)
• Read text books
• Take notes over lecture and your reading
• Sleep - get enough of it!
• Eat - eat healthy
• Rather than cramming and trying to learn new material right before the test, study key points
• Be prepared for the type of test and what will be covered

What can you do after the test?

• Have a plan for what you will do after the test
• Don't focus on the test right after the you've taken it
• When you get the test back, look it over and learn from the wrong answers - this will help you for any comprehensive final
• Talk with the teacher about any problems or unclear answers

Resources for test taking help and study skills

• http://www.campusblues.com/ - learn about a variety of topics that impact college students
• http://www.campusblues.com/test.asp - learn about specific tips to manage test anxiety
• Tutoring is available on campus - Many departmental offices have a list of tutors

Missouri State University
Counseling and Testing Center
901 S. National
Springfield, MO 65897

417-836-5116