Any tips for overcoming test anxiety?

[ogruskie]

No matter how much I study and do practice problems, I still feel extremely stressed out and nervous before taking a test. I feel like EVERYTHING is on the line and that if I don't get a high grade on this test, I'll be a total failure.

About a year I used to smoke a bit of cigarettes, and that was a time period when my test scores were at their highest. I would have a smoke right before an exam, and walk in totally relaxed, confident, and a little apathetic towards the results. I'm just feeling good and that's all that matters. I would easily get A's and B's with that sort of mentality.

But now its really hard to just let go and not worry about the outcome. Anybody have any helpful advice on how to overcome this worry?

 

[Hot Sauce]

I'm always really calm before an exam. If you studied enough, you should feel confident with whatever questions come your way. Sometimes if I have a bit of anxiety before the test I remind myself that all I have to do is get a passing grade, and that I've never failed a test in my life. Even though I'm obviously not aiming to just pass the test, I feel reassured that there's no way I can fail a test.

 

[ollinger]

Do you smoke when you study? There's a phenomenon in neurobiology called state dependent learning, which essentially means that if you were all nicotined-up when you learned the material, you can't recall it well unless you're in the same state. Bring nicorettes to the exam. There's also data that nicotine benefits memory. Receptors for acetylcholine, the memory chemical that's lost in people with Alzheimers, are classified of two types --- muscarinic and nicotinic. Beyond that, get yourself some therapy to deal with your anxiety.

 

[albino smurf]

I always made sure I knew the info well in advance and then would eat and rest well before the test. Sushi dinner the night before and a good light breakfast, lots of vitamins and own it. The carbon monoxide cloud that cigs will leave you in does not help anything. The calm you feel is your addiction being satisfied.

 

[SVP]

No matter how much I study and do practice problems, I still feel extremely stressed out and nervous before taking a test. I feel like EVERYTHING is on the line and that if I don't get a high grade on this test, I'll be a total failure.

About a year I used to smoke a bit of cigarettes, and that was a time period when my test scores were at their highest. I would have a smoke right before an exam, and walk in totally relaxed, confident, and a little apathetic towards the results. I'm just feeling good and that's all that matters. I would easily get A's and B's with that sort of mentality.

But now its really hard to just let go and not worry about the outcome. Anybody have any helpful advice on how to overcome this worry?

It's definitely a mental thing. I went through the same thing trying to pass the bar ( attorney) exam. I know this sounds hokey, but I pictured myself before taking the test answering the questions confidentally in the test taking room. It really works. I'm not being sarcastic here. I use the same imaging technique before I give a closing argument to the jury in my trials.

Elite tennis players do the same thing before they play.

Again, I know this sounds corny, but you can listen to motivational tapes which will tell you the same thing. They will suggest chants you can use to get yourself up for the test. Good luck!

 

[ogruskie]

I'm always really calm before an exam. If you studied enough, you should feel confident with whatever questions come your way. Sometimes if I have a bit of anxiety before the test I remind myself that all I have to do is get a passing grade, and that I've never failed a test in my life. Even though I'm obviously not aiming to just pass the test, I feel reassured that there's no way I can fail a test.

I guess that makes sense. The idea that I'm getting is that you just have to study so much that you have no room for doubt.

Do you smoke when you study? There's a phenomenon in neurobiology called state dependent learning, which essentially means that if you were all nicotined-up when you learned the material, you can't recall it well unless you're in the same state. Bring nicorettes to the exam. There's also data that nicotine benefits memory. Receptors for acetylcholine, the memory chemical that's lost in people with Alzheimers, are classified of two types --- muscarinic and nicotinic. Beyond that, get yourself some therapy to deal with your anxiety.

Like I said I used to smoke a YEAR AGO. I exercise daily but sometimes even exercise doesn't relieve any stress. And I'm not gonna pay a therapist to tell me how to study for a test.

It's definitely a mental thing. I went through the same thing trying to pass the bar ( attorney) exam. I know this sounds hokey, but I pictured myself before taking the test answering the questions confidentally in the test taking room. It really works. I'm not being sarcastic here. I use the same imaging technique before I give a closing argument to the jury in my trials.

Elite tennis players do the same thing before they play.

Again, I know this sounds corny, but you can listen to motivational tapes which will tell you the same thing. They will suggest chants you can use to get yourself up for the test. Good luck!

That sounds like a good plan. Thanks!

 

[SVP]

About a year I used to smoke a bit of cigarettes, QUOTE]

I don't belong to the school of thought which believes you should give up all vices before taking an important test. I believe that whatever you have to do, within reason and not immediately fatal to your health, to pass the important test, it's okay. Smoking some cigs in my opinion doesn't qualify. After your test, you can take steps, and there're are plenty of quit smoking programs around, to stop the nasty habit.

 

[mozzer]

Why do you think everything is on the line? If you think about it, really nothing is, you can just resit. Im sure thats not much help but thats my mentality and have never faield once! ;D

 

[ogruskie]

About a year I used to smoke a bit of cigarettes, QUOTE]

I don't belong to the school of thought which believes you should give up all vices before taking an important test. I believe that whatever you have to do, within reason and not immediately fatal to your health, to pass the important test, it's okay. Smoking some cigs in my opinion doesn't qualify. After your test, you can take steps, and there're are plenty of quit smoking programs around, to stop the nasty habit.

Yeah bro, I said I USED to smoke, a YEAR ago. Obviously I don't anymore so I'm not sure how telling me to quit smoking is relevant at all.

 

[r2473]

Yeah bro,

I think everyone says "Ya, brah" now if I have my BB.com lingo down correctly.

 

[Hot Sauce]

I guess that makes sense. The idea that I'm getting is that you just have to study so much that you have no room for doubt.

Yeah. But for me it's just making sure that there are no concepts that I'm still confused about. I only get nervous when I'm going into an exam knowing that there's something that is still unclear to me. It's not about studying excessively, but enough to make you feel confident.

Also, I don't particularly like going over the studied material in my head while I'm on the way to the exam. Keep a clear head when going into the test. When you're driving to school for the exam, or sitting in class waiting for the test papers to be handed out, don't try and recall everything you've studied in your head. You'll just make yourself more nervous, and more doubtful.

 

[ogruskie]

Yeah. But for me it's just making sure that there are no concepts that I'm still confused about. I only get nervous when I'm going into an exam knowing that there's something that is still unclear to me. It's not about studying excessively, but enough to make you feel confident.

Also, I don't particularly like going over the studied material in my head while I'm on the way to the exam. Keep a clear head when going into the test. When you're driving to school for the exam, or sitting in class waiting for the test papers to be handed out, don't try and recall everything you've studied in your head. You'll just make yourself more nervous, and more doubtful.

Dude, I took a test today and I followed all of your advice. I felt very confident during the test and it helped me a lot. Thanks a bunch.

 

[AlexDK09]

Just do something what you like the day before, and don't think too much about the test. There isn't really much you can do the final day before the test/exam, in my opinion.

 

[ProgressoR]

Pay someone else to do the test. Make sure they are very good. Pay only on successful results, not before.